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 Student Samples:
Top Secret Rule Reasons!
creating a unique idea that is filled with voice
The writing of author David Wisniewski is inspiring student writers to try new techniques with the traits of idea development and voice.
Your students can self-publish their writing to this lesson by clicking here.
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Additional Student Samples Being Sought:
Grades 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12
Learn more about WritingFix's policies for publishing student work by visiting our Publishing Student Writers Information Page.
WritingFix is currently seeking additional student samples from this writing assignment that can be featured in this space. Submitted student work must show evidence of revision, editing, and the final draft must be typed and sent through e-mail. Teachers: if you can help us obtain one, two or three student samples, along with a digital photo of the student(s) and a signed permission slips, we will send you either a complimentary copy of one of the Northern Nevada Writing Project's print publications.
Write to us at publish@writingfix.com and write "Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups" in your e-mail's subject line, if you have a student sample to share with us.
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Student Samples: Early Elementary
 Grown-up Rule #38: Empty the Trash
by Katie, second grade writer
Official Reason: Take out the trash so it won’t overflow
Real Reason: In reality, take out the trash because if you do not take out the trash, the trash will get bigger and bigger and bigger! It will start to take over the world.
When you see the world, it will just be trash. The aliens will scream. Even the planets will scream. The earth might even blow up. You cannot stand to hear the rest.
Student Samples: Upper Elementary
 Grown-up Rule #1,000,001: Don’t draw on the walls
by Erica, fifth grade writer
Official Reason: The house looks messy.
Real Reason: In reality, the wall can feel tickled and laugh so hard that the whole house will topple over. Then, the house will fall through the ground. Under the ground, the walls will keep laughing, which will cause the ground to shake very severely. The severe shaking of the ground will cause everything (even humans) to topple over and roll this way and that way.
Eventually, everything and everybody will roll off of the earth. This has happened and been recorded before. Scientists believe that somehow the people made a human chain and pulled themselves back to Earth, which was good, but scientists say that it is impossible to do that again. Drawing on the walls can cause the same thing to happen again now or in 1,000 years.
 Grown-up Rule #77: Don’t Suck your Thumb
by Elizabeth, sixth grade writer
Official Reason: It’s rude in public and disgusting.
Real Reason: When sucking your thumb, your thumb might fall off. A small thumb can grow little legs, run away, and try to take over the world. A thumb can also grow evil eyes and try to form and army of other living thumbs.
The thumbs would want to destroy the chocolate factories first because thumbs don’t like the warm and delicious taste of chocolate.
The army of thumbs would think they are cool, and next they would need to create a machine that can turn humans into living thumbs. There is the leader, Thumbanator, and the second leader Thumbasoaras. Once humans see the thumb army, they would run and scream like little babies. Some humans would want to be brave and try and stop the army, but they will have no luck.
The thumbs are going to blow up this place, so that’s why you shouldn’t suck your thumb.
Student Samples: Middle School
 Grown-up Rule #497: Clean up your room before you have friends over
by Claire, seventh grade writer
Official Reason: It’s not polite, and it gives people the wrong impression of you.
The Truth: The real reason your parents won’t let you have friends over if your room isn’t clean is because of the Clutterling. No, it’s not “cluttering”, it’s Clutterling. Clutterling is when the mess in your room gets “protective”. The mess in your room builds characteristics and relationships the longer it’s out. Obviously, the relationship is with YOU! It feels the need to have your full attention, and so, you see the mess gets to be protective. Crazy as it seems, that’s what Clutterling is. Now, what do you suppose happens when a friend comes over to your house and your Clutterling sees it? That’s right it attacks your friend! Title waves of clothes, tsunamis of books, and tornados of dust attack your friends.
Now I am pretty sure your parents like to uphold a good reputation. What happens if every one hears about how a kid mysteriously disappeared at their house? Their reputation goes bye-bye, but of course they care for you and your friend too. Sometimes it doesn’t happen so badly but even having your friend trip and fall into your mess or twisting their ankle in your clothes pile is considered Clutterling.
Now you know how important it is to clean your room. It’s best if you do it A.S.A.P.! You don’t want to leave your mess out too long or else… CLUTTERLING!!!
Student Sample: High School
 Amanda Mett
by Shatton, tenth grade poet
Have you heard the story of Amanda Mett
Who went outside with her hair dripping wet?
Her mom told her no, but she didn’t listen.
When she stepped outside, her hair began to glisten.
The frost quickly took over her locks,
And before she knew it, they were as hard as rocks.
The last thing she wanted was for her mom to see.
She figured it was too late when she let out a scream.
Her mom marched out, looking quite stout,
And with the prick of her finger, Amanda’s hair began to fall out.
Big chunk, little chunk – it all fell to the ground.
Amanda knew she was in trouble, with her mom not making a sound.
You now know the story of Amanda Mett.
Never go outside with your hair dripping wet!
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