Story Something is an Internet and mobile platform that was originally designed to provide parents with personalized, interactive stories for children 2 to 8 years of age. The service asks parents to supply their child’s age, gender, family information, some information on his or her interests and favorite story categories, and allows parents to instantaneously receive personalized stories of approximately 500-850 words.
But with dismal literacy rates in the United States (U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, 2003) I thought this would be a keen exercise for older students.
Story Something stories–first and foremost–features students in an active, positive way. So this isn’t just a English exercise but a lesson in social skills. Stories that describe students doing and seeing new things, accomplishing tasks, undertaking a new experience, etc. cast the principal character as the hero, and the personalization will allow a student to see himself or herself in that role.
The stories will include limited illustrations so the story will rest on the strength of its narrative.
The finished product will be sent deliverable to a computer or iPhone, etc. At this point Students will take the finished product starring them and rewrite the story in the first person. Students will take an active role in the writing process. From the brainstorming, writing first draft, rewriting, editing and rewriting.
Students will pass the link to their stories to a select group of students who will review and pass on their literary criticisms. Because students are their own strongest critics –they will provide honest and unbiased opinions.
Furthermore students will do their best with stories starring themselves, ensuring their best work. Parent involvement will be key, with this being online parental involvement will be a percentage of the grade. Like this blog parents will be able to comment and stay on their children to complete the assignment successfully.
1 comment:
Excellent!
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