The major benefit of writing collaboratively is that students can talk about the writing process and explore effective ways to communicate their ideas. These discussions reinforce what students are learning and fill in gaps in their understanding. Continual comprehension checks, as well as recursive revision and editing, will help students experience the writing process together. Group essay writing should not replace the individual writing of essays, but occasionally this kind of collaborative writing may serve a useful purpose. In this group activity, the goal is to write a character sketch of a character from a novel.
Strategies/Skills Used
Writing Skill 2: I organize my ideas based on my purpose for writing.
Writing Skill 4: I write so my thoughts flow smoothly and are easy to read.
Writing Skill 8: I re-read, reflect, revise and edit.
(1) Divide students into small groups of three or four.
(2) Explain to students that each group will write a character sketch of a character that is currently being examined in a class novel study or literature circle.
(3) Have each group set a specific task or goal for each group meeting so that there is a clearly established purpose. Groups may meet up to five times to complete their collaborative essay.
(4) Explain to students that as they read the novel, they should gather enough information to describe three characteristics about the protagonist.
(5) Provide time for students to share and record their responses to story events, especially the character’s personality, appearance, behaviour and motives. Have one member take notes. Provide copies of the Collaborative Character Sketch for note-taking purposes.
(6) Before a draft of the character essay is written, ask the groups to create a detailed plan or outline of the information about the character that will be included.
(7) Assign specific responsibilities to group members, such as writing the introduction, finding supporting details and quotes, writing the conclusion, reviewing, revising, and editing.
(8) Invite groups to exchange completed papers for constructive comments and further revision.
Primary
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Intermediate
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