Happy Friday!

We took a big breath today and stepped aside from all the hard work we have done this week. I thanked my students for all the effort they have put forth in writing...wow! Today was the time for finally sharing; this reminded me of actors when they are finally ready for an audience. Some of my students were at that point. Today we shared laughs and shed tears as students read their personal narratives aloud. All of us, as writers, realize so much about our writing when we hear it aloud. To hear a personal story in the author's voice makes it enormously meaningful, and many thanks to all who shared. Beautiful stories about meaningful moments, and, truly, you put us "in the moment."

One thought I came away with is that, overall, we need to revisit the story arcs and confirm that inner thoughts and feeling are being woven throughout the story...not just at the beginning or end.

H/W: Do you need to fine tune your elaboration? Be ready for it to be assessed on Monday. Do you need to tweak your story? Perhaps look at your checklist for Elaboration and Craft.

What a fabulous day! Enjoy your weekend, and I'll see you Monday.