I have decided that I am going to do my multigenre project on Scotland. I feel that this is still too broad, but I am not sure I know anything that would be more specific for what I want to do. I was thinking about creating a map, a brochure, some poems, and many more.
I think that, to make it more specific, I would do sections (ie: Geography, History, People, Culture, etc.), and have each section take up at least two pages.
I think that my students would have fun researching the country of their choice and then creating a multigenre project on that country. Right now they are going to be creating a binder with information about each of the countries in Europe and focus on the 5 Themes of Geography. However, a collegue of mine mentioned that she felt this kind of project didn’t really do anything for the kids. I think that if they are allowed to focus on something that they are more interested in, that would be a lot more fun.
The only other thoughts that I have had about how my students could use this project with what I have already told them that they will be doing this year is for them to use it with their author study.
Of course, I could have them do both projects at different times and in different classes, but we will have to see about that. I would love to be able to let them do the multigenre project on whatever is of interest to them, but I just don’t see that happening this year. I have already pretty much laid out the year for both my parents and students.
Does anybody have suggestions or other ideas?
you could choose to do a travel journal/log. choose where you would want to go in scotland and include memorabilia from the trip. you could model this by including factual information as well so students see that the log should have explanations of why you went to the places you did. i think i heard you tell dr. frye last week that you had been to scotland but if a student hasn’t gone to the country they choose to research they can make their travel log as if they had been there including places they would want to go if they were given the opportunity to travel.
Thank you! That is a great idea! I think that is exactly the kind of thing that I will go with. That will be fairly easy for me, because I have kept so many brochures and pamplets from my travels. However, with the internet I don’t think that it will be too much harder for my students. Thanks again for the comment!
I actually think the idea of using the multi-genre research ideas to study countries is a really good idea. I mean, even if it would be more fun or more exciting for students to be able to use this project in a way to study something in which they are more interested, it can also be used to make something like studying the geography of countries more interesting b/c students will have to become personally invested in their country and they can get creative with it. So, I think this is a great idea, and there are a lot of things you/they could do with it! They could do mock-pen pal letters, recipes of dishes native to their countries, flyers/posters/banners of festivals or holidays – things like that. I look forward to what you can come up with.
this is not related to your topic… but i would LOVE to hear that song!
When I was in 6th grade everyone had to do a HUGE project on a country- my country was Scotland. As you mentioned with your project, each student had a different country to research. Since you don’t have room this year you could possibly plan to do it next year. At the end of they year everyone dressed up like a native of their country ( and yes, I wore a kilt!) and had their projects on display. We were all so invested in the projects and so proud because we spent so much time on them.
Can’t wait to hear more about your research…have you ever been to the Scotland store near Linville? It’s so much fun! If you haven’t been, you should check it out
Kathleen, I LOVE the idea of having students present their projects while wearing the clothes that natives of that country are known to wear! I am all about having students dress up as they present, because I think that it can help some students “get outside of themselves”. However, I also know that I have quite a few students who would be unable to even attempt to dress up, so perhaps I could make it extra credit.
Thank you everyone for all your help!
Christy, I have actually been to the store in Linville, but it has been a VERY long time. I actually thought that it had been torn down a couple of years ago. Perhaps doing this project will give me a good excuse for popping over there for a visit.
Your students are going to love this project. I cannot wait to see your finaly product. Your eyes light up with excitement whenever you talk about your topic in class so I am confident you are going to have something that really shows your passion.
i loved your project (and not because you chose to use my idea!
) i’ve traveled quite a bit and would love to do something like this in my classroom. i’m taking the praxis II for middle school and maybe i’ll have the opportunity to use this in my classroom… thanks for sharing kate! you did an awesome job!
I enjoyed your presentation on Scotland. It is wonderful that you have had the opportunity to visit Scotland. Thanks for sharing!