Write a Response

Read and notice.

Maya’s class was making a paper garden. A new classmate, Sam, stood beside the table without choosing a task. Maya felt nervous about speaking first, but she asked, “Would you like to draw a leaf with me?” Sam nodded and suggested a blue flower. When their first paper stem fell over, they folded a wider base and tried again. By the end of the afternoon, both children had added something to the garden.

A thoughtful response introduces an idea, supports it with a detail, and explains the connection. You can begin with a drawing or spoken explanation before writing.

Try it.

1. Choose an idea: welcoming someone, trying again, or making a shared decision.
2. Write three sentences connecting that idea to the story.
3. Reread your response. Add a detail that makes your explanation clearer.