A New Project: Children’s Stories as Teaching Tools

For this posting I would like to introduce a new project I have started with my class.  The project is a work in progress and I will update readers over the next several weeks.

Over the next few weeks students in my English 8 class will work on creating their own children’s stories.  Through the project students will explore different types of moral lessons, character development, plot structure, strengthen their writing, and practice editing and peer editing skills.  I have planned the project to be a step-by-step process; and although, each student will be writing their own story I would like to create a sense of community through the creation process.  For example, peer editing will act as a way for students to support one another in creating the best stories possible.

I chose the children’s story theme because it is a theme, which allows students to use their imagination and supports them to develop stronger descriptive writing skills.  One of my aims is to provide students with a chance to practice their ability of expressing themselves through writing.  As well, through the process students will be provided time to read other children’s stories and examine how authors teach morals, develop characters, plot, and express their ideas in written form.

I will continue to share more about this project as my students and I move forward.