Developing Artistic Writing.pdf - Brevard Public Schools

M.E.A.L. Conclusions
Leave your reader full, fat and happy!
Objective: Students will write an effective conclusion using the mnemonic M.E.A.L.
Anticipatory Set: Read The Lotus Seed by Sherry Garland, pointing out how the conclusion
circles back to the theme of the story and shows anticipation.
My grandmother saw the emperor cry the day he lost his golden dragon throne. (First
sentence)
Someday I will plant it and give seeds to my own children and tell them about the day my
grandmother saw the emperor cry.(Last sentence)
Modeling: Using the mentor text, illustrate how an effective ending circles back to the first
sentence of the story, and leaves an impression on the reader. In The Lotus Seed, the phrase,
Someday I will plant it and give seeds to my own children and tell them about the day my
grandmother saw the emperor cry circles back to the beginning of the story, My grandmother
saw the emperor cry…as well as creates anticipation, Someday…
Guided Practice: Using the mnemonic M.E.A.L. help students create other effective
conclusions by charting several examples together.
M Memory- “I will always remember…” “I will never forget…”
E Emotion- “I felt…”
A Anticipation- “I can hardly wait…” “Someday…” “One day…”
L Lesson Learned- “I promise you I will…” “Still to this day…”
Independent Practice: Students will be given incomplete writing pieces and asked to create an
effective ending for each. This can be done by leaving the ending off a shared picture book or
student paper.
Publishing/Sharing: Students will share and critique their conclusions based on the skills
incorporated.
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