The following writing patterns are based on the
text structures of children's picture books. Read the book aloud and discuss the
pattern. Model writing a story using the text pattern first. You can also
interactively write a story together as a class. Give each student a copy of the
writing frame to write their own stories. This technique teaches children how to
organize their writing ideas and to notice writing techniques and word choice.
The writing patterns are in pdf format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to
download the patterns. Come back soon for more writing frames.
Alexander and the Terrible,
Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Children can easily mimic this circular text
pattern. Younger students might write 3-5 sentences about
different "terrible" things that happens to them during the day.
Older students can write more descriptive details for each
event. Each student substitutes their own name in place of
Alexander, and creates their own events. They can write one
event upon waking up, an event that occurs at school, and an
after school event, and the last event before going to bed. They
can substitute another place they would like to visit in place
of Austrailia.
The Important
Book pattern is one of the most useful patterns you will
ever find. Our writing frame is for younger children. They will
write and "important thing" about themselves following the
pattern. Older children can write an entire book. You can use
this pattern across the curriculum in many ways. It's great for
summarizing, determining critical attributes, and getting the
"essence" of a topic. Some examples: The important thing
about a trapezoid...; The important thing about the American
Revolution...; The important thing about the water cycle...;
and so forth.
This circular text
pattern is loaded with cause and effect relationships. Write a
story together with kindergarten students. Let second graders
write their own versions. Fourth graders can take the pattern to
new levels and write spin-off versions similar to Numeroff's use
of her own pattern in follow up stories. The possibilities are
endless, and the motivation for student writing is high.
This fun, back and forth text
structure is simple to follow. Younger students can write simple
stories while older students add more details to create more
complex stories. This pattern allows student's to use their
wildest imaginations while developing logical cause and effect
relationships.
Download Writing Frame
