THE MONSTERS ARE DUE ON MAPLE STREET
Revision and Peer ReviewMicki Fryhover Summer 2010
Here’s the thing about revision:
In Learning by Teaching, Donald Murray states: “writing is rewriting” and that most writers see this
task as “part of the territory“ and is simply part of the process.
this is the part of the process that is the least taught and is probably the most important part. Students are seldom introduced to the “serious art of revision” and the “opportunities” revision brings.
writing courses should have “one central purpose: to allow the student to use language to explore his world.”
One way our students explore language is throughrevision, and by finding that perfect word or phrasethat says exactly what they want to say.
Why students hate revision:
Fran Lehr says:
“Although Donald Murray (1982) argues that writing is rewriting, students often see revision not as an opportunity to develop and improve a piece of writing but as an indication that they have failed to do it right the first time. To them, revision means correction. Revision, however, is the heart of the writing process – the means by which ideas emerge and evolve and meanings are clarified.”
So, our job as teachers is to help transform our studentsfrom “correctors to revisers.”
Here’s what we did:1. Created a “Superstition” One Pager2. Read the teleplay “The Monsters are Due on
Maple Street” by Rod Serling (Twilight Zone)3. Watched the Twilight Zone episode4. Designed a “My Maple Street Monster” flip
book5. Read the first several pages of The Princess
Bride movie script6. Wrote a one page detailed opening setting 7. Watched a short video clip about revision8. Peer review/revision
This is what you’re going to do:
Create a “Superstition” One Pager Watch the “Monsters are Due on Maple
Street” Twilight Zone episode Create a “Monster” flip book Look at the Princess Bride movie script
online Write a one(ish) page very detailed opening
setting of your own version of Maple Street Watch the short revision video clip Peer review/revision
Your “Monster” flip book
My Maple Street Monster
My Monster’s NameMy Monster’s Talents/skillsWhere My Monster is FromMy Monster’s Description
My Monster’s Picture
A Real Movie Script!
The Princess Bride
Take time to carefully read and notice how the writer establishes the scene/setting, as well as describing and directing the characters.
Now it’s your turn!
Choose the location for your own version of “Maple Street” and write a one page detailed setting (including stage/camera directions). Be as descriptive and as detailed as necessary to provide an adequate picture of the scene. Remember: you are describing the scene before any major
action begins! You may include some dialogue as you describe your setting.
Note, note, note this well! Your setting details must be specific enough so that your set builders will know what to build (or can find the appropriate location) and what props may be needed!
Be creative and don’t be afraid to show your mad writing skills!!!!
Grading Criteria: You will be graded based on the following criteria:
Content uses descriptive words to adequately provide a word picture of
the scene provides detailed information as to objects and people in the
scene provides details of time to indicate specifics such as historical
period, the season, weather provides details of place to indicate specifics gives stage directions for people in the scene that are precise
and provide sufficient information related to movement or action
Required Format stage directions are [bracketed] or in (parentheses) setting and stage directions are written in the third person and
in the present tense CAMERA DIRECTIONS ARE CAPITALIZED paper is neat and legibly written or typed
Some wise words about revision:
Peer Review
Peer review IS NOT the same as editing (looking for mistakes to fix)!
Peer review IS: looking at each other’s work, and helping our peers find
ways to make their writing better. asking questions that will help you understand your
peer’s work in order to give constructive feedback making suggestions that will help peers improve their
ideas, organization, clarify what they want to say, etc. giving helpful feedback that will help peers reflect on
their writing helping your peers focus their revision efforts by telling
them what is working in their writing and gently making suggestions for improvement
Our Peer Review Process:
You will be given some sticky notes to use to write your comments on. PLEASE do not write on your peers’ drafts!
You will exchange papers with at least 3 peers You WILL NOT write/say any hurtful comments!!
We are working to help each other improve our writing, not trash each other!!
You will have a checklist of criteria that you are looking for to help guide your feedback
Ask questions (think aloud) as needed if you don’t understand what you’ve read. If you don’t get it, no one else will either.
Guiding Questions Checklist:
Does this setting include [stage directions) and CAMERA DIRECTIONS?
Can you visualize (see) the setting that is being described? Are there enough details to help you picture the setting in your mind? What may be missing? What may be distracting?
Do the stage directions make sense? Do they provide enough information? Do they move the action along?
Does the setting have clear details of time and specifics such as historical period, the season, weather , time of day, etc.
Do you have any questions you need to ask for clarification?
Works Cited
Lehr, Fran. Revision in the Writing Process. ERIC Digest. ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading English and Communication. 1995.
Murray, Donald M. Learning by Teaching. Boynton/Cook. (1982)
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