Lesson Title: The Author’s Note in Personal Narratives
Subject: Writing Workshop / Publishing
Audience: 2–5

RATIONALE:
Authors base personal narrative stories on experiences from their lives. The Author’s Note, typically a short piece at the beginning or end of the book, often explains where the idea for the story came from.
PREPARATION:
•    Video Clip: “Why Authors Write – Looking at Author's Purpose” featuring Schoolwide Literacy Consultant Ilene Cohn
•    Book: Ma Dear’s Aprons by Patricia McKissack
o    Click Here to purchase a copy of Ma Dear’s Aprons
•    Make copies for students of the Appendix “Author’s Note.”
WATCH THE VIDEO: “Why Authors Write – Looking at Author's Purpose”

INFORM
Readers often wonder how authors come up with ideas for their stories. The Author’s Note is a short note at the beginning or end of a story that the author has written to share this interesting information with the reader. Today as you prepare to publish and celebrate your very special personal stories, you too will write an Author’s Note to share with your readers where the idea for your story came from.

PRESENT
When reading the Author’s Note about a book that I’ve read, it feels as if I’ve been let in on the wonderful secret of the story behind the story. Take, for instance, Ma Dear’s Aprons. Hold up the book. Just listen as I read the Author’s Note at the beginning of Patricia McKissack’s story. When I finish reading, we will write down some of the things you notice about the Author’s Note. Read McKissack’s Author’s Note. What did you notice about Patricia’s Author’s Note? Allow students to respond, charting responses for them to refer back to when writing their own Author’s Note. You want them to notice that it is written from the first person point of view, it refers to McKissack’s great-grandmother’s past, it shares her feelings, and she has written it as a tribute to her great-grandmother. Wow, you noticed a lot that was included. As you’ve determined, authors share in a close, personal way where the ideas for their stories came from and why they are so important to them.

ENGAGE
Distribute copies of the Appendix “Author’s Note.” Now it is time to compose your own Author’s Note. Spend some time writing about where you found the inspiration for your story. Allow students time to write. Refer them back to the chart they created if they need help. Share your Author’s Note with your writing partner by reading it aloud. Don’t forget: If necessary, revise your writing while you are reading!

REITERATE
An Author’s Note is often included in personal narratives because readers frequently wonder where authors get their ideas. You shared the source of your story idea by drafting your own Author’s Note. During writing time today, put the finishing touches on your Author’s Note.