This week our class is focusing on the IDEAS trait of writing. We will practice choosing small "seed" stories to write in detail. The story we decide to write is an important element of our personal narrative. We choose to write about memories that were important and/or significant to us. What is it that we want the reader to know from reading our stories? We call this importance the "heart of the story" or theme. When we have difficulty finding the important moment of a story, we use a "narrow the topic" map, a.k.a a cone/funnel map. Place the big (watermelon) idea on top and continue to go smaller inside the memory until you find the moment that is special. For example: Disney World >> Magic Kingdom >> Space Mountain >> The first time I rode Space Mountain. Theme: I was hooked on roller coasters from the beginning! Once we have a great idea in mind, we're ready to plan out a story our readers are sure to remember! Tonight's homework: Complete the Narrative A-Z Brainstorm and the Narrow the Topic Brainstorm (Yes, both sides!) Cursive was also assigned and is due Thursday.