Dialectic Writing Co-ops 14-16

[PhyllisG]

Ladies, as you've probably heard by now, we discussed the collaborative writing project they'll be working on starting next co-op through the end of the year. Here's the basic info I covered in class so you'll also know what to expect over the course of the next several weeks.

Group 1:
Presley H. (leader)
Piper H.
Sophia G.
Lucy G.

Group 2:
Elizabeth P. (leader)
Annelise G.
M-A K.
Ava S.

The project is a fictional story with dialogue that is set somewhere in space (not earth). The students will be reading/acting their story out, so I've limited them to no more than 4 characters (including a narrator if they have one). They must have the normal components of a good plot: rising action, climax and resolution as well as a problem that needs to be solved. I've asked them to include an antagonist and a protagonist.

They have two themes they can choose from:
1. Don't feed the ________________ (fill in the blank)!
2. Never take a left turn in space!

Please expect to get requests to set up times they can all work together on the project...the sooner they begin, the better. I've given the leaders of each group some leeway in assigning roles based on interests/skills as well as authority to make final decisions when there's disagreement. Next co-op I will go over the components of a good fictional story and dialogue, but in the meantime, they can certainly start to work on the framework of their story. During co-op 15, they will have the entire class time to work on their stories together, so each team will need to bring a computer. During the final co-op, each time will present their story and then we will celebrate the end of the year and all of their hard work with a small party/time of reflection on what they've learned and how their writing has improved. You are all invited to watch the

Their current writing assignment is the interview report. I stressed the importance of getting started quickly with this assignment because they'll need all of this time to prepare, have the interview and then write their report.

As always, I've really enjoyed teaching your students this year and am looking forward to watching them present their stories. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Blessings,
Phyllis