SHARED WRITING - STORY STARTER PROJECT BRIEF

(initial idea provided by Andrew Freebury - Croesyceiliog Primary School, Torfaen)

Preparation prior to video conference session

1. Each school/class to choose a video starter from Torfaen’s Moodle English resource site. Each school to agree on a specific theme. For example, sci-fi. Both schools must use the same genre for a story.
2. Each school/class will use the resource to create a story using the video starter.  All learners must be aware of the distinctive features of the respective genre.
3. Each school/class will agree if this activity will be done as a whole class or as several groups within the class.
4. Each school/class can decide how they wish to present their story and choose the medium for a specific audience.  For example, traditional story writing, powerpoint presentation, animation, role play, artistic representation, web page, a collaborative story by using a shared resource e.g. Moodle assignment.
5. If schools/classes wish to explore separate mediums, then each school must inform the partner school so that each party are aware of the main genre features.

Resources

1. A variety of resources e.g. multimedia, paper, art, PCs
2. Digital cameras to record evidence of the initial project taking place.

Video Conference Suggested Activities

1. Initial introductions between both schools/classes.
2. Each school/class will look at any processes recorded during the creation of the agreed stories. E.g. video footage, photographs, draft pieces of work etc.  They can then compare and contrast the different approaches to the creation of the finished stories.
3. Each school/class/group will then present the completed story.
4. The schools/classes will compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the completed stories based on the same video story starter.
5. Photographic/video evidence can be collected to use as a resource for a display.
6. Thank you and goodbyes.

Resources

1. Various evidence collected during the process of creating the stories.
2.  Completed stories from each school
3. Digital cameras/video cameras

Extension

Depending on the ability/age/complexity of the story starter the children may choose to create a story during the video conference itself. E.g. Each school/class/group will watch a chosen story starter and then create a short story within a given time limit.

Schedule