Park Ave writers read original works at Fall Authors Celebration

On Monday afternoon, student writers in Krystie Gilmore’s third grade class held a Fall Author Celebration in the Park Avenue Elementary School library. During the event, the students read aloud from personal narratives they wrote after studying a unit on narrative writing. 

^{See a gallery of pictures from the reading below this story!}

Their exploration into narrative style included reading examples of narrative books by established authors to see just how they craft their stories. Some of the writerly tips that the students gleaned from reading the work of great authors included...

• Making the plot, characters and actions of the story clear to readers
• Hooking the reader early with an interesting detail
• Using sensory details that help reveal a story bit by bit
• Explain how someone in the story is talking, so readers can understand their emotions

Ms. Gilmore worked closely with her student teacher, Ms. Weber, on the unit. Their assignment to the students was to write a short narrative piece that focused on a small moment in their life. Ms. Gilmore explained that the students shared some personal stories with one another during class and brainstormed ideas for their stories.

"Then, we got to work typing our stories and creating beautiful illustrations!" she enthused. "And now, we're sharing them with you."

By studying and practicing narrative writing, the third graders are not only learning foundational literacy skills, they are also developing their critical thinking and creative skills. Organizing the details and outcomes of a life event in a way that is understandable and engaging for their audience helps them become better at organizing their thoughts and strengthens communication skills.

Ms. Gilmore also let everyone know that the reading was the first of three author events that the class will host this year, before continuing on to explain more of the specific writing techniques the students were encouraged to try. "For example, a little sad news," she joked with the audience. "We had to have a funeral for the word 'said.' So, we tried to use different, expressive words when writing about dialogue."

The students sat at tables around the library reading to their invited guests and sharing some of the writing techniques they learned in class and applied to their stories. Ms. Gilmore asked the guests to listen for something "amazing" that the students did with their writing and jot down the compliment on a glow sheet for the author. They also asked their authors to inscribe and sign the "first edition" of their work!