Month 4 – FReeziNG

The Essential Guide to Grade 3 Writing: Month 4 | ©2013 Empowering Writers

Month 4 – FReeziNG


Narrative, expository/informative, or Opinion?

SP1

Name:

1.) Freezing temperatures occur during the winter months. 32°F (0°C) is the

point at which water freezes. Thus, in the winter, snow and freezing rain fall

from the sky, covering yards, trees, and streets with a blanket of white snow

or a sheet of frozen ice. This frozen terrain will last until the temperature

rises above the 32°F mark. The streets and roads usually melt first, but it may

take several days for a complete thaw out.

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2.) I gazed at the horse-drawn sleigh standing in front of the mountain

cabin. “Come on, Mom!” I shouted, pulling on my scarf. “It’s time for our

sleigh ride! Mom, my sister Jenna, and I crunched over the snow past the

team of sturdy horses. Breath steamed from their nostrils in the cold and they

stomped their hooved feet. The bells on their harnesses jingled merrily as we

climbed aboard. We huddled under a blanket, snuggled up, and watched as

the driver snapped the reins. We were off!

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3.) The snowman in the front yard reminded me why I love living in Alaska.

Not only can I create my friend Frosty any day of the week, but I can have

a snowball fight with my buddies, hang out at the lake for ice skating, or make

snow cones every day. You should move to Alaska with me! It is the best place

in the world to live.

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Read the following paragraphs. Determine whether each paragraph is narrative, expository/informative, or argumentative.

(continued)


Winter Fun – expository/informative

SP2

Name:

Winter FunI open the door, walk outside and breathe in a gulp of bitter cold air. The

morning temperatures reach an extreme low of 17°F and as I exhale, a vapor of

steam floats beyond my lips. With this frigid weather come some of my favorite

events of the year. The winter months bring frosty weather, cozy nights at home

and yearly holiday traditions.

The frozen wintery landscape prompts a number of exciting outdoor activities.

A blanket of snow covers the countryside, as I barrel out the door bundled from

head to toe in wintery weather attire. Think of the fun I can have building the finest

snowman on the block. Or maybe a snowball fight will start the day off with a lively

clash among friends. A sled leans up against the porch waiting for my playmates

and I to race down the hill at breakneck speeds. In addition to the snow, the frozen

lake in the nearby park is a great spot to practice a competitive game of ice hockey.

After a full day of playing outside, you’d better believe that a cozy night by

the fire is just what I need. A nice cup of hot chocolate will begin to warm up my

insides while a blazing fire in the fireplace will thaw my fingers and toes. My family

and I sit at the table playing games, glad to be safe and warm in our cozy house.

Sometimes, it’s fun to snuggle up with a favorite blanket and watch a movie with a

buttery bowl of popcorn. Whatever the activity, the pleasure of spending time with

family and friends on a cold snowy evening is great entertainment.


Winter Fun – expository/informative

SP3

Certainly, the winter season brings grand celebrations and hopeful dreams

for kids around the world. My excitement begins in early December when red and

green decorations pop up everywhere adorned with thousands of twinkling lights.

I can hardly wait to whisper my wishlist in Santa’s ear in hopes he will visit on

Christmas Eve. Winter break means a visit to my grandparent’s house for some of

my favorite holiday treats, like homemade candy, cheese dip and all the party mix

I can munch. The family gatherings and leisure time end with a New Year’s Eve

get together in our family den. But that’s not all! After a month-long break from

holiday festivities it is party time again, with Valentine’s Day. The heart-themed

day is full of cards, candy, gifts and larger-than-life balloons.

So are you ready for a blast of freezing cold air and a snowy setting? Would you

like to spend an evening snuggled by the fire playing games with your family? Can

you imagine the celebrations you will enjoy during the winter season? I can’t think

of anything more exciting than a season of winter fun.

(continued)


1) Number each paragraph.

2) Circle the introduction.

3) Box the conclusion.

4) Circle the title/topic.

5) Underline the lead in red.

6) Underline the topic sentence (what the piece is all about) in blue.

7) Underline each MAIN IDEA. Write the “blurb” (word or two) in the margin

next to the paragraph explaining what the entire paragraph is about.

8) Read this detail: snow angels are fun to create in a snow covered yard.

Where does this detail belong? Paragraph # ____________

9) Read this detail: more exciting winter celebrations include President’s Day

and martin luther King Day. Where does this detail belong?

Paragraph # ______________

10) Number the references to each main idea restated in the conclusion.

(Using paragraph numbers)

11) Fill in the summarizing framework/author’s prewriting plan:

SP4

Winter Fun

Name:

What is the author’s purpose? __________________________________________


expository/informative

SP5

Detail Detail

Detail Detail

INTRODUCTIONLead/Topic Sentence

Conclusion

Detail Detail

Detail Detail

Detail Detail

Detail Detail

Main Idea #3____________

Main Idea #2____________

Main Idea #1____________

EXPOSITORY PILLARPREWRITING FRAMEWORK

©2005 Empowering Writers

expository/informative Pillar

Summarizing Framework

TOPIC:

MAIN IDEA #1:

MAIN IDEA #2:

MAIN IDEA #3:

(continued)


Winter surprise – Narrative

SP6

Name:

Winter surpriseBrrrrrrr! I wrapped my arms around my chest and blew out a cloud of warm

air. The cold winter day was perfect for sledding down the snow covered hill on my

brand new, bright green rocket sled. I couldn’t wait to begin my descent down the

hill at bracing speeds.

