Using Writing and Role-Play to Engage the Reluctant Writer

Materials and Technology

Student Interactives

Printouts

Preparation

 

MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY

• Access to classroom computers or the media center

• Copies of The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell (Rising Moon, 2003)

• Student writing journal

• Whiteboard and markers

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STUDENT INTERACTIVES

Grades   K – 12  |  Student Interactive  |  Organizing & Summarizing

Story Map

The Story Map interactive is designed to assist students in prewriting and postreading activities by focusing on the key elements of character, setting, conflict, and resolution.

 

Grades   3 – 12  |  Student Interactive  |  Organizing & Summarizing

Trading Card Creator

This tool provides a fun and useful way to explore a variety of topics such as a character in a book, a person or place from history, or even a physical object. An excellent tool to for summarizing or as a prewriting exercise for original stories.

 

Grades   K – 12  |  Student Interactive  |  Writing & Publishing Prose

Letter Generator

The Letter Generator is a useful tool for students to learn the parts of a business or friendly letter and then compose and print letters for both styles of correspondence.

 

Grades   K – 12  |  Student Interactive  |  Organizing & Summarizing

Venn Diagram

This interactive tool allows students to create Venn diagrams that contain two or three overlapping circles, enabling them to organize their information logically.

 

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PRINTOUTS

• The Writing Process handout

• Character Map graphic organizer

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PREPARATION

1.	Read The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell to become familiar with the plot and characters of the story.
2.	Make copies of the Character Map graphic organizer and The Writing Process handout for each student.
3.	Make an informal pre-assessment of your students' prior knowledge regarding role-play. Ask students to complete a K-W-L chart about role-play and discuss their responses in a whole-class setting.
4.	Think creatively about and prepare to demonstrate an example of writing in role using one of the main characters from The Three Little Javelinas.
5.	Put students in mixed writing groups or circles (e.g., 3 high-level with 3 medium-level; 3 ESOL with 3 medium-level; 3 low-level with 3 medium-level). Individualize groups to meet your class needs.

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