"Write & Wander: Creative Corner Chronicles"

6th, 7th, 8th Grades Lesson 15 minutes

"Write & Wander: Creative Corner Chronicles"

LeRhonda Lewis

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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse students in the foundational elements of creative writing and journalism, allowing them to explore and blend these styles through hands-on projects and community engagement. Students will develop their narrative techniques and perspectives by interacting with local authors, journalists, and librarians, fostering a deeper understanding of storytelling. Through peer feedback, public speaking, and community exhibitions, students will refine their skills and contribute to a community anthology, showcasing their ability to create impactful narratives.

Learning goals

Students will explore and differentiate between creative writing and journalism, understanding how to blend these styles effectively. They will develop skills in narrative techniques and perspective through hands-on writing projects and peer feedback sessions. By engaging with community partners, students will gain real-world insights and apply them in creating a community anthology, enhancing their public speaking and storytelling abilities.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7: Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a community anthology featuring their creative writing and journalism pieces, each accompanied by a reflective commentary on the narrative techniques and perspectives employed. This anthology will be distributed to local libraries and community centers, showcasing students' work to a broader audience. Additionally, students will prepare and perform dramatic readings of their pieces during a 'Perspective Parade,' emphasizing the diverse perspectives and narrative techniques explored throughout the project.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a 'Perspective Panel' where students listen to engaging audio interviews from authors and journalists discussing their storytelling approaches. Follow this with small group discussions where students explore how different perspectives shape narratives in both creative writing and journalism. Encourage students to reflect on their own perspectives and how they can use them to create impactful stories.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Perspective Parade' where they perform dramatic readings of their creative writing and journalism pieces, highlighting different perspectives and narrative techniques. The audience will include community partners, such as authors and journalists, as well as school administrators. This event will provide students with an opportunity to showcase their public speaking skills and the creative blending of writing styles they have developed throughout the project.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1
Activities	4-Corners Exploration - Begin with a 4-corners activity where each corner represents creative writing, journalism, a blend, and undecided; students move to their chosen corner and discuss their understanding of that style (15 min) Journal Reflection - Write a brief journal entry to explore blending creative writing and journalism on a chosen topic (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Vocabulary journal defining key terms for creative writing and journalism. 2. Short journal entry blending elements of both writing styles. 3. Collaborative blended writing piece created in pairs. 4. Presentation of blended writing piece at the "Writer's Showcase."
Preparation	1. Prepare materials for the 4-corners activity, including signs for each corner and introductory prompts. 2. Create a list of essential vocabulary terms for creative writing and journalism for students to explore. 3. Ensure access to current event articles or resources for students to use in their journal entries. 4. Provide guidelines and rubrics for the collaborative writing project. 5. Set up space for the "Writer's Showcase" including seating arrangements and a presentation area.