An Invitation to Steven Speilberg

1. An Invitation to Steven Speilberg A 5th grade writing prompt discovered

2. The Prompt... Would Steven Spielberg be a good speaker for a school assembly?  Write a letter convincing your principal that Steven Spielberg would or would not be a good speaker for an assembly at your school.  Use information from the passage to support your argument.

3. Background knowledge: Steven Spielberg - A Biographical Sketch Steven was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1946.  He began making his own movies as a child.  His first movies were simple ones.  Once he had his mother boil a cherry dessert in a pressure cooker until it exploded because Steven wanted to film the mess it made when the walls and floor were covered with sticky red goo. To make one of his most exciting early movies, Steven carefully set up two electric trains so that they would run into each other.  Then he got his father's camera and filmed the train wreck.  He was only twelve years old, but he knew what audiences would like. When Steven got his first movie camera he joined a Boy Scout photography program.  The movie he made for the scouts was only three minutes long, but it told a complete story.  One of his friends dressed up in a cowboy outfit and robbed a stagecoach.  The picture ended with the outlaw counting his stolen money.

4. The movie won Steven his first filmmaking award - a Boy Scout merit badge.  It also helped him become, at the age of 13, one of the youngest Eagle Scouts ever. After he moved to California, Steven got to see the inside of a Hollywood film studio for the first time.  During one summer vacation, he joined a group on a guided tour of Universal Studios.  He waited for a chance to hide, and then let the bus go on without him, so that he could wander around on his own. Soon Steven had made friends with the workers.  Each day, he dressed up in a suit and tie and carried a briefcase under his arm.  Looking like an important studio worker, he walked right past the guard. Once inside, he watched the filming of movies and television shows.  He even found an empty desk he could use for an office and managed to get the telephone operator to list his name with the switchboard so that he could receive phone calls.  Finally, the summer was over.  But before he left, Steven told his new friends, "I want to write and direct motion pictures.” Today, Spielberg is one of Hollywood's most famous directors.  He has a long list of film accomplishments such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Jurassic Park, and Twister.

5. Now lets start THINKING about writing… Plan: Before you write: -Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. -Consider topic, task, and audience. -Think about what you want to write. -Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts. Use strategies like mapping or outlining.

6. Now lets start THINKING about writing… Lets go back and reread the prompt. Plan: Before you write: -Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. -Consider topic, task, and audience. -Think about what you want to write. -Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts. Use strategies like mapping or outlining.

7. The Prompt... Would Steven Spielberg be a good speaker for a school assembly?  Write a letter convincing your principal that Steven Spielberg would or would not be a good speaker for an assembly at your school.  Use information from the passage to support your argument.

8. Now lets start THINKING about writing… What are you being asked to do? Plan: Before you write: -Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. -Consider topic, task, and audience. -Think about what you want to write. -Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts. Use strategies like mapping or outlining.

9. What are you being asked to do? • You must write a letter to the principal. • The letter must persuade the principal to have or not have Steven Spielberg give an assembly to the school. • Use information from the text to support your argument.

10. Now lets start THINKING about writing… What is your topic? Plan: Before you write: -Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. -Consider topic, task, and audience. -Think about what you want to write. -Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts. Use strategies like mapping or outlining.

11. Now lets start THINKING about writing… Steven Spielberg should give a presentation to your school. Plan: Before you write: -Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. -Consider topic, task, and audience. -Think about what you want to write. -Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts. Use strategies like mapping or outlining. Steven Spielberg should not give a presentation to your school.

12. Now lets start THINKING about writing… What is your task? Plan: Before you write: -Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. -Consider topic, task, and audience. -Think about what you want to write. -Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts. Use strategies like mapping or outlining.

13. Now lets start THINKING about writing… Write a letter to the principal persuading him/her that Steven would or would not make a good presenter Plan: Before you write: -Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. -Consider topic, task, and audience. -Think about what you want to write. -Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts. Use strategies like mapping or outlining.

14. Now lets start THINKING about writing… Who is your audience? Who is reading your writing? Plan: Before you write: -Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. -Consider topic, task, and audience. -Think about what you want to write. -Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts. Use strategies like mapping or outlining.

