The students used the "gallery" format, which typically brings to mind visual art, to display the writing they have been developing since October in order to offer a full display of their efforts.
Families were invited to the interactive event and, along with the students, strolled quietly through the classrooms, reading each work and offering feedback via post-it notes.
Teachers Mario Suarez and Marina Lombardo were on hand to welcome families and answer any questions.
“We are honoring the writing process and the journey the students are on,” said Lombardo, who explained that the students wrote two narratives, one a memoir and one science fiction.
During the process, the students first researched published works in the genres and learned how to brainstorm and collect ideas for a “seed.” Then they drafted, revised and edited to craft two original pieces. The finished pieces, as well as the writing notebook, drafts, and other materials were displayed for peers and parents to review during the event.
Besides the writing process, the students also honed their tech savviness skills by teachers weaving technology lessons within their academic periods to support the students who each received a laptop this year to assist in their learning.
In this case, memoirs were digitally published using Microsoft Sway and science fiction “teasers” were designed using Microsoft Publisher.
“The kids have really taken off with their devices. They work through the bumps in the road and that itself is an invaluable skill,” Suarez shared.
When it comes down to it, the community is at the heart of a writing celebration. Lombardo remarked. “A writing celebration demonstrates the communities' desire to share and the value of being heard. That is why it is so very important for us to come together and celebrate.”
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