This week at Sentence Center,
Literature was the focus for this week in all the classes, using published work to inspire our own writing. We discussed classics like Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, as well as modern retellings of classic stories like Axie Oh’s The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea. Discussions revolved around how we build conflict and stakes and how we use tools like sensory details or similes to create imagery.
Weekly Writing Recommendation:
When a writer feels stuck there are many tools we can use to unstick them. One of the simplest can also be the most effective– a short break with a clear end in sight. Knowing you have 20 minutes to stretch or take a shower or fiddle with Legos, can be just enough of an outlet to get the ideas flowing again and calm down frustration (if only frustration helped writing, we’d all be best-selling authors…). The key is knowing that the break will end and that you will be going back to the page no matter what.
Happy Writing,
Ms. Margaret
Questions about our programs or your writer? Reaching out to us is as easy as replying to this email.
Some highlights from recent student writing:
First, helping Mom with cooking is a must. I usually help with simpler things, like cooking eggs and making instant noodles. Once, I forgot to add water to the instant noodles, making a fire in the microwave. The fire alarm went off, and my mom freaked out. But there are occasions when I, for once, make something that’s actually good. It was Mother’s Day, and I wanted to bake my mom lemon brownies. They turned out so amazing, and my mom loved them.
Sophia, “Chore Heaven,” 4th grade
First, this animal is the fastest-living animal on all of Earth. It goes so fast by gliding straight down and exploding with speed. With the force of its landing, it might make dirt go everywhere.
Armin, “Peregrine Falcon,” 4th grade
Playing in the backyard can be very enjoyable if you find the game that you like the most. I enjoy playing basketball and lucky for me I have a basketball hoop so whenever I am bored I just start shooting and practice new things. Sometimes I do a 1v1 against my dad (I always win)!
Derek, “Three of the Best Ways to Keep Busy at Home” 4th grade