Directions to the Student Read the poem "Teddy Bear Poem" to yourself while I read it aloud to you. Afterwards, you will do a writing task. The poem may give you ideas for your writing.

Teddy Bear Poem Judith Viorst

I threw away my Teddy Bear, The one that lost his eye. I threw him in the garbage pail (I thought I heard him cry.) I've had that little Teddy Bear Since I was only two. But I'm much bigger now and I've better things to do Then play with silly Teddy Bears And so I said good-bye And threw him in the garbage pail (Who's crying~ he or I?)

Writing Task 5-3

In “Teddy Bear Poem,” the poet Judith Viorst writes about the difficulty of having to give something up. Most people have had to give up something that was important to them at some point in their life. Write a composition about a time when you have to give up something that was important to you.

In your composition, be sure to

 describe what you had to give up.  tell why you had to give it up.  explain why it was special to you.  explain how you felt about it.

You may take notes, create a web, or do other prewriting work in the space provided on the following blank pages. Then write your composition on the lines provided.

Here is a checklist for you to follow to help you do your best writing.

Writer’s Checklist

Remember to

 Keep the central idea or topic in mind.

 Keep your audience in mind.

 Support your ideas with details, explanations, and examples.

 State your ideas in a clear sequence.

 Include an opening and a closing.

 Use a variety of words and vary your sentence structure.

 State your opinions or conclusions clearly.

 Capitalize, spell, and use punctuation correctly.

 Write neatly.

After you write your composition, read what you have written. Use the checklist to make certain that your writing is the best it can be.