Curriculum Guide I love to write. But I think that I will learn more. I think the way I want to become a better writer is if I focus. On how to edit writings. Not to make it perfect but better. I want to spell correct words, so maybe that can help me, and I want to be an editor. If I would make a book, if I started my own business, I would have a lot of paperwork to do, so that is why it is so important to learn how to write. —Jayla Canada, Age 10 This book project began with three fourth-grade teachers at Carpenter Elementary in Ann Arbor, who believed in their students’ ideas, and wanted to support and encourage their students to develop their ideas in writing. Writing, like all art, often brings us joy as much as it challenges us—and especially so when we are still learning to write and to catch our thoughts in mid-air as they whiz by. With this in mind, we at 826michigan collaborated with these teachers to adapt a pre-existing program available on 826 Digital called “Write Your Way.” The original “Write Your Way” program curriculum was compiled by 826 National to “engage students in the joy and power of writing” when they write with authentic purpose. Our version adapted the principles of 826 Digital’s twenty-session “Write Your Way” curriculum, with its focus on reflection, connection, creation, and making a difference. Over the course of four sessions per class, we leaned into another meaning of “Write Your Way”: using writing to create a path, and find your way, through all the things happening around you, in your head, and in the world you are a part of. You can try out some of our adapted writing activities here, or visit 826digital.com to download the original materials!
Write Your Way . . . On Earth & Beyond Write your own community story for a real or imagined community. As you saw in the student writing in this book, community stories can come in all shapes and sizes, and can be about many different kinds of communities— in the present, past, and future, real and imaginary, nearby and far away, big and small.
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We Are Together