15. Now lets start THINKING about writing… The principle. Plan: Before you write: -Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. -Consider topic, task, and audience. -Think about what you want to write. -Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts. Use strategies like mapping or outlining. Think about how you would write or talk to the principal. Keep in mind you relate to the principal differently than you would a friend.

16. Now lets start THINKING about writing… Plan: Before you write: -Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. -Consider topic, task, and audience. -Think about what you want to write. -Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts. Use strategies like mapping or outlining.

18. Now lets start THINKING about writing… Plan: Before you write: -Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. -Consider topic, task, and audience. -Think about what you want to write. -Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts. Use strategies like mapping or outlining.

19. Now lets start THINKING about writing… How about a graphic organizer? Plan: Before you write: -Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. -Consider topic, task, and audience. -Think about what you want to write. -Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts. Use strategies like mapping or outlining.

20. Position Statement Look familiar? Reasons Facts

21. Let’s Start with our position Statement Do you think Steven Spielberg would make a good speaker at an assembly? Your answer to this question will become your position statement. It must take an unquestionable stand. Now fill in the Position Statement in your graphic organizer.

22. Position Statement Steven Spielberg would be a good speaker for our school’s assembly. Reasons The position statement takes a definite stand.

23. Position Statement Steven Spielberg would be a good speaker for our school’s assembly. Let’s look back at what we know about Mr. Spielberg Reasons Now we need 3 reasons to support our position statement. Remember each reason will become a paragraph.

24. Background knowledge: Steven Spielberg - A Biographical Sketch Steven was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1946.  He began making his own movies as a child.  His first movies were simple ones.  Once he had his mother boil a cherry dessert in a pressure cooker until it exploded because Steven wanted to film the mess it made when the walls and floor were covered with sticky red goo. To make one of his most exciting early movies, Steven carefully set up two electric trains so that they would run into each other.  Then he got his father's camera and filmed the train wreck.  He was only twelve years old, but he knew what audiences would like. When Steven got his first movie camera he joined a Boy Scout photography program.  The movie he made for the scouts was only three minutes long, but it told a complete story.  One of his friends dressed up in a cowboy outfit and robbed a stagecoach.  The picture ended with the outlaw counting his stolen money.

25. The movie won Steven his first filmmaking award - a Boy Scout merit badge.  It also helped him become, at the age of 13, one of the youngest Eagle Scouts ever. After he moved to California, Steven got to see the inside of a Hollywood film studio for the first time.  During one summer vacation, he joined a group on a guided tour of Universal Studios.  He waited for a chance to hide, and then let the bus go on without him, so that he could wander around on his own. Soon Steven had made friends with the workers.  Each day, he dressed up in a suit and tie and carried a briefcase under his arm.  Looking like an important studio worker, he walked right past the guard. Once inside, he watched the filming of movies and television shows.  He even found an empty desk he could use for an office and managed to get the telephone operator to list his name with the switchboard so that he could receive phone calls.  Finally, the summer was over.  But before he left, Steven told his new friends, "I want to write and direct motion pictures.” Today, Spielberg is one of Hollywood's most famous directors.  He has a long list of film accomplishments such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Jurassic Park, and Twister.

26. Position Statement Steven Spielberg would be a good speaker for our school’s assembly. Remember we need facts to support our three reasons. Reasons Goal oriented from a young. This reason is general enough to become a paragraph and supports the position statement.

27. Reasons Goal oriented from a young. The facts support the reason. They can be used in a paragraph to defend the reason. Keep going. Facts Interested in film as a child Toy train and cherry dessert movies

28. Reasons Each fact supports the reason it is under. The reason will be the main idea of each paragraph, and the facts will become supporting details. Goal oriented from a young. Persevering and creative to accomplish his goals. Relates to many people. Well known and liked. Facts Snuck off a Hollywood tour to see studio Interested in film as a child Many famous movies Toy train and cherry dessert movies One of Hollywood’s most famous directors Set up office in studio

29. Time to Start Writing Remember what and why you are writing. Do not wander from your position statement Write As you write: -Maintain a clear and consistent focus. -Include specific details; use examples and reasons to support your ideas. -Use a variety of well constructed, complete sentences. -Use a logical organization with an obvious introduction, body and conclusion.

