Creative Activity: Writing Project Partnership
As Reported by Ms. Elisabeth Steele (Faculty)
As part of the IHBE/RtI Grant, I implemented a writing project with a
Charleston Middle School Language Arts classroom. The writing project is something
that is already a part of the ELE 3350 course but I thought it would better serve the
pre-service teachers if they did it with students. In the past, I have had students use
the Studentreasures Book Kit to write a children’s book. I felt with the writing process
to be truly understood, the EIU students needed to see the thought process from an
elementary/middle level perspective. In preparation for this project the ELE 3350
class covered the writing process and looked at a variety of children’s literature. Each
CMS student was paired with 1 to 2 EIU student(s). This project was completed during
four class times. We were partnered with Mrs. Beth Anne Morgan’s 7th grade Language
Arts class.
Day 1 (Sept. 22) - Students met with their partner and brainstormed book ideas
Day 2 (Sept. 24) - Began the writing process using a storyboard
Day 3 (Sept. 29) - EIU student proofed rough draft and CMS student began
writing the book
Day 4 (Oct. 1) - Finalize details of the book with CMS student
Mrs. Morgan used two additional class times to work on this with her students. In
addition the students had an opportunity to work on it before/after school and during
home base. The focus of those times was to complete illustrations. The writing part of
the book was completed during the time the EIU students were present.
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EC/ELE/MLE Newsletter
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November, 2014
This Language Arts class is co-taught by Blaine Mayhall the Special Education
teacher for the 7th Grade Orange Team. During our visits the class was divided into
three areas to work on the books: Mrs. Morgan’s room, Mr. Mayhall’s room and the
Media Center. This allowed the students plenty of space to work with their partner.
The Studentreasures Book Kit is provided free to pre-service teachers
therefore the writing project had no cost associated with it. The only supplies needed
are the book kits, markers, and a pen.
Following our participation, a survey was completed by the CMS students, Mrs.
Morgan and Mr. Mayhall as well as the ELE 3350 class. The classroom teachers, CMS
students and ELE 3350 students each received a different survey.
Attached are the survey results:
CMS Student Survey
1. How helpful was the EIU student(s) in assisting with the book project?
2. How well did you enjoy the process of writing a children’s book?
3. How likely would you be to doing a project like this again?
4. Overall, how satisfied are you with the outcome of the book project?
CMS Student Survey
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Question 1
Extremely
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Question 2
Very
Question 3
Moderately
Slightly
Question 4
Not
Issue 2
November, 2014
Cooperating Teacher Survey
1. How will did the book writing partnership meet the learning needs of the
student?
2. How well did the nook writing project fit into curricular goals of your classroom?
3. How effective was the pairing of EIU student with CMS students?
4. How likely would you be to recommending this project to other teachers?
5. Overall, how satisfied are you with the outcome of the book project?
Both teachers were extremely satisfied with the book project.
Comments:
“The students were very excited and eager to write their book. I overheard
several conversations of students bragging to other 7th graders about this project. It
was nice to see the students be able to use what we have studied so far (descriptive
writing, sensory writing, and figurative language) in a different way. I also remember as
a pre-service teacher how important it was to interact with students. My students love
one-on-one interaction that they don’t necessarily get on a daily basis at CMS! Thanks
so much—what a great idea! I look forward to future partnerships.”
-
Ms. Beth Anne Morgan
“I was very happy with the way the experience played out for our kids. For my
kids specifically, it was a great project. My students aren’t always the easiest to please
or to get interested in writing. I had comments at the end of each session and kids
excited to work on their books in home base. It may not seem like a bid deal, but for
my students, it really it. Thank you so much for making this experience possible and I
hope we can continue it in the years to come.”
-Ms. Blaine Mayhall
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EC/ELE/MLE Newsletter
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EIU Student Feedback
For this survey, I wanted to get feedback of what they thought of the project. Also,
how to approach the writing process as a teacher.
The following questions were asked:
1. What did you think of the book writing project?
2. Did this project help you gain an understanding of the writing process and how
students approach it?
3. Do you think this process was helpful to understanding the role of a teacher?
4. Do you think your CMS partner was prepared for the project (understanding of
writing, grammar, dialogue, etc.)?
5. What changes, if any would you suggest for this book project?
Overall, the feedback was positive and everyone involved seemed to enjoy the project.
Celebrations
EC/ELE/MLE Newsletter
Issue 2
November, 2014