Creating Characters Using Writing Workshop

Creating Characters using Writing Workshop by Christine DePetrillo is a complete program of instruction for teachers of grades 3 through 8 to help students learn how to create believable characters in their stories. The lessons in the book are designed to mesh with a Writing Workshop teaching model, although they can be used outside of that framework as well. Each teaching activity in the book is aligned with one or more specific Common Core Standards for Writing, Reading, and Language. Each of the four chapters addresses different aspects of character development, with five teaching lessons in each chapter. The book is designed to take students from their first concepts of potential characters to creating fully formed, fleshed-out characters. The book includes everything teachers will need when teaching character creation: printable graphic organizers that teachers can use with their students as they work through the lessons, along with checklists to assess the quality of the students work. DePetrillo suggests books for each grade level that include examples of strong characters, and she offers professional resources for teachers who want to find books and websites with more information. Christine DePetrillo is both an experienced teacher and a fiction writer, published under her pen name, Christy Major. The lessons in Creating Character using Writing Workshop have been tested in the classroom over many years and across a variety of grades. Units: - Observing Characters - Getting to Know Characters - Character Evolution - Character Voice Best of both worlds in an easy to use and immediately applicable format. Before I became a New York Times Bestselling romance author, I taught for 20 years in a variety of grades. I wish I'd had this resource then. Mrs. DePetrillo is an accomplished author herself and now has found a way to make the writing process more accessible to teachers and students. I've recommended this book to my friends who are still teaching and if you download the sample, I'm sure you'll see why. --Ruth Cardello, New York Times Bestselling Author Christine DePetrillo brings the talent and craft of a genuine author to this tool for teachers and students. The activities are aligned with Common Core State Standards and best practice in writing and they are authentic, clear, specific, and most important to a teacher, they are doable in the classroom. Every child and every teacher experiences success. --Kathryn Tancrelle, Principal, Hopkins Hill Elementary School Even the most skilled writing teachers will benefit from the innovative and easy to follow lesson plans found in Christine DePetrillo's text. Her knowledge and wit provide a quick, enjoyable read for the busy teacher, while her Common Core aligned lesson plans are adaptable to students of all ability levels. This book will help both teacher and student learn to become better writers of fiction. --Nicole Sisco, Special Educator K-5