December is always a motivating time to write in my classroom! It is the perfect time to read, discuss, and write narratives: transformation stories abound! How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Crippled Lamb, and The Christmas Carol are all especially timely. (Students naturally make connections to Christmas movies as well: Elf is a prime example.)
The structure of a plot pattern–character transformations in this circumstance–help our students better comprehend and predict the stories they read; they also help our students add more depth and meaning to their own written narratives.
Why not capitalize on this festive time of year for some timely reading and writing?