Mini-Lesson

Students will focus on note taking as an important step in the writing process.

1. Use the timeforkids.com news article Miley Cyrus' Sweet Birthday Bash by TFK Kid Reporter Harrison Gilman to start a discussion about note taking. Tell students that when reporters go out to report a story they take notes on everything. They do this so that when they sit down to write the story they have lots of details to include. Details help readers visualize the people and places in the story. Point out one detail that Harrison Gilman included in the story. For example, you might say:

"One detail that I really liked in the story is that Miley Cyrus was barefoot when she walked down the purple carpet. This helped me picture how Miley looked, and it also gave me a feel for the kind of person she is. When I read that, I got the idea that Miley is carefree and fun."

2. Next, ask: "What other interesting details did Harrison Gilman include n the story?" Examples might include the carpet was purple, there were thousands of purple frosted cupcakes at the party, there were colorful fireworks. List responses on chart paper.

3. Have students illustrate a scene from the story, based on the details that Harrison Gilman included in the story.

Extend the Learning Give students practice with note taking. Tell them to imagine they are writing a news article for students in another country. The article is about what it is like in an American school. One of their jobs as writers is to help readers create a mental picture of what their school looks like. Give students two minutes to take notes to help them describe the classroom environment. Then have them use their notes to write a descriptive paragraph.