First and second graders really got into their "writing" when they were told that they would be builing a volcano and making it erupt. First the students were given a "recipe" to read. Then they had to check off all the materials needed in order to begin. ( Smelling vinegar can really get a person going!) Next they read the recipe step by step, and wrote their own directions as they completed each task. Finally the big moment came when the vinegar was poured into the crater of the volcano. Yes, it erupted!!! The students were so engaged and it made writing so much easier.
They then viewd some real videos of volocanoes erupting on the internet and listened to the actual sounds taped of volcanic eruptions.
