Multi-Genre Research IRA Regional Conference Billings, Montana October, 2007 Presented by Joy Dewing

Multi-Genre Multi-Genre ResearchResearch

IRA Regional ConferenceIRA Regional ConferenceBillings, MontanaBillings, Montana

October, 2007October, 2007Presented byPresented byJoy DewingJoy Dewing

Contact InfoContact Info

Joy DewingJoy Dewing Central Middle School, Kokomo, Central Middle School, Kokomo,

IndianaIndiana [email protected]@kokomo.k12.in.us

What is Multi-Genre What is Multi-Genre Research?Research?

Just like regular research papers, Just like regular research papers, students research one topic in depth students research one topic in depth over a period of time.over a period of time.

The difference is in the final product.The difference is in the final product. In addition to a regular research paper, In addition to a regular research paper,

students also write about their topic in students also write about their topic in other genres: fiction, historical fiction, other genres: fiction, historical fiction, poetry, oral presentations, webpages, poetry, oral presentations, webpages, newspaper articles, and more.newspaper articles, and more.

What are the benefits of What are the benefits of Multi-Genre Research?Multi-Genre Research?

Students are more engaged in the Students are more engaged in the researching and writing processresearching and writing process

Students learn, in depth, about their topicStudents learn, in depth, about their topic Students are excited about the processStudents are excited about the process Students have more choice, and therefore Students have more choice, and therefore

more ownership of their writingmore ownership of their writing Multi-Genre research projects are more Multi-Genre research projects are more

interesting to read (and grade!) than interesting to read (and grade!) than “regular” research papers“regular” research papers

Final papers are better writtenFinal papers are better written

What does it look like?What does it look like?

Students select topics they’re interested Students select topics they’re interested inin

Students complete research as usual: Students complete research as usual: note cards, works cited page, MLA note cards, works cited page, MLA format, etc.format, etc.

Students examine published pieces Students examine published pieces written in various genreswritten in various genres

After completing a “standard” paper, After completing a “standard” paper, students use the same research to write students use the same research to write in a genre (or genres) they choosein a genre (or genres) they choose

Does it support standards?Does it support standards? YES!!!YES!!!

Standards related to Standards related to writing( prewriting, organizing writing( prewriting, organizing ideas, rough drafts, revising and ideas, rough drafts, revising and editing, final drafts, etc.)editing, final drafts, etc.)

Standards related to researching Standards related to researching (internet and print based research, (internet and print based research, MLA or APA format, note cards, etc.)MLA or APA format, note cards, etc.)

Standards related to reading and Standards related to reading and interpreting nonfiction texts.interpreting nonfiction texts.

Is it research based?Is it research based?

YES!!!YES!!! ““Children’s curiosity and their passion Children’s curiosity and their passion

to explore the world are the greatest to explore the world are the greatest resources we could ever hope to draw resources we could ever hope to draw upon in teaching nonfiction writing” ~ upon in teaching nonfiction writing” ~ Lucy CalkinsLucy Calkins

““All of us do need to learn how to write All of us do need to learn how to write with voice and energy when we work with voice and energy when we work on nonfiction texts.” ~ Lucy Calkinson nonfiction texts.” ~ Lucy Calkins

Is it Research Based?Is it Research Based?

Students need the opportunity to play Students need the opportunity to play with and switch genres. Ask students with and switch genres. Ask students when did they have the most energy to when did they have the most energy to write? Which genre seemed the write? Which genre seemed the easiest for their topic? ~ Amy Bucknereasiest for their topic? ~ Amy Buckner

In a year-long study of boys and In a year-long study of boys and reading Wilhelm and Smith found boys reading Wilhelm and Smith found boys want more depth in their learning.want more depth in their learning.

Is it Research Based?Is it Research Based? “ “The best nonfiction writing emerges The best nonfiction writing emerges

from topics the writer knows, cares, and from topics the writer knows, cares, and wonders about and wants to pursue.” ~ wonders about and wants to pursue.” ~ Stephanie HarveyStephanie Harvey

““Individually, specific facts are Individually, specific facts are fascinating, but in the format of a fascinating, but in the format of a terminal paper – I mean term paper – terminal paper – I mean term paper – they can lose their spark. They get they can lose their spark. They get buried in lists of general information buried in lists of general information that read more like an encyclopedia that read more like an encyclopedia than a real juicy report or story.” ~ than a real juicy report or story.” ~ Barry LaneBarry Lane

How does it fit with my How does it fit with my literacy and writing literacy and writing

program?program? Writing WorkshopWriting Workshop Balanced Literacy ProgramsBalanced Literacy Programs ““Traditional” ClassroomsTraditional” Classrooms

How do I organize my time How do I organize my time and lessons?and lessons?

Start by deciding what you want Start by deciding what you want students to do, and create an students to do, and create an assignment sheetassignment sheet

Decide on your research schedule Decide on your research schedule and how much time you want and how much time you want students to spendstudents to spend

Develop mini-lessons on various Develop mini-lessons on various genres, as well as on research skillsgenres, as well as on research skills

For Example:For Example:

I spend 3 ½ to 4 weeks on research I spend 3 ½ to 4 weeks on research papers. papers.

Leading up to the research project, Leading up to the research project, begin brainstorming topics, so begin brainstorming topics, so students have a list of ideas to start students have a list of ideas to start with. I allow students to select any with. I allow students to select any topic they wish for their research topic they wish for their research paper.paper.

What do I want students What do I want students to do?to do?

