In 3rd grade, we begin to turn the basic writer into a writer with creativity and voice. Basic stories start to have wonderful details and really showcase great ideas. We have begun Writer's Workshop and discussed special people or places in our lives that can turn into super stories. We teach students to take a large story (the watermelon) and turn it into a smaller, more detailed story (the seed). Writers will be using a writer's notebook to generate ideas and will learn strategies for writing, revising, and editing good personal narratives. They will also publish and share their personal narratives. Encourage your child to write at home. Also encourage them to publish the pieces they feel the most attached to. The only way to be a good writer is to practice, practice, practice...