Writing Connections at Laguna

Now in its fourth year, the project was created in 2013 by Third Grade Teacher Brooke Green '97, who sought to bring the high-level concepts being taught in the Upper School program to the Lower School students. Collaborating with her former English Instructor Carol Nordgaarden seemed like a natural place to begin. As part of the effort, the third graders began their stories, and Upper School students continued them, passing the writings back and forth several times. Once finished, the ninth graders created a final version complete with illustrations for all to enjoy. The masterful works included stories about making friends with crazy whales, fashion spies saving London’s fashion scene, and even a group of Third Grade students who apprehend burglars.

According to Green, the experience helped her students gain insights into the creative process, including the importance of character development, colorful detail, and surprising plot twists. It was also a great chance for ninth graders to take on a leadership role in the lives of their younger fellow students.

“This project gives the Modes of Writing students a chance to practice the class philosophy that writing is not a solitary endeavor, but a community activity,” explains Nordgaarden.

After reading the final stories aloud to one another in the Library, the writing groups ended with a picnic lunch on the lawn in front of Spaulding Auditorium. “The collaborative effort was a memorable experience for the students—both for the works they created and the relationships they formed with their upper school buddies,” adds Ms. Green.

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