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