Mr. Martin's Grade 10 Writing Relay

The premise was so simple. Why hadn't I thought of it? While brainstorming ideas with the class on how we could implement blogging as a regular part of our curriculum. Many of my students came up with great ideas but one stood out. It came from the devious brains of Brad and Scott (blogging sensations and conventions lunatics):

"An activity that we feel would be a good way to interact with Corey Charron is a class story. It is basically a story written by the entire class with Corey. He would start the class off with the opening paragraph of the story, and then the class will be divided into small groups. Each group will contribute a piece to the story. The first group will read what corey has written, and add on their own piece of the story, following the story line that Corey has laid out for them. After the first group has added their part of the story, the next group will read what was written and add on to it. The story will continue to progress until the class decides it is time for Corey to write the ending of the story."

Now, there are a few ways we could set this up. I want all class members forming small groups and they will submit an idea in the "comments" section. Then we will decide which submission we will take to add to the story.

Submitted today, here is the first paragrph (written by Corey) of our writing relay, titled:



The Rains
It had been raining for as long as anyone could remember. When the rains started, it was said, the water had come down in sheets, and houses floated away and some people disappeared. Some had believed it was the coming of another flood, but after four days and four nights the rain tapered down to a steady drizzle. Then some, and not just the "Saved" and the "Born Againers", said it was going to be something even worse – hell on earth, the end of days, perhaps. Others said it was just going to go on raining forever. ...

Now, the objective will be for the Grade 10's to add onto this stellar intro. We will do this in groups and perhaps take the story in a few different directions. We will begin this process this coming week. Any comments? Suggestions? "The Rains" is waiting for you!

Class submissions will be linked to google docs feel free to comment/encourage their progress!

- Mr. Robin Martin