30. Time to Start Writing This is why we gathered facts in our graphic organizer Write As you write: -Maintain a clear and consistent focus. -Include specific details; use examples and reasons to support your ideas. -Use a variety of well constructed, complete sentences. -Use a logical organization with an obvious introduction, body and conclusion.

31. Time to Start Writing Remember English class!! Write As you write: -Maintain a clear and consistent focus. -Include specific details; use examples and reasons to support your ideas. -Use a variety of well constructed, complete sentences. -Use a logical organization with an obvious introduction, body and conclusion.

32. Time to Start Writing Use your graphic organizer to help you be organized. Write As you write: -Maintain a clear and consistent focus. -Include specific details; use examples and reasons to support your ideas. -Use a variety of well constructed, complete sentences. -Use a logical organization with an obvious introduction, body and conclusion.

33. Type away... This is My Access after all. Use your graphic organizer to help you

34. Position Statement Steven Spielberg would be a good speaker for our school’s assembly. Reasons Persevering and creative to accomplish his goals. Relates to many people. Well known and liked. Goal oriented from a young age. Use your position statement In your introductory paragraph. It will set the tone of your letter.

35. Reasons Persevering and creative to accomplish his goals. Relates to many people. Well known and liked. Goal oriented from a young age. Facts Snuck off a Hollywood tour to see studio Interested in film as a child Many famous movies Toy train and cherry dessert movies One of Hollywood’s most famous directors Set up office in studio

36. Reasons Persevering and creative to accomplish his goals. Relates to many people. Well known and liked. Goal oriented from a young age. Facts Snuck off a Hollywood tour to see studio Interested in film as a child Many famous movies Each reason should become a paragraph in the body, Supported by the facts. Toy train and cherry dessert movies One of Hollywood’s most famous directors Set up office in studio

37. Dear Principal, Steven Spielberg would be a great speaker for our school’s assembly. There are many reasons why Mr. Spielberg would be a good presenter. The first reason is that Steven Spielberg is a well know director and many kids are interested in him and his work. Another reason why you should invite Steven to speak is that he has always been focused on his goals, and has strived to achieve them. A third reason is that he is an extremely creative person who perseveres to get what he wants. These are all great qualities that the students in your school want, should and need to hear about. The best decision you could make would be to have Steven Spielberg come and speak to our school.

38. Steven Spielberg has always known what he wanted to do. Even as a young child he showed an interest in filmmaking. He would make short movies at home using household items. These showed Steven’s keen eye of knowing what people wanted to see, including train crashed and a kitchen being splattered with red goo. How wonderful must it have been to be a child who knew exactly what he wanted, as well as what others wanted to see. This is a great life lesson for all children. Mr. Spielberg knows how to make things interesting while still going after his goal, a great life skill. As Steven grew older, he was persevering and creative as he continued to work towards his goal of becoming a filmmaker. His actions show how important it is for a person to work towards their personal goals. Steven was resourceful in his methods to reach his goal. He even snuck off a Hollywood bus tour to get a closer look at a real life studio.

39. It was love at first sight for Steven. He continued to sneak into the studio everyday that summer, going as far as to set up an office for himself with a listed phone number. These actions, though questionable, show how persevering Mr. Spielberg is. One can learn how important it is to follow your heart and strive towards your goals. This is a very important life lesson that everyone should learn from. A great assembly will inspire students and encourage them to reach their fullest potential, becoming the best person they can become. Steven Spielberg would be a great speaker to accomplish this goal. Mr. Spielberg is one of the most well know directors, and he knows how to relate to people. Some of the many titles to his name are: E.T., Jurassic Park, and the Indiana Jones trilogy. People find his movies interesting and exciting. There are elements in each movie that both boys and girls relate to. A great speaker knows how to relate to his/her audience and keeps them interested at all costs.

