Student Transformation
Facets of Understanding
The written word sets an example for speech, language and vocabulary as well as the structure of stories that has been passed on from generation to generation. I believe it is important for students to know and apply the story structure of established authors through applicable “facets of understanding.” Perspectives Every student enters first grade with a backpack of prior knowledge that varies from student to student and alters individual perspectives. Some students have siblings, some have pets, and some come from different countries. All of these experiences, big and small, affect the way students read, write and interpret stories. Students will always have the basic story structure in common even though their encounters will be from a variety of perspectives. |
Interpretation
A genuine story is open to interpretation even though the rise and fall of conflict is ever present. Narratives can be explained in different ways to elicit a desired response from the intended audience. Students will write with a purpose in mind in order to convey meaning with the support of details and the selection of appropriate words. Application The application of story structure will come after the introduction of technology during Writer’s Workshop. Students will be encouraged to use Web 2.0 tools such as story building websites as examples of a suitable story structure. The technology tools will provide the basic outline and key elements of a story including the setup, rising conflict, and resolution that will be later transferred to student narratives. This same story structure and presence of conflict will also be applied to other domains like Reading Workshop. |
Empathy
Students will be using empathy as peers review each other’s work and step outside of their own perspectives. They will be encouraged to coach one another, and be reflective, during the revising process with the structure of stories outlined by technology as a constant guide. Observations, conferring and a rubric that includes the presence of conflict as well as details to support the expected content will be used to assess students. |