Fourth graders at Krieger Elementary School read their own works of fiction during a Realistic Fiction Party on Nov.  2, 2023, to an audience that included Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, superintendent of schools, Principal Carolyn Fields, parents and students. The stories were written as a part of unit of study in Johanna Mejia’s and Tara Siudy’s classes.

The party was the culminating event to the six week unit during which students studied how to write from their own small moments, specifically focusing on writing styles such as: Show, Don’t Tell and Flashbacks.

Students wrote narratives inspired by their own memories and included descriptive words to ensure they crafted their stories in sequences with the intent of enabling readers to formulate mental images

from what they read.

To assist them in this process, students studied mentor texts such as Dreamers by Yuyi Morales, Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamilo, Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting, and Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe.

During the publishing party students presented their favorite chapter of their published pieces and their favorite writing skill.

“It was amazing to witness the talent of our fourth grade students at Krieger. Having some formal training in fiction and non-fiction writing, it was heartwarming to learn how our students are exploring writing styles that are essential in crafting compelling and engaging stories. It was also nice to see a few of our Latino students not only craft their stories in Spanish but also read their favorite chapters in Spanish. I commend both Ms. Mejia and Ms. Siudy in engaging their students and providing a platform for them to take pride in reading before their peers and others. This experience will also aid students with developing good public speaking skills,” Rosser said.

Both teachers are planning to host a Realistic Non-Fiction Publishing Party in the future.