“Memories,
Melodies and Our South Carolina Home”
Grades 3-4
Students
will strengthen voice in their writing by learning to identify it in what we
read and then learning how to apply it to a personal writing piece. Writing
lessons are connected to reading, and followed by the practice of using the
precise and interesting language needed to strengthen voice in writing. Student
work is centered on tracing family histories and values through the music that
is shared. Students will be eager to hear the familiar and unfamiliar music in
the book, and also excited to share the songs and meaning from their own
families.
Lesson/Activity
Prior to reading Sing With Me Brennan - Our Carolina
Moon, students discuss the similarities between the writing process an
author follows and the writing process they follow. They learn about the
characters in the true story they are about to hear, and about the planning,
thinking and reading necessary to get ready to write. After hearing the story
and singing along with Papa’s tunes; they are asked to tell what Papa cares
about most. They generate a list of what Papa cares about. Then students write
about someone who sings to them and the special meaning the music has in their
lives. Writing skills include describing
the
character by showing not just telling, using strong verbs, sensory details, and
developing meaningful endings. The author emphasizes the important distinction
between editing and revising skills.
For the Teachers
Revision strategies are essential to writing improvement,
and most often given the least amount of time in classrooms. In this
professional development meeting, teachers are given ideas and suggestions for
how to continue to work with revising strategies, strengthening voice, and other
writing activities based on Common Core State Standards.
Supporting Material
Sing
With Me Brennan - Our Carolina Moon, a read along music CD, standards-based
teacher guides and enrichment activities, and references for supporting
informational text to use in the classroom.
Suggested Duration
2-4 days
Common Core State Standards Addressed
3rd
Grade: CC.3.RL.1,2 and 3; CC.3.W.3,4 and 5; CC.3.SL.1,2,3,4 and 6; CC.3.L.3.a;
CC.3.L.5.b; CC.3.L.6
4th Grade:
CC.4.RL.1,2 and 3; CC.4.W.3, 4 and 5; CC.4.SL.1 and 4; CC.4.L.3.a; CC.4.L.5.a;
CC.4.L.6
“In
this story, the bond between grandfather and grandson grows through music, that
magical thing that touches us in ways nothing else can. O’Connor skillfully
creates a delightful world of song and love and lessons to last a lifetime."
Lyn
Riddle, Editor, The
Journal
