Caldwell Middle School Author Residency Day 2 – Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Friends:

Today was the second day of my writing residency at Caldwell middle school through a grant administered by Story Tapestries and the Houma Regional Arts Council.

Today, the students began brainstorming story ideas using story prompts that included two animal characters and a situation. First, I modeled the brainstorming process on the Smart Board.

Then, working in groups, the students were given their own characters and situation. They began brainstorming a story together, working as a team.

There were some really wonderful, created stories coming from the students. One group of students had a roach named Rapunzel who was trapped in a tower by an evil witch. I can’t wait to see how that story turns out!

After a full day with six fourth grade classes, I did a professional development workshop for the teachers. I demonstrated “Tangram Tales,” which integrates math and language arts in a fun, visual story theater method. The teachers learned how to create a Tangram without a pattern and formed Tangram illustrations.

The workshop culminated with a group performance of a Tangram story theater called “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories.”

It was so much fun and there was great energy with the teachers. I had another fabulous day with the students and teachers of Caldwell Middle School. Tomorrow, the students begin writing the drafts of their stories. I can’t wait!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne