I do some of my best thinking while driving in the car. It’s always been a place that my mind relaxes and the ideas start flowing. Recently, I’ve had some company drafting while driving. A few weeks ago my first grader, Wren, excitedly told us about writing small moment stories at school while driving home from school. I was delighted to hear that writing workshop was under way and that Wren was also happy. She told me all about her story. “On the first page I wrote…and on the next page…” I was impressed that the chosen moment was indeed pretty small.
“What will you write tomorrow?” I wondered aloud.
“I don’t know yet,” she replied.
“How about the story of the time the dogs ran away and the neighbor knocked on the door,” Adi chimed in.
“Yeah!” Wren replied.
Then just like that, the story was floating from the third row, with a few giggles and suggestions coming from Adi in the middle row.
This story drafting has become an afternoon thing for us. Wren usually tells us about the story she has been working on, we listen, offer bits of feedback and suggestions. Then we work together to rehearse a new story, all in the few minutes it takes to get to our third pickup of the day.
I believe in writing partners. I’m grateful for my most recent partners and even prouder to be raising writers.
Here’s a real life small moment from our weekend, written by Wren:
Where There Is Joy 
Love! Partners are pretty special. Thanks for being one of mine. Did you draft this one with your girls as well??
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It’s such a blessing when our teaching worlds and our parenting worlds blend into one world! This is a gift that will continue to grow all year as Wren moves through first grade and the car time increases! What a great model for oral rehearsal! Love this slice! Great piece of writing, Wren. I could feel the excitement when you were shouting “My third tooth fell out!” Keep writing, Wren!! Thanks for sharing, Jess!
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You are one incredible mother and teacher!
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Oh! I love this slice – look at all that writing. Look at the excitement about losing her tooth! Look at the sharing and the togetherness and the love. Oh, Wren, may you write on and on.
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The idea of audience and partners, and a listening ear, is so key to writing. Love the pic.
Kevin
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Your words, Wren’s words, the story of the story, the pictures – all so uplifting. Your posts are always overflowing with energy and joy. Such an aptly-named blog!
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I love, love, love this! Think of the example you are all setting for each other and the memories you are going to have of all this writing time! Thanks for sharing the words and pictures!
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Thanks for sharing Wren’s words with us. You have a great little writer on your hands!
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Welcome Wren to our writing community though I feel you’ve been a part of it for some time now. She will remember this shared writing long from now. Her confidence nurtured in these moments. Thanks for sharing.
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Telling stories of the everyday enables us all to be writers. Thanks for sharing.
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I love that you call them your writing partners and that you “write in the air” together. She is using a great balance of craft moves – talking, action and feeling. As her reader, she grabbed me when she ran from you to dad – I am wondering what dad said? Was it different? Thanks for sharing.
Clare
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The best kind of car-ride! Your happy writers are so sweet and it looks like they have a special place to write!
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