Reading+and+Writing+Task

=Good Morning 5th Graders!!=

Today we will be writing short stories! Recently in class we have been discussing everything that needs to be included in short stroies so be sure to include each part. You will each be given the first sentence of your short story and then you will need to expand on the idea in that first sentence. Be sure to add at least two more characters beyond the one already provided, create a plot, setting, theme, and point of view from the main character! Have fun!



Before starting this assignment, I would like you to watch this video. This is an excellent example of a short story!!

media type="youtube" key="ezNP5ca5dYA" height="315" width="420"

Task #1:

Using the link below for story starters, go to the website and click The Story Starter for Kids link. Once that opens, press the "Click for your story starter" button in the middle of the page. A one sentence statement will appear, please only press the button once and use the first sentence given to you. It is important to be able to expand on any idea given to you and not pick and choose your topic.

Ready... set... click...

[|The Story Starter]

Task #2:

Now that you have the first sentence of your short story it is time to do some brainstorming! Using a graphic organizer that looks like the one provided below, brainstrom some thoughts for your short story. Be sure to include each part of this graphic organizer (Who, Where, Why, When, What, How) in your short story.



Task #3:

Now that your graphic organizer is complete lets start writing! Open a microsoft word document to write your story. The story should be 2 pages long in a size 12 font of your choice. Do not forget to put your name and the date on the top right corner of your first page. Once you are finished writing please print out your story. Next edit the hard copy of your story then go back and revise it on your computer. Once you have a final copy of your story please save it on your computer and print out a copy to bring to class.

Task #4:

Now we are going to create a Wordle using our short stories. Click on the link below to get to the worlde website. Once you are there, click on the CREATE link at the top of the page. Then paste your entire story into the first box that they give you. You can choose a style or shape that you want your wordle to portray. A wordle will show you which words you used most throughout your story and give the main points of your short story. This will be important for the in class activity later this week. Once you have finished your wordle, please print a copy of it to bring to class.

Ready... set... create...

[|Create your Wordle]

Task #5:

This is the final part and it is easy. On the due date of this assignment everyone will be bringing their short stories and wordles into class to share with everyone. We will be deciding which stories we want to read by the wordle that goes with them. This is why it is important to be sure to use a wide range of vocabulary in your stories so that the wordles are interesting. I will be bringing snacks to class that day to enjoy while we read the stories!

Please have fun and be creative with this assignment!! I am looking forward to reading your stories!!!
Grading Rubric:


 * Short Story Project || 15-11 points || 10-6 points || 5-2 points || 1-0 points ||
 * Introduction || Clearly uses the provided story starter and expands the thought in an interesting way || Uses the story starter sentence, expands on the idea slightly || Uses the story starter sentence but does not expand on the idea || Does not use a story starter sentence ||
 * Body || Has a strong plot, describes the who, when, what, where, why, and how. Provides two more characters in the plot, a strong setting and point of view. || Has a good plot, has partial who, when, what, where, why, and how. Gives one more character in the plot, a good setting and point of view. || Plot if okay, only includes some of the who, when, what, where, why, and how. Point of view and setting could use a little improvement. || There is not a plot, does not include any parts necessary in a short story. Point of view and setting need a lot of improvement. ||
 * Conclusion || Wraps up the story well and gives a good ending to the story || Does not completely wrap up the story but provides an okay ending || Ending could be a little stronger and some points of the story were left unsettled || Story does not get wrapped up and reader is left confused and not satisfied with the story ||
 * Grammar/ Punctuation || Little or no mistakes || Less then 5 mistakes || Less then 10 mistakes || More then 10 mistakes ||
 * Wordle || Creative and shows a wide ranged vocabulary || Could have a few more words in it || Same words were used to often || Needs a lot of improvement ||
 * Creativity/Effort || Showed a lot of effort and very creative || Good effort and creativity || Could use more effort and creativity || Very little effort and creativity ||
 * Time Management(10 points maximum) ||  Turned in on time10 points  ||  1 day late8 points  ||  2 days late5 points  ||  More then 2 days late0-3 points  ||

Maximum 100 points

 * Standards:**

Nets-S 1. Creativity and Innovation. Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.

Illinois Common Core Standard CC.5.W.6 Production and Distribution of Writing: With some guidence 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 of two in a single sitting.

//Illinois Common Core Standards.// (2011). Retrieved from []
 * Sources:**

//Nets for Students 2007.// (2007). Retrieved from []

//Rainbow Reader: 3rd Grader Jay.// (2008). Retrieved from []

//The Story Starter.// (2012). Retrieved from []

//Wordle.// (2011). Retrieved from []

Created by: Michelle Moore, Caitlin Strubin