After reading The Important Book, by Margaret Wise Brown, students made their own version of the book by brainstorming places or symbols of America that they could write about. This activity was done on September 11, 2002, so there was a strong sense of patriotism as students participated in this project.

After students brainstormed places in America that were important to them, a list was created on the board. Next, students chose the one they would like to write about, and signed up to work with partners to write their own version of the story.

Students listed all the things they knew about their subject on lined paper, and then circled the things they felt were the most important to include on their final copy. Next, a form was provided where students could fill in the beginning and ending line, which is the same. Then they added the middle part of their “poem.”

The Kidspiration template was created, and students have used it during literacy centers to write many other important things to them. Some were about themselves, others about families or friends. In our family unit we even wrote about the country that our ancestors came from in this same format.

The Important Book About America

 

The Liberty Bell

 The important thing about the Liberty Bell

is that it has a crack.

It is beautiful.

It is special, and it rings.

But the important things about the Liberty Bell

is that it has a crack.

 By Alekza and Jessica

---

New York City

The important thing about New York City

 is that the Statue of Liberty is there.

 It is a big city, and has good places.

 It has good food, and they have their own flag.

 But the important thing about New York City

 is that the Statue of Liberty is there.

By Gabe and Blade

---

The White House

 The important thing about the White House

is that the president lives there.

It is in Washington D.C.

Pets have lived there.

George Washington helped to build it.

It has a huge lawn where kids can play golf,

and only fourteen rooms can be visited by the public.

But the important thing about the White House

is that the president lives there.

 Justin, Davonte, and Alissa

 

Click on Image to View Full Size

 

Download Kidspiration File