Teacher Process
This WebQuest will take three to four class periods of two hours each. Presentations can be on the last day, maybe more of a Friday thing, and shouldn't be longer than 3-5 minutes each, especially since all they are doing is reading their letters to the class as a group.
In writing the independent letters, students will have class time to do the brainstorming and begin writing their drafts. The completion of the character letters can be done at home to produce a typed, double-spaced, final draft. The research portion can be done at home with the websites provided but if the classroom has internet capability, research can be done during the alloted draft time. Library time can also be arranged for this project.
Group work will be done in student chosen groups of 3-4 students. Depending on the class size, group size can be altered. You just want to make sure that since only one letter is being produced, the group not be so large. Each student will take a turn reading their letter aloud to their group. Based on the consensus of the group and subject compatibility for all members, one letter will be chosen to provide a response to.
One student will be the leader and recorder and will write down ideas other members have for a response letter. Collectively, the team will build those ideas into a final draft that can either be written or typed up. They can present both the character and response letter as creatively as they would like.
On the final day of this assignment, each group will present their final letters to the class.
Grading will be done for their writing levels, their group/collaborative work, and their presentation formats.