Activity Objective

The goal of Diary of a Spider: Writing from Another Point of View is to aid students in understanding point of view and persuasive writing by writing a persuasive diary entry from the perspective of a spider.

What You Need

Prep Time:

10-20 minutes
- Prepare Diary of a Spider chart
- Photocopy Diary Entry worksheet (1 per student)

Task Time:

40-60 minutes
- Teachers reads aloud Diary of a Spider, by Doreen Cronin
- Teacher and students discuss point of view and persuasive writing
- Teacher models a diary entry
- Teacher and students brainstorm and record ideas
- Students write diary entries
- Students share diary entries

Materials Required:

Teacher:
- Diary of a Spider, by Doreen Cronin
- Chart paper
- Markers

Students:
- Diary Entry worksheet

What You Do

Teacher Role:

Direct instruction:
- while teacher reads aloud story and teacher discusses point of view and persuasive writing

Modeling:
- while teacher models a diary entry

Consultant:
- while students write diary entries

Facilitator:
- while teacher and students brainstorm ideas and when students share diary entries

Student Grouping:

Whole class:
- during read aloud, discussions, teacher modeling, brainstorming ideas and sharing time

Individual:
- when students write diary entries

Assessment Ideas:

- Record anecdotal comments on each student's diary entry and provide students with an opportunity to write a second draft that includes revisions and corrections

- As you consult with students while they write their diary entries, use a checklist to track their understanding of point of view

Quick Tips

Activity Extensions:

- Have the students write and illustrate a series of diary entries from the point of view of an animal or insect of their choice

- Read aloud Diary of a Worm and Diary of a Fly by the same author

- Have students role play characters discussing pet peeves from each character's point of view

- Read aloud other stories that provide students with practice in understanding different points of view
   a. The Pain and the Great One, by Judy Blume
   b.  The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, by Jon Scieszka
   c.  The Paper Bag Princess, by Robert Munsch
   d.  Hey Little Ant, by Philip M. Hoose

Additional Comments:

- You may wish to implement this activity over several sessions.

- This activity could be implemented using other books or experiences that provide students with a rich context for someone else's point of view.

- Encouraging students to role play different points of view fosters a motivation for learning and provides students with a different way to show their understanding.

- Once students have developed a good understanding of point of view, help them expand their thinking by exposing them to real-life situations and events from your community and around the world.

- Expose your students to a variety of texts that intend to persuade the reader. Discussing how the author persuades readers and the types of audiences to which the texts are directed promotes media literacy and encourages students to think critically.

- Encourage all students to participate in the whole class discussions by including a think-pair-share. First, have students think about a question or topic of discussion to themselves. Next, have students turn to their nearest neighbor to discuss their thinking. Finally, open the discussion to the whole class. This short activity provides students whose confidence might still be developing with an opportunity to share their ideas.

Other Adaptations/Modifications:

- Reduce the length of writing required

- Provide a quiet work space for students disturbed by sound