Hi Michele –
I have been wanting to thank you for taking the time to write out step by step instructions on Ben’s blog (3/6/2010-way down under the comments) on how to have students create stories from 3 structures..
After reading your “instructions” I gave it a try in my class and OH MY GOODNESS – it worked so well! To get the structures I asked 3-4 students in the Spanish 1 class to write down a word that they would like to know in Spanish but didn’t. I used those words as the structures. Their words/structures were:
I am Pancakes
I want to throw it
I do what I want
Put it away!
feed me!
make me a sandwich!
It worked beautifully. We had actors and everything. I had them give me words on Wednesday. Thursday when I came in I had actually planned to NOT try the new idea because I was a bit nervous to try something new. They asked me immediately if we were going to use their words. Of course I said yes. The “buy in” was fantastic. I had no trouble at all finding the “best” story. The other groups were green with envy and I could tell they couldn’t wait for the next time. Everything you said would happen did. The L2 flowed for most of the period. I also liked the fact that it brought in the first person – something we hadn’t worked with much this year.
Thank you so very much. I am going to forward your “instructions” to my colleagues because I think they would find this idea very helpful them as well.
I appreciate your support and help.
Sincerely
Skip Crosby
Poland, Maine
The Problem with CI
Jeffrey Sachs was asked what the difference between people in Norway and in the U.S. was. He responded that people in Norway are happy and
