The 'Stella Writes' Website Launched Today!

     Another exciting day at the home office (where we work on projects after a full day of teaching...you know how it is!)!  The 'Stella Writes' website launched today thanks to the good people at SDE.  Here's the link: http://www.sde.com/PD-Resources/Book-Resources/Stella/Default

     The site includes instructional strategies for each book, suggestions for adaptations across grade levels, and downloads of Stella's writing that might be used for mini-lessons (notes, drafts with revisions and edits, and final copies). There are plenty of general strategies, as well.   Thanks to all those who provided reviews...those are posted, too.

   Here's a tiny sample of some content (there's quite a bit there!) :

Stella-isms I love posting inspirational quotes about writing in my classroom. I don’t post them all at once, but one at a time, over time, as we discuss them. Some of my favorites are from famous writers (you can find many on the Internet). Why not post some of Stella’s inspirations? Here’s a list. 

From Stella Writes an Opinion:

• "What could be more fun than to write about what you think about an important topic? Now I’m talkin’ power." (page 4-5)
• "I helped myself. I made a list, like good writers sometimes do." (page 7)
• "Oh! I just thought of another (idea while writing)!" (page 14)
• "Who knows what we opinion writers might change? The world needs us!" (page 26)

From Stella Tells Her Story:

• "We all have stories to tell!" (page 6)
• "That was some fantastico advice…" (page 12)
• "The second ending is way, way better. It makes me feel proud. I love it!" (page 23)
• "I ran up and told her I had the greatest, the most special thing to share. I sat down next to her to read my story." (page 26)

From Stella and Class: Information Experts:

• "Being an expert feels pretty good!" (page 8)
• "There we were, focused like detectives." (page 12)
• "Writing is a messy process!" (page 16)
• "We were in l-o-v-e!" (page 23)

 Writers Persevere Stella is a model of stamina and grit. Teachers have heard a lot lately about how these qualities are keys to success and how we should make a point to teach them to students. Study these moments in the Stella books together. Read the text closely. What is Stella doing? How/why does she do it? How does this help her as a writer and ultimately as a learner? What does this mean for you as a writer? 

Happy Writing!  :)  -Janiel