Online Projects, Collaboration Sites and Publishing Opportunities

Lesson Idea Name: Write Me A Story

Content Area: Writing
Grade Level(s): 5th grade
Content Standard Addressed:
ELAGSE5W6: With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the internet, to produce
and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of
keyboarding skills to type a minimum two pages in a single sitting.

Technology Standard Addressed: Knowledge Constructor

Selected Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity: KidsCom – “Write Me A Story”

URL(s) to support the lesson: http://www.kidscom.com/create/write/write.html

Describe how you would incorporate an Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity in your
classroom:
This tool is great for school and home use. This could be used as a homework tool to aid students on writing
when they are away from their teachers. However, it can also be used in schools as a learning station or class
aid. The availability of the computers would determine whether it was a whole class exercise or a small group
exercise. Students can use the prompts provided by the tool, and they can also publish their work on the
website as well. Students could be safe by using pseudonyms, and the next class we could vote on the class
favorite stories.
During class, students could collaborate to create stories to publish on the website as well. They would
brainstorm ideas, have different roles in the writing process, and publish a story together on the website. This
tool is great for allowing students to dabble in publishing their own papers and also collaborating with other
classmates.
What technologies would be required to implement this proposed learning activity in a classroom?
Computers, laptops, or tablets with internet access.
Describe how the following features are addressed in this learning experience (note: all of them may not be
addressed in the project, but most should be if you are reaching a high LoTi Level).
a. Collaboration with peers, near-peers, mentors outside their classroom and often beyond their school:
Students have the opportunity to publish their stories online for peers inside and outside the classroom
to read. Students also collaborate as part of the lesson plan. This allows them to work with peers in their
classroom to come up with different ideas for the stories, and they can learn the different writing style
of their peers.

b. Student-centered learning and knowledge creation (creating original data and or producing original
products as a result of engaging in a project): Students are to select the link that says, “Write A Story
Challenge,” and by doing so, the website randomly generates characters, settings, and props that the
writer has to incorporate into their story. This allows the student to write about a different topic than
they would normally, but they also have to create a story that is different than anyone elses.

c. Higher-order thinking: When students go to the challenge tab, they are given random main characters,
settings, and props. These items can be really different, and this makes students think outside the box.
When I went through the challenge, I was given an alien at the farmers market with odd vegetables. For
a student to create a story with these nouns and places, they have to think creatively.

d. Students publishing their original work to others who will use/care about their product: After
students write their original stories, they are prompted to publish their story online. This website is

Spring 2018_SJB
 Online Projects, Collaboration Sites and Publishing Opportunities
open to peers beyond the classroom. Other viewers can read these original stories published by my
student under their pseudonyms. This is safe for the students, and they can receive feedback from
others on their writings.

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☒ Evaluating ☒ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration
☐ Level 5: Expansion ☒ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

This website allows students at different levels to participate. By giving the character, setting, and prop, it
sets the stage for what the story is going to be about. So, students are able to create the story to their best
ability. Students can work alone, with a friend, or in a group to create these stories. Students can activate prior
knowledge to create their stories.
Lesson idea implementation and Internet Safety Policies:
Before I allow my students to access this website, I would have to research my districts internet safety
policies. Some districts are very specific as to who you have to report to for permission for internet safety.
After researching the policies, I will read the terms and agreements on the website I am using. If I believe that
this website fits my need, then I will talk to the principal to get approval for usage in my classroom. Since my
students will be publishing their work online, I will get parent permission form all my students, and my student
will use pseudonyms.
I will start the class off by explaining internet safety to my students. Once my students have agreed to be
safe and not share personal information, I will show them how to access the website. We will start off by
creating a funny story together as a whole class.
After my students understand how to use the website, they will start to create their own stories. They can
choose to work in groups, partners, or alone. They are to create a story with the character, setting, and prop
provided by the website. Students in group will have to choose a writer, time manager, and spokesperson. I
will give the students fifteen minutes to complete the assignment. After completed, each story will be shared
in the classroom. After each story is written and I checked to make sure no personal detailed is leaked into the
story, I will show the students how they can properly share their story online.
Reflective Practice:
Writing promotes communication skills, creativity, and exploration. I can use my students writing as a
formative assessment, and students can review concepts previously learned through writing. By using
technology, I am changing the writing dynamic they are used too. Students find the internet to be an exciting
platform for learning.

Spring 2018_SJB