Developing Student's Story Ideas

"Stuck On You"

This activity is a very strong hands-on visual that allows the students to see and hear whether their ideas are developed or not. You will need to purchase a set of paddle sticks with the suction cups on one side and the rubber ball that comes with it.
Select a story or essay to read and give the paddles to two students to hold, standing about ten feet apart. Have another student read the essay, and as long as the author is talking about the same idea, keep the ball stuck to one paddle.
As soon as he switches to a new idea, have the student holding the ball pass it to the person with the other paddle. The ball will again stay there until the author switches to another idea.
When a student writer needs more practice with development, you will notice that the balls will be moving back and forth very quickly. As they are taught to develop more fully, they will only have a few passes back and forth for the entire paper.
Yes, the students will have a blast, but they will really learn how to develop each idea more completely before jumping to the next one.

Story Writing & the Top Ten Word List

During oral reading throughout the year, you and your students will come across hundres, if not thousands, of excellent words that stand out in your minds. I encourage students to have a Top Ten word list, in which they constantly search for interesting words as they read, updating the list throughout the year as better works come along. I ask them to find or create situations where they can use them in the writing of stories or any compositions.
In every high-scoring, quality student paper, you will notice an average of between five and ten highly effective word choices. A Top Ten word list forces the students to constantly be looking for new words and better ways to express themselves as they plan and write their compositions each week.

Student Language Arts Activity: Mastering the story sequence

Who's On First?

In this zany activity, the students get to be the story as they attempt to put it in the correct order.
Place the sentences of a story on different strips. You may want to group longer stories by events using entire sheets or posters that the students can hold.
Those who are "being the story" are moved around by the other students, according to what makes the most sense. Sometimes quite a debate can develop as to the exact order, so you may want to get the sumo-wrestling suits ready to settle any disputes!
This activity is useful when the students are learning to master sequencing, cause and effect, and drawing conclusions.
Using clues in the various parts of the story, they will determine the best order. Encourage them to continue rearranging the students who hold the sentences and/or paragraphs until they make sense.
Finally, ask someone in the class to read the story aloud so all can decide if it sounds logical and flows well as it is, and at that point make any adjustments that may be needed. Be sure hey can justify and changes they want to make in the order of the sentences or paragraphs.

Story Writing: FOCUS EXERCISE

And They're Off!

This activity can be done orally or in writing. Give your students a topic or prompt to talk or write about, and, after giving them about 30 seconds to 1 minute to think and plan, have them write for five minutes. The goal is to have the most writing that responds to the prompt without losing focus or purpose. After the five minutes have passed, ask all of your students to take turns reading their responses to the class; then decide which student kept the best focus.

Assessing your students' writing, Part 8: FINAL PRODUCT

• The form and presentation of the letters and words increase the reader's ability to understand and connect with the message. It is eye-pleasing.
• The slant is consistent, letters are clearly formed, spacing is uniform between all the words, and the words are easy to read.
• The use of a title and opening paragraph make it easy for the reader to understand the desired purpose and intention.
• There is effective use of text and illustrations, maps, charts, graphs, and tables. There is a clear and understandable connection between the text and the visuals. (mainly for reports & presentations)
• The penmanship and letter size allow the audience to focus on your message without distractions.