LESSON 7.7
Create the Why Section

Grades 1-6

Remember the tiny mirror man from the treasure chest? Now, let’s figure out why he’s such a troublemaker!

This tiny man of mirrors is such a problem because his reflections come to life.

Task 7.7.1 – Class

Make a List: Imagine ways to deal with the mirror man. Write down each action.

Next, include the following in your list. (For more explanation, see Lesson 2.5).

Place

Change of Scenery: Where will you face this problem with the mirror man?

Have the why take place somewhere else than where you first met him.

Time

Have the why take place in a short time. 

People and Places

Have no more than four characters in your story, including you and the troublemaker, and keep the location limited to a very limited place.

An Example

For example, maybe the tiny man of mirrors followed you home.  You hid him in a box under your bed, but then you went into your sister’s party that night. Some of her teenage friends made fun of you, so to show them up you brought out the tiny man. 

One girl broke down crying because she had been promised a boy she would go to the prom with him – and he wasn’t her boyfriend. A boy admitted he had stolen money from his employer. Another boy admitted he had lied to his mother, who was in the hospital at the time.

People realize the man of mirrors reflects the way we look on the inside, not just the outside.

The person jotting notes might have written this:

Box under the bed
Party – tease you
Girl and prom date
Boy and money stolen
Boy and lie to mother
Reflects inside, not just outside

Task 7.7.2 – Small Group or Class

Now add sensory details, dialog, and named things to the actions. See Lesson 2.5 for further information.

Task 7.7.3 – Small Group or Class

Use numbers to put the grocery list in order. Then write up the Why Section.