I stood at the top of the snow-white dune and gazed at the beauty of the

surrounding scenery. The tracks on the slope reminded me of the trails on the knoll

from last year’s big snow. The tree limbs curved toward the ground as the wind

blew the snow through the branches and dusted the landscape below. I listened

for the sound of animals in the distance, only to hear the howl of the blustery

wind. The air was filled with the smell of burning wood in the dozens of chimneys

billowing gray haze into the sky.

I plopped down into the curved seat of my rocket sled and gripped the ropelike

handles. My snow boots were stuck in the deep mound of snow blanketing the

top of the hill. I lifted them, one boot at a time, and positioned them into the end

of the sled. I teetered on the edge of the hill and shouted, “On your mark, get set,

GO!” One small nudge and my downhill race had begun! I closed my eyes and

gripped the ropes so hard, my fingers throbbed. At the bottom of the hill, when I

finally opened my eyes, I thought I was seeing things. I blinked and looked again. I

gasped and then a smile widened across my face. “Wow!” I murmured. There were


Winter surprise – Narrative

SP7

four of them, two towering over me. Another was about my height, and the last

one was smaller. They stared at me with black stony eyes set in their big round

snowy heads. They all had matching skinny, long carrot noses, and smiling mouths

made of pebbles. Each member of the snowman family had something different

atop their head. The largest wore a black top hat, and his partner sported a wooly

yellow stocking cap. The bigger snow-child wore a baseball cap, and the tiniest had

earmuffs. Brightly colored plaid scarves flapped around their necks. They seemed

to reach toward me with their twiggy arms. I circled around them, marveling at

the amazing work of the sculptor who had made this amazing snow family. Then,

I had an idea. With frozen fingers I began to roll out three snowballs – one large,

one medium, and one small. I stacked them up into another snow-person. I foraged

around for some stones for eyes and mouth, and small branches for arms. What

can I use for a nose, I wondered. I gazed around and spotted it. “A pinecone!” I

said. Soon the newest member of the snow family was almost finished. I pulled off

my red knit hat and fuzzy blue scarf and added them to my new creation. “There!”

I said, standing back to admire my work. It was almost nightfall, and I felt a chill. I

turned and waved as I grabbed my sled and headed home.

As I trudged home I thought about the snowman family, and despite the

cold, I had a warm feeling inside. I’ll never forget how surprised I was to see them

standing together at the bottom of the hill. Perhaps tomorrow someone else would

find them, and build another member for kids to enjoy!

(continued)


Number the paragraphs.

1) Circle and label the first paragraph, entertaining beginning. Underline the

first sentence and label the type of entertaining beginning.

2) Bracket the elaborative detail paragraph. Decide which story critical element

was elaborated and label the paragraph as character, setting or object.

3) Underline the suspenseful sentences, including the red flag word.

4) Bracket the single, fully elaborated MAIN EVENT.

5) Color-code each of the features found in a fully elaborated MAIN EVENT:

Action (black), Description (blue), Thoughts/Feelings (red),

Dialogue/Exclamation (green), Sound (orange)

6) Underline the concluding statement.

7) Circle and label the extended ending paragraph. Underline and label each

sentence that indicates one of the following:

Memory, Feelings, Wish or Hope, Decision, Defining Action

SP8

Winter surprise

Name:


Narrative

SP9

Narrative Writing Diamond

ENTERTAININGBEGINNING

ELABORATIVE DETAILStory Critical Character, Setting, Object

SUSPENSE or anticipation leading to the main event

THE MAIN EVENTShow action in slow motion, frame by frame, stretch it out! Include description and main

character’s thoughts and feelings!

EXTENDED ENDING Memory, Decision,

Feeling, Wish

Action leading to SOLUTIONof problem or

CONCLUSION of adventure.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Narrative Writing Summarizing Framework• This story is about . character

• The problem, adventure, or experience was that . single significant main event

• The problem was solved, adventure/experience concluded when . solution/conclusion

• Story critical elements to be described:

__________________________ __________________________ ________________________ character setting object


Word Referents

SP10

Name:

Imagine that the author wants to build suspense before revealing a story critical character. One way to do this is by using word referents instead of immediately naming the character or object. Using word referents makes the reader wonder exactly what kind of character or object will be revealed. See how many different ways you can refer to each story critical character or object.

