Write On!

For every thematic unit in science and/or language arts, children are encouraged to create their own books either as individuals or in groups. To judge the quality of previous projects, please visit mindtroopers.com> Level 2> eBooks. This year's focus will be science.

Lesson Plan (Book 1: Native Garden)
We planted California natives on school grounds. Ours is the only school garden in the local district with drought-resistant, California natives.

1. Prewrite. Brainstorm how California native plants differ from exotics (eg smaller leaves absorb less sunlight, lighter colors prevent evaporation), how planting natives conserves resources, why these plants are beneficial (ie they attract native pollinators). Research the plants that are growing in our garden (eg Coyote mint, toyon, Catalina snap-dragon)

2. Organization. Creating multi-paragraph essays. Providing topic sentences, details, transition words. Use flow-maps, communication guides, circle maps, and other organizational aides to outline essay.

3. Draft, revision, peer editing, final copy.

4. Photograph plants in garden. Download.

5. Use photo-editing software to add text to photos.

6. Create ebooks. Optional: add incidental music. Publish.

7. Upload to website.