FUN STORIES - FICTION
• A family story about cousins, Dennis and Mellie
• Information on dog & cat breeds
• Theme of responsible dog and cat ownership
• “Playful” illustrations
• Simple teaching strategies.
GREAT MENTOR TEXTS
• Mentor-texts for essays
• Models the writing process, especially the importance of pre-writing or planning before you write
• Completes the writing pro-cess by showing the results of each essay
THE READ AND WRITE SERIES
FREE PRINTABLES: www.MimsHouse.com/Read-and-Write
Hurray! All Writing Lessons should Be this much fun!
BookList • “. . .breezy and engaging introduction to genre writing.”• “The model essay can be used across multiple genres (informational and narrative nonfiction in addition to opinion).”• “. . .useful for teachers showing early elementary students the rele-vancy, power, and importance of effective writing.”
School Library Journal: “. . .fill(s) a niche for teachers. . .”
PRAISE FROM DOG and CAT EXPERTS “This is a remarkable children’s book . . .”–Fred Kampo, President of the Labrador Retriever Club“. . .an absolutely delightful book. . .playful illustrations. . . .”--Joan Miller, Cahir, CFA Outreach and Education, Cat Fancier’s Association
PRAISE FROM SCIENCE EDUCATOR“. . .the perfect resource when teaching persuasive writing and opinion essay.” Peggy Carlisle, NBCT, Director, NSTA Preschool/Elementary Division
Translated into nine languages, children’s book author DARCY PATTISON writes picture books, middle grade novels, and children’s nonfiction. On the college level, she has taught Freshman Composition, Introduction to Cretive Writing, and Creative Writing for Children. Pattison is the 2007 recipient of Arkansas Governor’s Arts Awards, Individual Artist for her work in Children’s Literature.
SELECTED TITLES and AWARDS INCLUDE:The Nantucket Sea Monster: A Fake News Story December 2017 Junior Library Guild selectionNefertiti, the Spidernaut: How a Jumping Spider Learned to Hunt in Space 2017 NSTA National Science Teacher’s Association Outstanding Science Trade Book 2016-17 Alabama Camellia Book Award reading listAbayomi, the Brazilian Puma: The True Story of an Orphaned Cub
2015 National Science Teacher’s Association Outstanding Science Trade BookDesert Baths 2013 National Science Teacher’s Association Outstanding Science Trade BookWisdom, the Midway Albatross: Surviving the Japanese Tsunami and Other Disasters for Over 60
Years Starred PW Review, 2014-15 reading list for the Sakura Award, a children’s literature award given by the English-speaking schools in Japan.The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman
Notable Book in Language Arts, Irma Black Picture Book Honor award, Houghton Mifflin “Journeys” textbook, 3rd grade. Starred Kirkus and BCCB reviews.
Darcy is a frequent speaker at conferences and meetings, and often provides professional development sessions. She has spoken at the national conferences for NCTE, NSTA, ALA, and many local and regional meetings. For more information, contact her at [email protected]
All Mims House books are available in hardcover, paperback and ebook formats.
Books are also available from Ingram, Follett, Mackin, Permabound, EPIC! and Overdrive.
For bulk orders, contact [email protected]
Writing Teacher and Author, Darcy PattisonDarcyPattison.Com
I WANT A DOG: _________’s Criteria
Big or little?
How energetic?
Needsexercise?
Needs lots of play?
A loving dog?
Based on I WANT A DOG: MY OPINION ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
I WANT A DOG: _________’s Criteria
Otherpets?
Easy to train?
Guard dog?
Grooming needs?
Family favorites?
Based on I WANT A DOG: MY OPINION ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
I WANT A DOG: _________’s CriteriaWeather needs?
Family allergies?
Free or pay?
Boy or girl?
Other?
Based on I WANT A DOG: MY OPINION ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
Dog Breeds that Might Work for My Family:
Teachers or parents: Go to this website and work through the dog breed selector gool to find possible dog breeds to fit the student’s criteria: http://www.animalplanet.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html
Instructions: Choose several dog breeds that might fit your criteria. Draw pictures or write about each breed.Decide which one works best for your family.
Based on I WANT A DOG: MY OPINION ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
My Opinion Essay
Based on I WANT A DOG: MY OPINION ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
Words to use: Because, and, also, therefore, since, for example, for instance, in order to, in addition
Introduction: In your opinion, what dog breed is best for your family?
Conclusion:
Reason #1: Choose one criteria and explain how it helps you decide on the best dog for your family.
Reason #3: Choose one criteria and explain how it helps you decide on the best dog for your family.
Reason #2: Choose one criteria and explain how it helps you decide on the best dog for your family.
I WANT A CAT: _________’s CriteriaActive or Lazy?
Playful or not?
Needsattention?
Needs affection?
Noisy or quiet?
Based on I WANT A CAT: MY OPINION ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
I WANT A CAT: _________’s Criteria
Handling?
Intelligent?
Independent?
Grooming needs?
Other pets?
Based on I WANT A CAT: MY OPINION ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
I WANT A CAT: _________’s CriteriaWeather needs?
