This WebQuest is to be completed using several class sessions, preferably during writer's workshop. Before beginning the WebQuest activities, look at each step. Directions for the teacher are included in red font. Each step in the process is to be taught as a mini-lesson. It should take approximately several weeks to complete this WebQuest.
Before starting our journey, we will read poems from Shel Silverstein's books, will listen to his CD's, and will learn about his life. Then, you'll be ready to begin your quest.
Each step is laid our for you. Start with number one and complete the activity for each step. We will complete one activity a day. During our morning writer's workshop mini-lesson time, we'll practice each step together first. Then, you'll complete the activities independently, with a helper, or with a partner.
As you write your poems, please keep them in your writing folder.
When everyone finishes with the WebQuest activities, we will have an "Open Microphone" day to celebrate. You may invite your families to come to our performance. We will show the Favorite Poem Video ad the Power Point show we created Then, you may take turns stepping up to the open microphone to recite poetry from your chapbook. When we are finished, we'll have cookies and punch to celebrate.
Enjoy your journey!
Describe briefly how the lesson is organized. Does it involve more than one class? Is it all taught in one period per day, or is it part of several periods? How many days or weeks will it take? Is it single disciplinary, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary or what?
If students are divided into groups, provide guidelines on how you might do that.
If there are misconceptions or stumbling blocks that you anticipate, describe them here and suggest ways to get around them.
What skills does a teacher need in order to pull this lesson off? Is it easy enough for a novice teacher? Does it require some experience with directing debates or role plays, for example?
If you're designing for a one-computer classroom or for pre-readers and are creating a facilitated WebQuest in which the teacher or an aide controls the computer and guides discussion, you can link from here to the Teacher Script page (t-script.htm) which would contain a printable script for the facilitator to follow.