40. Steven Spielberg possesses many of the fantastic traits that make for a wonderful assembly speaker. As a principal you are looking for someone who the students find interesting and you find inspiring, Steven Spielberg is just that person. By now you realize how wonderful an assembly would be with Steven Spielberg. He is focused on reaching his goals, persevering and creative to get what he wants, he is well known, and has a great ability to relate to other people. All of these talents and capabilities make Mr. Spielberg a great person and director would make him a great speaker for your school. After being given many things to think about, you will make the right decision and have Mr. Spielberg come speak to our school. Steven Spielberg is a great choice for our school’s speaker, and that is the decision you must make. Sincerely, Miss Lang

41. After writng do not forget to proofread • Proofread • After you write: • Did you support your ideas with specific details? • Do the point of view and tone of the essay remain consistent? • Check for capitalization, spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, and usage errors.

42. After writng do not forget to proofread • Proofread • After you write: • Did you support your ideas with specific details? • Do the point of view and tone of the essay remain consistent? • Check for capitalization, spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, and usage errors.

43. After writng do not forget to proofread • Proofread • After you write: • Did you support your ideas with specific details? • Do the point of view and tone of the essay remain consistent? • Check for capitalization, spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, and usage errors.

44. After writng do not forget to proofread • Proofread • After you write: • Did you support your ideas with specific details? • Do the point of view and tone of the essay remain consistent? • Check for capitalization, spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, and usage errors.

45. Lets take a closer look....

46. The first paragraph is indented. Dear Principal, Steven Spielberg would be a great speaker for our school’s assembly. There are many reasons why Mr. Spielberg would be a good presenter. The first reason is that Steven Spielberg is a well know director and many kids are interested in him and his work. Another reason why you should invite Steven to speak is that he has always been focused on his goals, and has strived to achieve them. A third reason is that he is an extremely creative person who perseveres to get what he wants. These are all great qualities that the students in your school want, should and need to hear about. The best decision you could make would be to have Steven Spielberg come and speak to our school. This is a letter. It starts with a greeting to the principal. The prompt was to write a letter. This paragraph takes a stand and sets the tone for the letter. There is no question how the write feels about Mr. Spielberg coming to the school to speak.

47. Dear Principal, Steven Spielberg would be a great speaker for our school’s assembly. There are many reasons why Mr. Spielberg would be a good presenter. The first reason is that Steven Spielberg is a well know director and many kids are interested in him and his work. Another reason why you should invite Steven to speak is that he has always been focused on his goals, and has strived to achieve them. A third reason is that he is an extremely creative person who perseveres to get what he wants. These are all great qualities that the students in your school want, should and need to hear about. The best decision you could make would be to have Steven Spielberg come and speak to our school. There is the position statement. It is the first sentence in the letter.

48. Dear Principal, Steven Spielberg would be a great speaker for our school’s assembly. There are many reasons why Mr. Spielberg would be a good presenter. The first reason is that Steven Spielberg is a well know director and many kids are interested in him and his work. Another reason why you should invite Steven to speak is that he has always been focused on his goals, and has strived to achieve them. A third reason is that he is an extremely creative person who perseveres to get what he wants. These are all great qualities that the students in your school want, should and need to hear about. The best decision you could make would be to have Steven Spielberg come and speak to our school. There is the position statement. It is the first sentence in the letter. The position statement is restated as the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.

49. Dear Principal, Steven Spielberg would be a great speaker for our school’s assembly. There are many reasons why Mr. Spielberg would be a good presenter. The first reason is that Steven Spielberg is a well know director and many kids are interested in him and his work. Another reason why you should invite Steven to speak is that he has always been focused on his goals, and has strived to achieve them. A third reason is that he is an extremely creative person who perseveres to get what he wants. These are all great qualities that the students in your school want, should and need to hear about. The best decision you could make would be to have Steven Spielberg come and speak to our school. The three reasons from the graphic organizer are briefly listed in the introduction. This makes it clear to the reader where the letter is going. It stays focused and on task.

50. Here is our first reason again. This time it is the topic sentence of the paragraph. Steven Spielberg has always known what he wanted to do.Even as a young child he showed an interest in filmmaking. He would make short movies at home using household items. These showed Steven’s keen eye of knowing what people wanted to see, including train crashed and a kitchen being splattered with red goo. How wonderful must it have been to be a child who knew exactly what he wanted, as well as what others wanted to see. This is a great life lesson for all children. Mr. Spielberg knows how to make things interesting while still going after his goal, a great life skill.