HOW TO WRITE A STORY

HOW TO WRITE A STORY by Kate Messner. Illustrated by Mark Siegel

How about a picture book that teaches the process of writing a story by a well known author? Kate Messner takes kids through the steps of writing from a blank page to a finished story. This book is a great start for a younger child stepping into the writing world or a middle grader that is burnt out on writing lessons and needs a basic refresher about the joy of the process. Messner shares 10 basic steps that really are the backbone of writing. I, personally, love to use resources like this. We do use a writing curriculum, but from time to time I like to step away from it and see what my kids create naturally on their own without a checklist of "make sure you include." I appreciate steps that say things like, "Write Your Story With So Much Detail Readers Can See It In Their Minds." This is an activity that even I will probably jump in and do with the kids this school year!