We think like writers during reading

Mini lesson materials:
-1 copy of Watson's Go to Birmingham with transcript of show, don't tell projected on overhead or interactive whiteboard
-chapter book for each student
-post-its
-chart paper
-flip camera, video camera, or pod casting equipment

Mini lesson:
1. Ask students to think about their favorite book. What makes it their favorite? Record answers on chart paper. Try to get students discussing interesting parts of the book.
2. Have volunteers describe their favorite scene from the book using describing words.
3. Ask students how these volunteers are able to vividly describe the scene. (Because the author wrote it by showing it with words, not just telling it!)
4. Read a section of Watson's Go to Birmingham to students. If the book has been read to students, use end of story. If it has not been read to students and will be during the year, use sections from first few chapters. This can be done with their eyes closed. Ask students what they saw. Discuss.
5. Have 1 student quickly summarize it without many details. Write on chart paper.
6. Reread the summary and the transcript from the book. Ask students to list the differences. Discuss why authors do this

7. With the books at their desk, challenge students to see if they can find a part where the author shows the scene and doesn't just tell it. Flag it with their post-it. **this is done during independent reading.**

Closing:
8. Have students circle around and share their show, don't tell flags. Discuss favorites. Are there any repeat authors? What parts of the story are we finding show, don't tell techniques?
9. Tell students that from now on, when they read a show, don't tell in a book, they can record it with the flip camera reading it. On Friday, we will watch the clips and find the author we think using the show, don't tell technique the best!

This year in my room, we will be playing this as the game "Minute to Read It!" Students can record a given technique such as "show, don't tell," "flashback," or "zoom in" throughout the week. On Friday, we will play the "Minute to Read It" candidates and vote on the one that best shows the technique. The winning video will be posted on our class website!

*Modifications: This can be done in 2 days. One day students can draw the scene from their book and then they can share the next day. Students with special needs may need a book where you know their is a show, don't tell. Then you can guide them in finding it. You can also use 1 particular author to study. The whole lesson can also be done using voice recorders.