The March Slice of Life Story Challenge is hosted by http://www.twowritingteachers.wordpress.com.
Being a Knucklehead
My ELA classes are participating in the Slice of Life Story Challenge with me this year. We couldn’t commit to the challenge officially, due to ISTEP testing and the lack of technology in our school/homes, but we have been studying what some slices might look like. One of my favorite mentor books to read aloud during this time of year is Knucklehead, by Jon Scieszka. The accounts of the “tall tales and almost true stories of growing up Scieszka” are hilarious, energetic, and entertaining.
The first chapter, “Beginning,” introduces Jon and his 5 brothers, his mom, and his dad. We totally relate — immediately! My students laugh out loud as I read, and then we go off to our writing places to record our own lives. Not a day goes by that we don’t get some fabulous idea from Jon and his family. If I had to guess, here on Day 9, I would say that many of my students would label themselves “knuckleheads.” Maybe it’s true, maybe it’s not. But all of them honor this wonderful mentor knucklehead by attempting to write like him. What a way to SLICE!
Reading Teacher Writes 
March 9, 2015 at 9:43 PM
I love that book! I think you’re right that it’s a fantastic mentor text for Slice of Life. He shares slices from his childhood and they are so hilarious. I think I might grab it for some inspiration. 😉
March 9, 2015 at 9:46 PM
Thanks for reminding me of this great book! After we finish the PARCC which starts Wed and lasts for 5 days, I’ll be teaching my 5th graders a memoir unit. Thanks to you, I’ll share with them Knucklehead!!
March 9, 2015 at 10:29 PM
Perfect!
March 9, 2015 at 9:48 PM
That is such a great book! Have you ever read Ralph Fletcher’s Marshfield Dreams? He has some great stories too.
March 9, 2015 at 9:55 PM
I have neer read this book, but I am adding it to my list of to-reads! Thanks for the inspiration!
March 9, 2015 at 10:31 PM
Yes! I got Marshfield Dreams at a conference with Ralph! I’ll have to share that one, too!
March 9, 2015 at 10:11 PM
Love that book! I am sure your kids are loving it. I have found kids feel like they can write when they hear the stories. It’s everyday happenings brought to light with humor. They can relate. Fun.
March 9, 2015 at 10:26 PM
Cute! So glad it is inspiring to your students. Sounds like a book I need to read. Love it when writers keep it real…bet they can connect with that!
March 10, 2015 at 2:32 AM
I’ll have to check this book out! Sounds like a great slice mentor text!