We have been discussing some strategies for those that are really trying, but just can't think of anything to write. Often we generate ideas by making lists. So we listed important people in our lives and moments we have spent with them. We also thought of important places in our lives and moments we have spent there. Then we pick off of our list and try to get our stories down. At first, we don't think about spelling, paragraphs, or punctuation. We focus on getting our ideas down. We are trying to get a few stories in our notebooks before we choose one to work with for a bit. Today, we went back and reread our stories, no matter how far we got, and added details about our setting. There are sadly still some students who are staring at blank pages. If you think of it, ask your child what he/she wrote about. Maybe even brainstorm important people and moments spent with that person. Remind your child that we write about small moments, not HUGE events. It doesn't have to be something big. Stories are all around us. They fill our day. We just have to pay attention to them.
During writing time in our classroom, soft music plays while the students write. They may spread out, get settled and then they write, and write and write. If they finish a story, then they begin another one. There is no talking, no sharpening pencils, no wandering around the room or getting a drink. It is precious writing time. I can't wait to see what the final pieces will be!