Ex. Story critical character: Snowman

Describing Words Character Words frosty friend icy companion white statue frozen sculpture chilly gentleman arctic pal wintery figure

Now, it’s your turn:Story critical character: Polar Bear

Describing Word Character Word

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

Story critical character: Sled

Describing Word Character Word

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________


Name:

SP11

The Magic Of Three Template

Red Flag word/phrase __________________. 1st Hint: ______________________

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No discovery: ______________________________________________________

Reaction: _________________________________________________________

Red Flag word/phrase __________________. 2nd Hint: _____________________

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Reaction: _________________________________________________________

Red Flag word/phrase __________________. 3rd Hint: _____________________

_________________________________________________________________

Revelation/Discovery: ________________________________________________

RED FLAG WORDS AND PHRASES

Suddenly Just then All of a sudden

A moment later In the blink of an eye Without warning

The next thing I knew Instantly To my surprise

student Reference sheet


Name:

SP12

Finding suspense!

authors can build suspense by raising story questions to make you wonder or worry. They can use word referents in order to hint at, rather than name, a revelation. read each suspenseful segment. Underline story questions and circle the word referents.

1.) Jennifer stared out onto the frozen lake. She shivered and her heart began to

race. Was this frigid ice solid enough for her to walk on? She crept cautiously

onto the chilly pond. Would she fall through the ice?

2.) Daniel was amazed at the sight in front of him. He’d never realized the stories

he had heard all of his life were true. The giant creature roared. It was about the

size of a large grizzly bear. The white-fur beast walked on his hind legs, shaking

the ground with every step. He couldn’t believe the fearless brute crushed a

frozen tree trunk with one squeeze. It was hard to imagine he was watching

the abominable snowman.

3.) Jack peered down the stairs. He heard the crinkle of paper, and the sticky

sound of tape being pulled off the roll. His mother was kneeling near the

Christmas tree, smiling as she unrolled the gift wrap. His heart began to race

with excitement as he caught sight of the box in her hands. Could it really

be for him? The one thing he wished and hoped for?


Red Flag Words and Phrases

SP13

Name:

Authors use red flag words and phrases to build suspense. They use them to grab the reader’s attention and to tell the reader “Look out! Something important is about to happen!” Look at the list of red flag words and phrases below. Read the suspenseful segment. Place a red flag word or phrase in each blank.

RED FLAG WORDS AND PHRASES

Suddenly Just then All of a sudden

A moment later In the blink of an eye Without warning

The next thing she knew Instantly To my surprise

(Add your own)

Kelly adjusted her scarf and thrust her hands in her pockets as she hiked in the

snowy woods.

___________, she heard something crunching across the snow. She stood and

looked around, but didn’t see anyone. “Hmmm…” she said, shrugged, and walked on.

___________, she noticed movement behind a grove of pine trees. She

squinted, trying to catch a glimpse of whatever it was out there. All was oddly still.

Nervous, she continued on, faster this time.

__________, there was a strange bellowing sound. Kelly stopped in her tracks

and turned toward the peculiar noise. There, in the clearing, was a giant moose!

THINK ABOUT IT: What senses did the author use to hint that Kelly was not alone? Underline the sensory clues. How was Kelly feeling? Circle phrases that show her feelings.


Building suspense

SP14

Name: REMEMBER: One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or 4

suspenseful sentences building up to the main event.

Raise story questions, use word referents, or the “Magic of Three.”

Read the revelation at the bottom of the page. Then, on the lines above the revelation, write at least 3 or 4 suspenseful sentences that lead up to the revelation! Have fun with this! ENTERTAIN! Stretch it out! Make the reader DYING to know what’s next!

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What I saw was a gigantic snow monster crashing toward me!

(continued)


let’s Find Out About Penguins!

SP15

Name:

Research Questions:

1.) What do penguins look like?

2.) Where do penguins live?

3.) How are penguins different from other birds?

Where can you find the answers to these questions?

(continued)


Penguin Research sheet

SP16

Name:

With your team, look up information about penguins. Write notes (several words

or phrases) with your answers. When you find information about penguins, list your

details under the proper question.

1.) What do penguins look like?

• ______________________________________________________________

• ______________________________________________________________

• ______________________________________________________________

• ______________________________________________________________

2.) Where do penguins live?

• ______________________________________________________________

• ______________________________________________________________

• ______________________________________________________________

• ______________________________________________________________

3.) How are penguins different from other birds?

• ______________________________________________________________

• ______________________________________________________________

• ______________________________________________________________

• ______________________________________________________________


Penguin Research sheet

SP17

Choose one research question, either what penguins look like, where they live,

or how they are different. On another piece of paper, use the information you

found to write at least four information sentences about that main idea. Use

sentence starters to help you:

Penguins are_______________________. You’ll notice that __________________.

These interesting creatures____________. Scientists tell us that________________.

Penguins live_______________________. It’s amazing that__________________.

You might be surprised to learn that_____. Unlike other birds, penguins__________.

Name:

BONUS: Would the sentences you write

likely belong in a narrative story

or an expository/informative

piece? Why?


Winter/Holiday cinquain

Name:

Line 1: A one word title (two syllables)

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Line 2: A two word phrase that describes your title or you can just use two words

(four syllables)

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Line 3: A three word phrase that describes an action relating to your title or just

action words (six syllables)

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Line 4: A four word phrase that describes a feeling relating to your topic or just

feeling words (eight syllables)

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Line 5: A word that refers back to your title (two syllables)

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Write your poem on the lines below:

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_________________________________________________________________SP18

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Month 4 – FReeziNG