Junior Scribe Badge Workbook

This guide will help you lead your troop through the badge. This badge is all about writing, so you don't need many materials other than the booklet and a pencil for each girl.

Page 1

There are many different ways people use words to communicate. Some of the most common writing styles are:

• Creative Writing: these are stories or poems that use the imagination. They use words to convey a feeling or tell a fictional story.
• Nonfiction: this could be a textbook or a factual book about a subject.
• Opinion Piece/Persuasive: this is writing that tries to persuade the reader to agree with the writer. Advertisements are a form of persuasive writing.
• Journalism/Reporting: this type of writing is fact-based and focuses on current events. Its purpose is to inform the public about what is going on with the topic.

Page 2

Have the girls think about what makes this poem different from just writing about how a tree looks.

Elements:

• Imagery: Kilmer uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of a tree in the reader's mind. He describes the tree's "hungry mouth" pressed against the earth's "flowing breast," and its "leafy arms" lifted in prayer. These images help us see the tree as a living, breathing thing.
• Personification: Kilmer gives the tree human qualities, such as a "mouth" and "arms." This helps us relate to the tree and see it as something more than just an object.
• Metaphor: Kilmer compares the tree to a church, with its "leafy arms" raised in prayer. This comparison suggests that the tree is a sacred object, a place where we can connect with the divine.
• Theme: The poem's theme is the beauty and wonder of nature, and the idea that nature is greater than anything humans can create. Kilmer expresses this theme through his description of the tree as a work of art that only God could create.

Page 3

Have the girls make up a short story. A few sentences is fine. They can come up with their own or use the grid to help pick a setting, subject, or action.

Page 4

Ask the girls whether they have ever been persuaded to want something because of a commercial. What was it about the commercial or advertisement that made them want the item?

Page 5

Girls can either use the grid or come up with their own opinions to write about. Have them write about the issue, their opinion about it, and some facts. Talk about which facts to include and which to leave out to help persuade the reader.

Have the girls share their opinion pieces!

Page 6

Either have the girls name some news outlets (papers, websites, magazines, or shows), or go over the different ways we consume news and reporting.

Page 7

Read the girls this example:

Sally drove her car from her house to work at 8 am this morning. She needed to arrive on time for an important meeting with her boss. Sally relied on her trusty vehicle to get her to her destination safely and efficiently.

Have the girls turn into reporters. Have them report how they got to this Girl Scout meeting. Have them fill out the table and then write a few sentences that tell the reader these details.

Page 8

Nonfiction writing includes facts and information about a subject.

Have the girls write about themselves. They can think about what they're good at, what subjects they enjoy, and their favorite books or colors.

Page 9

Have the girls reflect on what their favorite writing style is, both to read and to write. Some people like to read nonfiction but like to write fiction, and vice versa. Have them include WHY they like those styles.