Illustrations Add Information

In Writer's Workshop we are beginning our next writing unit.  Students will be creating their own fictional story by developing a lively character who wants something badly, but struggles to get it.  To kick off the unit I have been reading aloud mentor text (books that we can learn writing strategies from) picture books while teaching a minilesson.  One lesson was how the illustrations can add more information to the story.  


To begin I read Cousin John is Coming! While reading, I hid the cover of the book and told the class to just listen.  After the story they told me the book was about Ben's cousin John coming to stay with him for a week and all of the fun things they will do together.  THEN I read the book again this time showing the illustrations.  The children got such a kick out of how different the book was from what they pictured all along. 

After the read aloud, students met in small groups to read "Let's Get a Pup!" said Kate.  Groups were to pay special attention to what the illustrations added to the story, such as while the family seems messy and looks "different" there is a lot of love in the family. 

Groups also presented their end of the book mystery puzzle project.    Right now the posters are displayed in the hallway, but they will come home soon! 

Seeing our classmates' science projects!