However, as students debated the order, it became clear that there was another issue: there was a lot of overlap in the topics. I told them I knew this; in fact, it was part of my plan. The topics worked fine for group presentations, but there were ideas that could be used for more than one topic, so organizing all of these as an essay would take more thought. So, we discussed where the over lap would occur. They decided that the two middle points could be finessed into one, but that there would still be some possible overlaps if we were to actually write the essay.
They aren’t doing that, however. Not this time. I’m still building skills and confidence and so I want them to focus on just one topic for now. They are going back to their original group topic, and each student will write on that only. They’ll submit to Google Drive and I’ll give them some feedback before they do their good copies.
I’m being a tortoise with all of this, I know. But, I am seeing a lot of progress with this slow and steady approach. I will have many of these students next year in the IB program; I know where I want them to be by next year, and I’m hoping that by the end of this semester they will feel more confident with writing a literary analysis.
Thanks so much for sharing your amazing ideas! I'm going to use what you did– have students develop a thesis statement based on topic sentences. I teach 6th grade, so my students REALLY struggle w/ writing a strong thesis. Even after walking them through it multiple times and breaking it down every way that I know how, some still don't get it. Hopefully this will help!
Lyndsey
Lit with Lyns
You are so welcome! I really believe that taking small steps and focusing on the process is the key to better writing. Good luck!