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Oakstead Students Honored For Their Literary Efforts

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune Correspondent

Published: September 28, 2008

Megan Bertoni, 10, has enjoyed writing since the third grade. She showcased her talents Thursday as an author of the month at Oakstead Elementary School.

The school's writers workshop class has taught her to put her thoughts and feelings into words.

"I've learned that you should put a lot into what you write," Megan said.

In the workshop, students learn about voice, sentence structure, word choice, idea development, spelling, and organization, editing, polishing, and publishing their work, said Oakstead reading specialist Kim Rives. Examples of superior writing are presented at the author of the month celebrations.

"This is a way for us to highlight the students' work and show their peers what we look for in good writing," said Rives.

This month, eight fifth-grade students presented their work to other pupils and their parents. Their essays dealt with surviving tornados, family vacations and the approach of fall.

"We teach the kids to write about the small things in life and to put in a lot of details," said Principal Tammy Kimpland.

Sarah Vreeland, 10, wrote about learning to ride a bike.

"I'm sure many of us connected with Sarah's writing, as we remember learning to ride a two-wheel bike," said reading specialist Ardie Padgett. "Sarah used rich details and good word choice."

Hope Landberg, 10, wrote a humorous piece about how her family dog jumped into her bed one night. Raquelle Banuelos, 10, wrote about dance class and how she feels when she's onstage. Brandon Schade, 10, wrote about what it would be like if children ruled the world.

"If I was in charge of the world, every kid would have an Xbox 360 and all the Legos they want," he said. "Kids would be in control of their parents, and the whole United States of America."

Parents said there was a lot of promise in the essays.

"We should teach these kids to keep it up," said Daryl Berk, whose daughter, Lauren, was recognized for her writing. "If they pursue writing careers as adults, they can do something they love and be productive."

Lauren, 10, wants to become a writer and is working on a story she hopes to publish.

Trent Johnston said he wants to pursue writing as a hobby. The workshop has sharpened his skills.

"It taught me how to organize my writing and how to free write," said Trent, 11.

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