In Writer’s Workshop, students learned the value of including setting and action in stories. Describing what characters see, hear, touch, taste, and feel build the scene for readers. It gives the story a world where things are taking place. Action can happen!

Student Sample:

I didn’t know what to do. I looked at her. “Hey, are you mad at me?” I asked. “No. Are you mad at me?” she asked. I took a deep breath. “No. I didn’t think so, “ I said.” Great, then let’s race.” she said.

Students needed to read through their work and find a place to add setting and action. Once they identified a place, they inserted in setting and action. Can you recognize the setting and action the students inserted into the story?

Lights On (Setting and Action):

“Are you mad at me?” I asked as we walked down the sidewalk together.

“No. Are you mad at me?” Zoe responded.

A car whizzed passed us, kicking up water from the rain filled gutters as they went. I thought about what Zoe was asking, and shifted the umbrella so that it protected her as well as me. With my other hand, I tugged on my backpack straps. My bag was heavy from all the homework our teacher had given us.

“No. I’m not mad,” I said.

She smiled at me from beneath her yellow rain hood. “Good. Then, let’s race!” She took off ahead of me, splashing through every puddle on the sidewalk. The rain streamed down on her. I pulled in my umbrella took off after her. I caught up with her, then loped easily in her wake.