We have been working hard on planning out our stories and write out a plan of our book. Students brought their work hole as optional homework. Rough drafts will be due next Friday, and we will have time every morning to work on them in school. We have spoken a lot about how to best work on a long term project. One idea we came up with that we have been practicing in class, is to set a timer for 20-25 min and do that much writing every day. That's about the length of time we write for in class before taking a break. Doing 20-25 min of work every day will make the load much easier. 

The students are at the step of planning what text and images they would like to put on each page of their book. Just a reminder that the whole half of the planning page does not have to be completely filled with text. This is the draft that we will be editing ourselves, and editing each other's work. 

As you all know, I'm not a big fan of homework. Please make sure that you find balance this weekend. No need to panic about the story. 

I came across this wonderful list this morning, which is full of the kind of homework I love. Take a look for some inspiration. http://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/24-ways-every-child-should-play-before-age-12