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Goal

This grant incorporates many goals. The main goal of “Everyone Has a Story to Share!” is to motivate students to try the difficult task of learning the English language. Building on the Florida State Standards, this activity will increase the reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills of the students that utilize the sets. The students will work together to create and build stories with LEGO bricks and figures. Then they will use the StoryVisualizer software to photograph, write, and publish their stories. Finally, the students will write their own stories and share them with various audiences. 

What will be done with my students

The students will form small groups and be given the Lego block sets. They will work with three building boards that will represent the beginning, middle and end of their story. Using the minifigures, animals, accessories, basic bricks and story spinner (if necessary) they will create their main characters, the settings, and the plot. This will be done with hands-on collaboration and much discussion. Then the students can use the StoryVisualizer software to showcase their creations and digitally publish their stories to share with others. This will build the bridge between talking and writing about their work. Once that step is completed, I will ask them to reflect on their work and write their own story from their character’s point of view. They will share their stories with various audiences throughout Calusa Park Elementary. 

Benefits to my students

The biggest benefit to my students will be that since LEGO is so much fun, my students will be engaged. Even the most reluctant readers and writers will learn to like, if not love reading and writing. It will take the students from the tactile, hands-on building to the writing process.
When utilizing the StoryStarter packs, I will teach a wide range of critical skills such as:
• Literacy skills, including writing, language, and reading comprehension abilities.
• Communication skills, including speaking, listening, and presentation capabilities.
• Collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Digital literacy skills via the unique StoryVisualizer software.
While using the Lego StoryStarter the students will be fully engaged in the creation of the story. This will allow the students to practice new vocabulary and form varied sentences. During this process, they will work on sequencing as well. Then students will use technology (the StoryVisualizer) to craft a story. Utilizing the writing process, students will use descriptive details and varied word choice to write their own story. All students will develop better story telling skills, enlarge their vocabulary, communicate better, work cooperatively, practice technology skills, and improve writing skills. Since I work with English Language Learners, these skills need to be continually practiced.  

Budget Narrative

The LEGO StoryStarter Classroom Pack is designed for 6-8 students, just perfect for my resource position. It includes the Lego Core sets with Lego blocks. The pack also includes a curriculum pack, the StoryVisualizer software for computers, and access to the StoryVisualizer app for tablets. Even though I am the person writing this grant, I will become a resource for any of the students in our school. That means that this grant has the potential to be used by over 800 students! 

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