First graders spent time this week preparing for next week's realistic fiction writing celebration. For the last few months, they called on their imaginations and pretending skills to invent a character and take that character on small moment adventures. The expectation was to stick with that character for more than one story, resulting in a series of three or more books. Throughout this process, children learned how to bring a story to life by giving the character movement, a voice, feelings, and a problem to solve. Perhaps the most challenging task for some of our writers was developing fictional stories that demonstrate realistic qualities. Recalling personal experiences helped with this part of the process. In preparation for next week's culminating celebration with parents, each child chose a favorite book from their series to "fancy up." This editing process includes checking for punctuation, reviewing word wall word spellings, and rereading to find spots where more detail would improve the story. Each child was encouraged to bring in a cereal box to decorate that holds their very first book series. The celebration is on Friday, May 18th beginning in the classrooms at 11:30, followed by a pizza lunch on the back field. Parents are invited to bring a blanket, beverages, and a lunch for themselves. Our afternoon will wrap up at 1:00. Fingers crossed for great weather!