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 Guess Who? Animal Stories — 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 826 National, featuring Naomi Ku, Grade 6, 826LA
What is the story of your favorite food? In this lesson, you will use descriptive details and sensory words to write a narrative that shares more about your favorite food.
by 826 National
Novelist and short story writer, Caitlin Horrocks, reads "My Full Yard" by Marisol of 826michigan and reflects on the imagery used in the poem.
by 826 National
Misinformation Specialist with Google Nidhi Hebbar shares how you can use writing to inspire change and bring people into conversations about the issues you care about.
by 826 National, featuring Iman Abdullah, Grade 2, 826NYC
Have you ever thought about what you have in common with an animal? In this lesson, students will write a comparison poem that explores these similarities and differences.
by 826 National
Author and illustrator Lisa Brown reads "Owl Girl. In this lesson, you will write a superhero story that introduces your character and establishes the context for your reader.
by Daniel Handler
Author Daniel Handler, aka Lemony Snicket, shows there are no limits to imagination with this interviewing activity.
by Kinyel Friday, 826michigan
Children's book author, and 826michigan staff member, Kinyel Friday shares a social emotional learning prompt that uses personification to bring emotions to life.
by Javier Zamora, 826 Valenica alumni and New York Times bestselling author
Author Javier Zamora invites you to raise your voice and write to the next President of the United States.
by Cristeta Boarini, 826 MSP
Journalist and 826 MSP staffer, Cristeta Boarini, shares a poetry prompt that walks students through using shapes to convey meaning.
by 826 National, featuring Isaac Reynolds, Grade 6
What’s the moral of the story? In this lesson, students practice identifying and summarizing a moral in a fable written by a sixth grader.
by Molly Sprayregen, 826CHI
Writer and 826michigan staffer Denise Ervin writes alongside students to show what feelings sound like.
by 826 National
In this lesson, you will create a simple scrapbook that showcases the facts, definitions, and details you’ve learned about a few of the items you found in a scavenger hunt.
by Charlotte Yeung
Midwest Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador, Charlotte Yeung, shares one of her favorite brainstorming strategies for creating a new piece.
by Mychal Threets, librarian and literacy ambassador
Librarian and literacy ambassador Mychal Threets invites you to write about your feelings, your way with four writing prompts to explore your emotions on the page.
by Mac Barnett
Mac Barnett, a New York Times-bestselling author of stories for children, illustrates how to end a story...or not.
by 826 National
In this lesson, you will create a character and show how a character would respond in a specific situation by writing dialogue, resulting in a silly scene.
by Tony Weaver, Jr., educator and author of the graphic novel Weirdo
Author and educator Tony Weaver, Jr. invites students in grades 5—12 to explore science fiction with different writing prompts that invite them to build new worlds and reimagine what's possible.
by Amanda Gorman
Presidential Inaugural Poet, activist, and bestselling author Amanda Gorman shares one of her favorite techniques for starting a poem or getting over writers' block.
by 826 National, featuring Sophie Tseng, Grade 4, Somerset Elementary School
From the 826 National original publication, UNBOUND, this poem describes the writer's favorite place and prompts you to reflect on a place where you feel safe.
We are thrilled to have you as the newest member of our online community. Stay up-to-date on the the latest and most relevant resources, student publication opportunities, and what’s new with the 826 Digital community.
bookmark
Share