Grades 3–5
60+ Minutes
Poetry
VideosWhen MILO WU is not writing, he is either drawing, playing basketball or soccer. His favorite food is butter pasta vermicelli. His favorite things to draw are plants, shoes, and animals. His least favorite foods are squash, zucchini, and eggplant.
Congratulations to 826 Digital Writers’ Showcase Finalist, Milo Wu! Watch his video and see the lesson below to learn how to write your own mystery animal poem. Read more about Milo and the other finalists at www.826national.org/826-digital-writers-showcase-2023-finalists
STEP 1
First, watch the video and follow along with the Mentor Text on page 1 of the Stories As Records — Handout. When you’re done, answer this question in your writing journal: “What words would you use to describe a spider? Write down as many descriptive words or phrases that you can think of.”
STEP 2
Next, choose an animal that you know a lot about—this animal will be the narrator of your story. Answer the questions about your animal and draw a picture of it, on page 2 of the handout.
STEP 3
Finally, you will write your narrative on page 3 of the handout! Give your animal narrator a name and include the descriptive details that you brainstormed earlier. These details will be the clues that help your reader guess what kind of animal your narrator is. At the end of your narrative, don’t forget to write, “Guess who?”! Continue in your writing journal if you need more space.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
If you can, share your narrative with someone and ask them what kind of any they think your narrator is.
Guess Who? Animal Stories — Handout
Download Resource PDF: Guess Who? Animal Stories by Mychal Threets, librarian and literacy ambassador
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