Early Reader Workshop and Writing Exercises

On March 8, I went to a workshop on early readers taught by Bonnie Bader. Listening to someone with so much experience and passion transfers to the students. We did writing exercises using words specifically for the genre. With  different levels of words to play with.

When I talk about doing writing exercises, most people say they don't like doing them. But here was a whole class full of people doing that very same thing. Picking out words to use, being limited to the words, coming up with different stories - it was fun. And, I think, most of the students enjoyed it.

With that in mind, I have a new writing exercise. What's fun is that you never know which way it's going to go until you've done it. And it was so great to hear so many different versions of the same words in that workshop. Always something to learn, which is awesome.

Me, Rebecca, Jody, Bonnie, Joan & Allison

Prompt: slate, obedience, foundation, county

    With obedience classes slated to start the next day, Sasha had a lot to do. Teaching puppies the foundation of good dog behavior was ever so important. Her reputation depended upon it. Sasha’s Superdog School was tops in the county. She could not allow Perfect Poodle to take that title. Sasha was firm but kind to all the pups. Only once did she meet a dog that couldn’t be well behaved or trained. Fred. He was the reason she almost lost the Top Dog Trophy.
    Sasha’s pink tags tinkled as she checked off her class prep list. The leashes were lined up. Orange cones were in place on the field. Water bowls set out.
    Sasha studied the roster of puppies scheduled to begin the next training session. Her tail stopped wagging when she read the one name she never wanted to see again.
    Fred.
    Sasha howled.