Family allergies?
Free or pay?
Boy or girl?
Family favorites?
Based on I WANT A CAT: MY OPINION ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
Cat Breeds that Might Work for My Family:
Teachers or parents: Go to this website and work through the cat breed selector gool to find possible dog breeds to fit the student’s criteria: http://www.animalplanet.com/breedselector/catselectorindex.do
Instructions: Choose several cat breeds that might fit your criteria. Draw pictures or write about each breed.Decide which one works best for your family.
Based on I WANT A CAT: MY OPINION ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
My Opinion Essay
Based on I WANT A CAT: MY OPINION ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
Words to use: Because, and, also, therefore, since, for example, for instance, in order to, in addition
Introduction: In your opinion, what cat breed is best for your family?
Conclusion:
Reason #1: Choose one criteria and explain how it helps you decide on the best cat for your family.
Reason #3: Choose one criteria and explain how it helps you decide on the best cat for your family.
Reason #2: Choose one criteria and explain how it helps you decide on the best cat for your family.
MY CRAZY DOG: ______’s Sensory Details
SEE
HEAR
FEEL (temperature
and textures)
SMELL
TASTE
Based on MY CRAZY DOG: MY NARRATIVE ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
MY CRAZY DOG: _________’s Time Line
FIRST
NEXT
AFTER THAT
ALSO
FINALLY
Based on MY CRAZY DOG: MY NARRATIVE ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
MY CRAZY DOG: _______’s Other Notes
Based on MY CRAZY DOG: MY NARRATIVE ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
Draw a map of what happens. Name____________
Teachers or parents: A map may or may not work for your child’s narrative. This is an optional exercise.An effective prewriting strategy is to ask child to “put a finger” on where the story starts. Then tell the story by moving around the map.
Instructions: Draw a map of your house, your yard, your city or whereever your story takes place. Put an X where something happens and make sure your narrative includes that part of the story.
Based on MY CRAZY DOG: MY NARRATIVE ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
My Narrative Essay Name_____________
Based on MY CRAZY DOG: MY NARRATIVE ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
Words to use: Because, and, also, therefore, since, for example, for instance, in order to, in addition
Introduction: Start with a sensory detail.
Finally, what happened at the end? Sensory detials make this more exciting. Use some.
What happens next? Look at your time line to decide. Include some sensory details.
Also, this happened. Include more sensory details.
After that, what happened? Use interesting sensory details to tell this.
MY DIRTY DOG: _________’s Informative Essay
Based on MY DIRTY DOG: MY INFORMATIVE ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
Narrow the topic. First list the BIG topic, then list 3 shorter or smaller topics within that topic.
What is your BIG topic? Example: Going to the K-9 Festival
1. What is one smaller topic within the BIG topic?
Example: How to give a dog a bath.
2. What is one smaller topic within the BIG topic?
Example: Different kinds of dog breeds. Or one specifi c dog breed.
3. What is one smaller topic within the BIG topic?
Example: How to give a birthday party. Or, how to cook a birthday cake.
MY DIRTY DOG:Choose a smaller topic for your essay. Write facts that you know. Research more facts until you have enough to write. For a how-to essay, this page is optional.
What do you see, hear, smell, taste, touch (temperature or texture)?
Facts
Dates
Numbers or Statistics
Proper Names
Sensory Details
Based on MY DIRTY DOG: MY INFORMATIVE ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
MY DIRTY DOG: _________’s Informative Essay
Based on MY DIRTY DOG: MY INFORMATIVE ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
Category 1. Include these things: facts dates numbers or statistics Proper names Sensory details
Category 3.
Include these things: facts dates numbers or statistics Proper names Sensory details
Category 2.
Include these things: facts dates numbers or statistics Proper names Sensory details
Category 4.
Include these things: facts dates numbers or statistics Proper names Sensory details
Divide your idea into logical sections. If you write a how-to informative essay, write the steps in order. If you write an informative essay, decide on logical categories of information. For example, for a dog breed, talk about how it looks, how it behaves, the history of the dog, and your own dog. Organize your facts here.
Draw a diagram that explains your topic.
Teachers or parents: A map may or may not work for your child’s informative essay. This is an optional exercise.
Instructions: Draw a diagram that will help explain your topic.
Based on MY DIRTY DOG: MY INFORMATIVE ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
My Informative Essay Name_____________
Based on MY DIRTY DOG: MY INFORMATIVE ESSAY by Darcy Pattison | MimsHouse.com
Words to use: Because, and, also, therefore, since, for example, for instance, in order to, in addition, next, after, before.
Introduction: Start with an interesting for startling fact.
How to essay: What is the next step?Informative essay: Write a paragraph using the facts from your fourth category.
How to essay: What is the fi rst step?Informative essay: Write a paragraph using the facts from your fi rst category.
How to essay: What is the next step?Informative essay: Write a paragraph using the facts from your third category.
How to essay: What is the next step?Informative essay: Write a paragraph using the facts from your second category.
How to essay: What is the fi nal step?Informative essay: Write a paragraph conclusing the topic. Include another interesting or starting fact.
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