By Janie Reinart
The power of a story is in the details. Annie Lamott, in Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, says all you have to do is write down as much as you can see through a one-inch picture frame.
I agree. Focus and give the readers something concrete to hold in their mind and to see with their imagination. Ralph Fletcher, in What a Writer Needs tells us, "Writing becomes beautiful when it becomes specific."
Before my young authors write, I ask them to close their eyes and picture a treasure chest. Next, I direct them to open that treasure chest in their mind and take out three things. I mention the three objects should be something you can hold in your hand that remind you of the person or place you are writing about. The possibilities are endless: a ring, a hat, a piece of candy, the scent from a perfume bottle, a musical instrument, or something in nature.
Before writing her poem, B. told me about the memory of her mom leaving their home. When I asked what do you remember, B. said mom wore a black coat with only one button. That detail helps us connect with the poignancy of her poem.
Mom
by B. in 2nd grade
by B. in 2nd grade
Mom you light up
Like the sun
I remember you
With your black coat
Your black button
You called me sweet girl
You and me
Cooked pizza
I cried and cried
Til you came back
I love you mom
I don’t want to cry
Some more
Anthony wanted to write about listening to music with his Grand Dad after school. I asked for specifics and found out the kind of music Grand Dad loved. Anthony's poem helps us to know his grandfather.
To My Grand Dad
By: Anthony in 2nd grade
My Grand Dad
Listens to Jazz
Smooth and neat
As a clarinet
Eats steak
So tasty and juicy
It makes his mouth water
Sits outside
Sun bleached
Feeling cozy
Glad because
He has the day off
