Story Jumper

How did you organise the groups?

The activity was carried out with 5^th grade, as a review for the contents learnt in the previous unit: uses of the adjective, comparative and superlative. The students were organized in groups of three. Each group is using one laptop or tablet with which they create their own characters, own scenarios and own plot.

What was the sequence of tasks that you followed to get to the final product?

1. Review the vocabulary and structures.

2. Present the app and give them basic directions about how it works.

3. Create a book from the very beginning to show them how to do it.

4. In groups, brainstorming to set the vocabulary, sentences, structures…

5. Independent time to work (monitoring and advising).

6. Checking the first story and correct mistakes.

7. Publish the story and share with the partners.

 

-      What were the specific learning objectives for this activity? How did the use of the tool help the learners achieve these objectives? Please be specific and give concrete examples.

 To reinforce the use of adjectives.

·         To increase the number of adjective the students can manage.

·         To develop the digital competence.

 

-      In what ways (be specific) was creativity and the use of imagination encouraged in your students?

In these ages, students feel comfortable doing what they master, not taking too many risks when producing language. Because of that it would be necessary to be very specific and set that they cannot just reproduce that models and examples they already know. They would be asked to be creative, to be risky without penalization. The most part of the time they feel ashamed for their mistakes, so it is vital to set an atmosphere of respect and confidence.

 

-      What did your students enjoy most / least about this activity?

 

My students always love the opportunity to learn something new by using technology, or just the use of that technology itself. I am sure some of them will explore the app in detail and will give it other uses for even having fun in their free time.

Although the activity looks funny and the students would be motivated, they still struggle when it comes to practice their writing skills.

 

-      What would you change next time?

I would create groups based on their levels, I mean, ensuring that in each group there were a person with a good level, a leader, who can guide and give advice to the others.

 

-      How were the finished projects shared with the rest of the class?

Projects could be shared through the Google Classroom group.

 

-      What opportunities were there for students to co-evaluate and discuss the learning experience with each other?

By cooperating in doing the story, by adding or modifying their partner´s work, by commenting on the Google Classroom group…