Creating a Resource-Rich Classroom

Session 8, Focus on Writing

L. Opp-Beckman, C. KiefferUniversity of Oregon

http://thaiuo.uoregon.edu/session_08.html

Session 8

• Opening Remarks and Review

• Activity #1: Diamante Poems

• Activity #2: Chain Stories

• Activity #3: All-class Writing

• Demonstration of Web Sites

• Q & A (time permitting).

Review

Importance of Exposure

• A LOT of exposure.

• Of interest to learners (ask them!).

• Different genres of language.

• Regular updates of “fresh” materials and resources.

• Feedback on what’s working.

Review

Importance of Choice

• Students who are interested will be more engaged…

• Spend more time on task…

• Show better learning outcomes (become language users)…

• Enjoy their learning experience!

Review,Goals

Resource-rich = Literacy-rich

• Build resource sets over time.

• Anchor use of resources to curriculum and learning goals.

• Avoid expensive investments of… -- Time! -- Money!

Activity #1

Diamante Poems

See handout:http://thaiuo.uoregon.edu/session_08.html

Choose a topic (theme, event).

Choose opposites for the topic.

Follow along with us to create your poem….

Diamante Poem

[Title], by [Author/s]

_____________________________________, ________________

_________________, ________________, ________________________________, _______________, ________________, ________________

_________________, ________________, __________________________________, _______________

____________________

Diamante Poem

Passage of Time, by Cindy & Leslie

Sunrisebright, energetic

shining, awakening, flowingdawn, renewal, closure, dreams

relaxing, reflecting, soothingrestful, peaceful

Sunset

Activity #2

Chain Stories

See handout:http://www.uoregon.edu/~leslieob/chains.html

Get into groups of 3.

Choose a topic (theme, event).

Follow along with us to create your story (beginning, middle, end)….

Chain Stories

Variations

• Groups of 4.

• Use realia or “clues” as prompts.

• Combine with oral storytelling.

• Combine with Reader’s Theater.

• Illustrate and display; anthology.

Activity #3

“I Saw, I Heard, I Am…”

See example:http://www.uoregon.edu/~aei/sanno98memories.html

Choose a topic (theme, event).

Everyone gets three cards.

Follow along with us to create your piece….

All-class Writing

Variations

• Graffitti wall.

• Collage.

• “Continuous comment” board.

• Story corner with rotating display of student work.

• Publish as newsletter, journal, etc.

http://www.uoregon.edu/~leslieob/pizzaz.html

This is the source for today’s diamante poems, chain stories, and other writing activities.

http://www.eduplace.com/tales/

http://www.thestorystarter.com/

http://www.seventhsanctum.com/index-writ.php

http://www.brown.edu/Courses/FR0133/Fairytale_Generator/

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/creative-writing/rubrics/4531.html

Next Session

• Bring: Resources to share in the “Swap Shop.”

• Bring your collections of targeted TOPICS + RESOURCES.

For copies of handouts:

http://thaiuo.uoregon.edu

Creating a Resource-Rich Classroom

Session 8, Focus on Writing

L. Opp-Beckman, C. KiefferUniversity of Oregon

http://thaiuo.uoregon.edu/session_08.html