Topic: Brainstorming- Special Place Map
Standards: ELACC2SL4: Tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking audibly in coherent sentences.
Essential Question: How does brainstorming prepare us to write?
Duration: about 1 hour
Materials: “Bigmama’s” by Donald Crews
Overview or notes pertaining to lesson: Students will learn another brainstorming technique through the creation of a special place map.
Mini Lesson: Students bring writer’s journal to the floor. We already tried one brainstorming method which was making a list. Today I will show you a different way to brainstorm ideas. Read “Bigmama’s”. Have students think of a special place they have while you read the story. After reading, draw a big picture of your special place. It will look like a big map with X’s on the places where special things have happened to you. Think aloud while drawing and tell students why you are putting X’s on those spots. Students then turn and talk about a special place they have and why it’s special. Have a few share.
Guided Practice: Have students start drawing their special place map on the floor and mark a special place. Guide them in getting started.
Independent Practice: Then students go to their seats and create their special place map. Walk around to help students who are struggling.
Closing: Have a few students share their maps and special places.
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