Fifth grade students on the Swain Campus gathered with their families to share their personal narratives during a luncheon in Roger's Common. Lunch was provided by our kitchen staff and featured various Asian dishes that students were familiar with from our Asian studies curriculum.

Students spent the first trimester honing their creative writing skills as they progressed through the writing process beginning with brainstorming ideas; writing engaging “hooks” as introductions to a story; building strong “middles” with a clear climax; finishing with a strong ending that ties the story together; conferencing with both peers and teachers; continuously revising; and finally, editing. Throughout this process, students participated in mini-lessons teaching the value of using strong words, sensory details, figurative language, descriptive adverbs and adjectives, and “showing not telling”.

In order to prepare for the writing celebration, students had the chance to share their narratives with their second grade buddies. Both grades gathered together in the 5th grade classrooms as students practiced reading their narratives with expression and poise. It was wonderful to see our older students model these important skills as our younger students practiced being an engaged audience. There were lots of laughs and gasps as stories unfolded!

Finally, students published their narratives and read them aloud to families at the writing celebration. Families enjoyed hearing the stories while they shared a meal complemented by desserts brought by families. We even had some authentic Chinese treats from a local market! Each student left with a full belly and a bag full of comments and compliments from parents and their peers. We are so proud of our 5th grade authors!