Narrative Nonfiction with 1st Graders

I'm excited to be working with Kristen Nordstrom and her 1st graders at Lang Ranch Elementary School in Thousand Oaks, CA. The kids had a project to write about African animals -- either elephants, chimpanzees, cheetahs or lions. In my first session with them, they shared with me their research and the facts they had recorded. When I came back the next time, they shared their hooks. Some did first sentences that were meant to be "grabbers." Others created narrative openings that focused on setting the scene. I was really impressed with what they had done. I can't wait to see their final works!