Design an activity where you will be teaching writing skills to grade 3 class using the shared writing strategy?

Shared writing is a collaborative approach where the teacher and students work together to create a piece of writing. It's a great strategy to teach writing skills, especially for younger students. Here's an activity using the shared writing strategy for a Grade 3 class:

Activity: Creating a Class Story

Objective: To teach Grade 3 students the elements of a story (character, setting, plot) and how to collaboratively write a narrative using the shared writing strategy.

Materials:

• Large whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers
• Story planning graphic organizer (character, setting, problem, solution)
• Story starters (optional)

Steps:

• Introduction (15 minutes):

Start by discussing the elements of a story: characters, setting, problem, and solution. Use relatable examples to explain these concepts. Share a simple story to engage the students.

• Story Planning (10 minutes):

Distribute a story planning graphic organizer or draw one on the board. Together with the students, fill out the character(s), setting, problem, and solution sections for the story. Encourage students to contribute ideas and make decisions together.

• Shared Writing (20 minutes):

Begin writing the story on the board or chart paper. You can start with a catchy opening sentence or use a story starter to spark their imagination. As you write, involve the students in the process. Ask them questions, encourage suggestions, and prompt discussions about what should happen next.

• Collaborative Discussion (10 minutes):

Pause at key points in the story to discuss with the class. Ask questions like, "What could the character do now?" or "How can we make the problem more exciting?" Encourage students to share their ideas and provide reasoning for their suggestions.

• Revising and Editing (10 minutes):

After completing the story, read it aloud with the class. Discuss the flow, word choice, and any improvements that can be made. Make necessary revisions together. This is a valuable opportunity to model the revising and editing process.

• Illustrations (10 minutes):

As a follow-up, encourage students to illustrate different parts of the story. This reinforces the connection between text and visuals in storytelling.

• Sharing and Celebration (5 minutes):

Once the story is complete, read the final version aloud to the class. Celebrate their collaborative effort and showcase the story on a bulletin board or in the classroom.

Extensions and Variations:

• Students can work in pairs or small groups to create their own stories using the shared writing strategy.
• Introduce dialogue by involving students in writing conversations between characters.
• Create a class book by compiling the stories and illustrations into a bound booklet.

Benefits:

• The shared writing strategy allows students to actively participate in the writing process, enhancing their writing skills and engagement.
• Collaborative writing builds a sense of community and teamwork in the classroom.
• Younger students gain a better understanding of the components of a story and the sequential nature of storytelling.

Remember to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all students feel comfortable contributing their ideas. This activity not only teaches writing skills but also nurtures creativity, communication, and cooperation among Grade 3 students.