Creative Writing in Sixth Grade

After researching the overwhelming number of animals served by Dallas Animal Services, English students wrote biographies to be posted on the cages of animals at the shelter. Students looked at images of shelter dogs, and then read and discussed sample dog and cat biographies. As students began the drafting process, they focused on writing an engaging hook, using vivid descriptive details, and concluding with a specific call to action.

 

This project, a joint venture between Hockaday’s Dr. William B. Dean Institute for Social Impact and the English classes, focused on building empathy and empowerment for the girls. The girls enjoyed seeing their writing used in the world outside of the classroom. Three students volunteered to visit the shelter and deliver the biographies, which help prospective families feel more connected to shelter dogs, and in turn raise adoption rates.

 

Hockaday Sixth Grader Camile H. said, “I like that it was fun. It helped us with our writing and it supported animals.”

Piper F. said,” I enjoyed that we could learn and work for a good cause.”