Basic

Productivity Tools (BPT)

Lesson Idea Name: Your Time to Be an Author
Content Area: English Language Arts
Grade Level(s): 4th

Content Standard Addressed:

ELAGSE4W3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective
technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

1. Orient the reader by establishing a situation and introducing a narrator and/or characters;
organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally.
2. Use dialogue and description to develop experiences and events or show the responses of
characters to situations.
3. Use a variety of transitional words and phrases to manage the sequence of events.
4. Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events
precisely.
5. Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events.

Technology Standard Addressed: Level 4: Innovative Designer

Selected Technology Tool: Storyjumper

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):
https://www.storyjumper.com
Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☒ Evaluating ☒ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration

☒ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):
Storyjumper is an online writing platform that supports UDL in several ways. It supports visual and
auditory learners, as well as learning disabilities by allowing students to add images, voice effects, and
background music to their story. EL are supported because there are over 20 languages available in
Storyjumper. This website is interactive, allows students to be creative, and supports learning by teaching
students how to create their own stories online.


Lesson idea implementation:
The teacher will begin the lesson by sharing her book that she made using Storyjumper. Afterwards, the
teacher will demonstrate how to use Storyjumper. The students will learn how to add text, images, and audio
to their story. Once the students are more comfortable with using Storyjumper, they will choice to write their
story about a fairytale, the best weekend ever, a day in the rainforest, the funniest zoo animal, or a great day
with my friend or family. Higher order thinking will occur during this assignment because the teacher will be
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 Basic Productivity Tools (BPT)
giving the students a choice about what they want to write about. Students can also choice to work on this
assignment with a classmate or on their own. Before creating their story on Storyjumper, the students will
brainstorm and organize their thoughts using a graphic organizer. Once the students have organized their
thoughts, they will begin to use Storyjumper. The teacher will walk around the room and assist students when
needed. If a student chooses to work with a partner, they will work together to brainstorm, create and revise
their story when needed. Students will need to include an organized sequence of events, dialogue and
descriptions that develop experiences, and events that show the response of characters to situations. They
will also use a variety of transition words and phrases, as well as concrete words and phrases and sensory
details. At the end of their story, there will also need to be a conclusion that follows the experiences or events
in the story.
This assignment should take three days to complete. During the first day, students will learn how to use
Storyjumper, brainstorm, and create their story. During the second day, the students will finish up their story.
If needed, students can work on this assignment at home. On the last day, students will be sharing their work
with the teacher. The students work will be assessed using a rubric, and the teach will provide feedback on
the rubric and face-to-face. Student learning with be assessed through participation, creativity, and proper
grammar. Once the students have finalized their story, they will share their work with the teacher with the
sharing feature on StoryJumper. If the students feel comfortable, they can also share their story to the class.
With their parents help at home, students will also have the option to buy a hardcopy version of the story
they created.

Reflective Practice:
To extend the lesson to a higher LoTi level, the teacher will print out each students’ story and laminate it.
The students will bind their story to create a book, so they can share their story with a student in a lower
grade level. The teacher will be in charge of setting up a day for the 4th graders to read their books to the
younger students. Along with their story, the students will also share their experience while creating their
book. This experience may have the potential to make a difference in a young student’s negative mindset
about writing. Luckily, with todays technology, students can express their ideas and thoughts through their
writing using productivity tools that go beyond the experience of pen and paper.

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