Then we re-read a couple of paragraphs from our novel. We noted how Atticus told Scout the importance of putting yourself in someone else's shoes in order to better understand them -- walk around in their skin, Atticus advised Scout.
We also noted the style of Harper Lee. She uses sophisticated language to describe such youthful activities as watching Mr. Avery relieve himself in the bushes beside his house. We noted how that, at times, can make it difficult to understand, but it also enhances the comedy.
Students were then given the following assignment:
Creatively describe an early memory. Be as descriptive as possible and don’t be afraid to embellish smaller details which you may have forgotten. You must be prepared next day to read your memory aloud to the rest of the class.
I read students MY example that I wrote last night and we discussed some keys to creative writing: embellishing (or adding details), describing more than just sight (mention a texture, a smell, a sound), show me what happened rather than tell me.
