We have been learning about how weather and climate affect people’s lives in different places or regions.  We partnered with a class in Arizona and exchanged questions about where the others live.  They asked our students the following questions:

To answer their questions, we are writing a nonfiction book to send, along with some other goodies like “snow,” to the class in Arizona.

Did I mention that the book we’re writing is a chapter book?  Collaboratively writing a chapter book is a big undertaking, but our sweet students were up for the challenge.  After brainstorming and researching and then composing the rough draft in small groups, each group conferenced with me to edit their section.  In order to “publish” the book, students asked third grade to type the words.  They graciously agreed to do so and the students are very excited that their book will have typed text, just like the books in our library.  After the typing is complete we’ll add pictures and text features and send it off to Arizona, where a kindergarten class will be happy to receive it and learn more about Alaska.

It is amazing how an authentic context, like writing a book to answer other students’ questions and help them learn more about something, musters up so much excitement and motivation.  Although the process has been long and challenging, students are still excited about working on it.  They are eager to help the class in Arizona learn more about this lovely and wild place we call home.