Becoming Published Authors
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create and share captivating stories that showcase our unique voices and inspire others to read?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What makes a story interesting to read?
- How do authors choose different ways to write?
- How can we share our writing with others?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will learn to write in multiple genres.
- Students will learn what makes a story interesting.
- Students will learn how to publish their work.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students"The Mysterious Manuscript"
A locked briefcase is discovered in the classroom containing a collection of unpublished children's stories with a note asking for help in getting them published. Students become literary detectives, analyzing the stories, identifying their genres, and brainstorming ways to bring them to the public."Author's Toolkit Challenge"
Students receive a package filled with intriguing but unrelated objects (e.g., a feather, a map fragment, a toy car). They must collaboratively invent a story connecting all the objects, sparking creativity and demonstrating the power of imagination in different genres.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Genre Explorer
Students explore different genres of writing to understand their unique elements and purposes.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA class chart summarizing the characteristics of different genres with student-generated examples.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will learn to write in multiple genres.Story Spark Generator
Students brainstorm ideas for stories based on personal experiences, observations, or imagination, focusing on elements that make a story interesting.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA list of three story ideas per student, with a brief description and identified genre for each.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will learn what makes a story interesting.My First Draft
Students select one of their story ideas and begin writing a first draft, focusing on developing characters, setting, and a basic plot.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA complete first draft of a story, showcasing initial character development, setting descriptions, and plot elements.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will learn to write in multiple genres.Feedback Frenzy
Students participate in peer review sessions, providing constructive feedback on each other's first drafts and identifying areas for improvement.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA peer-reviewed first draft with written feedback from a classmate, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will learn what makes a story interesting.Revision Rockstar
Students revise their first drafts based on the feedback received, focusing on improving clarity, character development, and plot coherence.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA revised draft of the story, demonstrating improvements in clarity, character development, and plot coherence based on peer feedback.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will learn what makes a story interesting.Publishing Prep
Students prepare their final drafts for publishing by editing for grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and creating illustrations to accompany their stories.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA final, edited draft of the story with accompanying illustrations, ready for publishing.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will learn how to publish their work.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioNarrative Writing Rubric: From Spark to Story
Idea Generation & Genre Exploration
This category assesses the student's ability to generate creative story ideas, identify appropriate genres, and demonstrate an understanding of genre characteristics.Story Idea Originality & Genre Awareness
Assesses the originality and creativity of the story ideas, as well as the student's ability to match the idea with an appropriate genre.
Exemplary
4 PointsGenerates highly original and imaginative story ideas, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of genre conventions and applying them effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsGenerates creative and appropriate story ideas, demonstrating a solid understanding of genre conventions and applying them appropriately.
Developing
2 PointsGenerates basic story ideas with some originality, showing an emerging understanding of genre conventions but with inconsistent application.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to generate original story ideas, demonstrating a limited understanding of genre conventions and difficulty in applying them.
Drafting & Story Development
This category assesses the student's ability to create a first draft, focusing on character development, setting description, and plot elements.Character, Setting, & Plot Development
Assesses how well the student develops characters, describes the setting, and establishes a basic plot in their first draft.
Exemplary
4 PointsCrafts vivid characters, detailed settings, and a compelling plot with clear progression and engaging elements.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops clear characters, descriptive settings, and a coherent plot with a discernible beginning, middle, and end.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging character development, basic setting descriptions, and a rudimentary plot structure with some inconsistencies.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to develop characters, provide setting descriptions, or establish a clear plot, resulting in a disjointed narrative.
Feedback & Revision
This category assesses the student's ability to provide and incorporate feedback to improve their story, focusing on clarity, character development, and plot coherence.Constructive Feedback & Incorporation
Assesses the quality of feedback provided to peers and the extent to which feedback is incorporated to improve the story's clarity, character development, and plot coherence.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides insightful and constructive feedback to peers, and skillfully incorporates feedback to significantly enhance the story's clarity, character development, and plot coherence.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides helpful and relevant feedback to peers, and effectively incorporates feedback to improve the story's clarity, character development, and plot coherence.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic feedback to peers, and attempts to incorporate feedback to improve the story, but with limited success in clarity, character development, or plot coherence.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to provide constructive feedback to peers, and shows minimal incorporation of feedback, resulting in little or no improvement in clarity, character development, or plot coherence.
Publishing Preparation
This category assesses the student's ability to prepare their final draft for publishing by editing for grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and creating illustrations to accompany their stories.Editing & Illustration
Assesses the thoroughness of editing for grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and the creativity and appropriateness of the accompanying illustrations.
Exemplary
4 PointsMeticulously edits the story for grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and creates captivating and relevant illustrations that enhance the narrative.
Proficient
3 PointsEdits the story effectively for grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and creates appropriate illustrations that complement the narrative.
Developing
2 PointsShows some effort in editing the story for grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and creates basic illustrations that are somewhat related to the narrative.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates limited effort in editing the story for grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and creates illustrations that are unrelated or poorly executed.