Warm-up: Discussion Questions

1. What __________ ___________ do last night?

2. ____________ you a Canucks _________ ?

3. _____________ did you __________ ________ breakfast?

4. Have you _______________ your census form in the mail?

5. Do you __________ any ____________ for the weekend?

6. Do you _______ a topic idea for your digital________?

Review

What did we do the last time Sara was here?

A good digital story… In small groups, talk about the digital stories we’ve seen. As a

group, write down 3 or 4 things that describe a good digital story.

…isn’t too long.

…has an interesting topic and a clear focus.

…is narrated in a clear, loud voice.

…has interesting pictures that match the story.

...doesn’t have too much unnecessary information.

…often includes the storyteller’s feelings and emotions.

…is from the heart.

When you shared your meaningful item with your classmates

on Tuesday, you spoke from the heart!

Mind Map: What’s my story? Think about words that describe who you are. Create a ‘map’ that shows different things about you.

Me

Important Events

What I do

Places in my life

Important People in

my life

What I think about

Don’t forget to think about your past, present, and future!

becoming a mom

coming to Canada

How can I keep my children healthy and happy?

Will I find a job soon?

buying a house

Choosing a topic and a focus for your story

Use page 3 of your project workbook to help you choose a topic and a focus for your digital story.

You can work on the workbook questions with a partner, or you can work by yourself.

If you need help, ask a classmate or Sara!

Your Project WorkbookGood writers think, plan and organize their ideas before writing. Use your project workbook to:

Brainstorm

Make an outline

Write a first draft

1

2

3

Brainstorm example: My House

buying a house purple door 2003

blueberry and raspberry bushes grandma’s money

is it big enough? my 3 kids were born there

east Vancouver many weeds & dead plants in the garden

cluttered & messy: garden, rooms, toys, dishes

family and friends drop by a lot favourite room?

I love my house so many things need fixing

Outline exampleTopic: my house

Main point #1: introducing my house & the history of my house

• East Vancouver, close to downtown and North Shore mountains

• bought it in 2003

• Grandma – money to buy a house

• Grandma once told me, “you are nothing until you buy a house”

…and the rest of my outlineMain point #2: the mess in my house

• dishes, laundry, toys clutter

• we are busy, active, and spend time together as a family

Main point #3: my children

• they were all born in this house

• the house = my family now

Main point #4: my favourite room

• upstairs bathroom – why? Heated floors

• early morning, sitting on the floors, working on my computer

Write your first draft

When you write your first draft, don’t worry about the spelling or grammar. Focus on the ideas that you want to include in your story. Find a comfortable place in the classroom to write, relax, and have fun writing!

Questions?I know what I want to write but I don’t know the English words.

My head hurts and I feel tired. I don’t feel like writing a first draft!

How much should I write?

______________?

On Monday…

bring a photo or item that could be used with your story

you will finish your first draft and work with classmates to edit your first draft

bring a laptop if you have one?