3 finished products3 finished products Students choose 1 assignment to Students choose 1 assignment to

complete from each box:complete from each box: Box 1: MLA format paper – Standard Box 1: MLA format paper – Standard

paper or a Top Ten Listpaper or a Top Ten List Box 2: Creative WritingBox 2: Creative Writing Box 3: Creative InterestsBox 3: Creative Interests

Sample Research Sample Research ScheduleSchedule

Day 1:Day 1: Finalize topic selectionFinalize topic selection Assemble research foldersAssemble research folders Discuss note taking and plagiarismDiscuss note taking and plagiarism

Day 2:Day 2: Go over requirements of paperGo over requirements of paper Review MLA formatReview MLA format Begin researchingBegin researching


Day 3:Day 3: Mini lesson on literary nonfictionMini lesson on literary nonfiction Continue researchingContinue researching 3 source cards sue at the end of the 3 source cards sue at the end of the

periodperiod Day 4:Day 4:

Mini lesson: biographies, Mini lesson: biographies, autobiographies, and memoirsautobiographies, and memoirs

Continue researchingContinue researching Make final choice for “Box 1” assignmentMake final choice for “Box 1” assignment 5 note cards due at the end of the period5 note cards due at the end of the period


Day 5:Day 5: Mini lesson: alphabet booksMini lesson: alphabet books Continue researchContinue research 15 (total) note cards due at the end of 15 (total) note cards due at the end of

the periodthe period Day 6:Day 6:

Mini lesson: DK books, magazines, Mini lesson: DK books, magazines, newspapers, and brochuresnewspapers, and brochures

Continue researchContinue research


Day 7:Day 7: Mini Lesson: Pop-Up books, fiction Mini Lesson: Pop-Up books, fiction

books that include researchbooks that include research Continue researchContinue research 25 (total) note cards due at end of the 25 (total) note cards due at end of the

periodperiod Day 8:Day 8:

Mini lessons: Unusual FormatsMini lessons: Unusual Formats All research due at beginning of periodAll research due at beginning of period Organize researchOrganize research Begin rough draft (Box 1)Begin rough draft (Box 1)

Sample Research Sample Research ScheduleSchedule Day 9:Day 9:

Mini lesson: getting published and making Mini lesson: getting published and making money!money!

Rough drafts dueRough drafts due Revise and edit in class/ peer editRevise and edit in class/ peer edit

Day 10:Day 10: Work on final draft – Box 1Work on final draft – Box 1

Day 11:Day 11: Work on final draft – Box 1Work on final draft – Box 1

Day 12:Day 12: Final draft – Box 1 – due at beginning of the Final draft – Box 1 – due at beginning of the

periodperiod Begin working on box 2&3 in classBegin working on box 2&3 in class


Day 13:Day 13: Work on Box 2 and/or 3Work on Box 2 and/or 3

Day 14:Day 14: Work on Box 2 and/or 3Work on Box 2 and/or 3

Day 15:Day 15: Box 2 due – beginning of the periodBox 2 due – beginning of the period Work on Box 3Work on Box 3

Day 16:Day 16: Work on Box 3Work on Box 3


Day 17:Day 17: Box 3 due – beginning of the periodBox 3 due – beginning of the period Share final productsShare final products Celebrate finishing research!Celebrate finishing research!

What does the final product What does the final product look like?look like?

1. MLA format research paper1. MLA format research paper 2. Creative Writing2. Creative Writing 3. Creative Interests3. Creative Interests Others?Others?

Resources: ProfessionalResources: Professional

Buckner, Aimee. (2005) Buckner, Aimee. (2005) Notebook Know-Notebook Know-How.How.

Calkins, Lucy. (1994) Calkins, Lucy. (1994) The Art of Teaching The Art of Teaching Writing.Writing.

Harvey, Stephanie. (1998) Harvey, Stephanie. (1998) Nonfiction Nonfiction Matters.Matters.

Lane, Barry. (2003). Lane, Barry. (2003). 51 Wacky We-Search 51 Wacky We-Search ReportsReports..

Smith, Michael W. and Jeffrey D. Wilhelm. Smith, Michael W. and Jeffrey D. Wilhelm. (2002) (2002) Reading Don’t Fix No Chevys.Reading Don’t Fix No Chevys.

Resources: Trade BooksResources: Trade Books Literary Nonfiction Examples – Picture Literary Nonfiction Examples – Picture

Books:Books: Fireflies in the NightFireflies in the Night by Judy Hawes by Judy Hawes Faithful ElephantsFaithful Elephants by Yukio Tsuchiya by Yukio Tsuchiya Shh! We’re Writing the ConstitutionShh! We’re Writing the Constitution by Jean by Jean

FritzFritz The Librarian of BasraThe Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter by Jeanette Winter The Man Who Walked Between the TowersThe Man Who Walked Between the Towers by by

Mordicai GersteinMordicai Gerstein George vs. George: The American Revolution George vs. George: The American Revolution

as Seen from Both Sidesas Seen from Both Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer by Rosalyn Schanzer The Journey that saved Curious GeorgeThe Journey that saved Curious George by by

Louise BorderLouise Border John, Paul, George, and BenJohn, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith by Lane Smith

Resources: Trade BooksResources: Trade Books

Literary Nonfiction Examples – Literary Nonfiction Examples – Secondary:Secondary: An American Plague, Blizzard, An American Plague, Blizzard, andand The The

Great FireGreat Fire by Jim Murphy by Jim Murphy Lincoln: A PhotobiographyLincoln: A Photobiography by Russell by Russell

FreedmanFreedman The EnduranceThe Endurance by Caroline Alexander by Caroline Alexander The Forbidden SchoolhouseThe Forbidden Schoolhouse by Suzanne by Suzanne

JurmainJurmain Exploring the TitanicExploring the Titanic by Robert D. Ballard by Robert D. Ballard

Resources: Trade BooksResources: Trade Books Biographies, Autobiographies, Biographies, Autobiographies,

MemoirsMemoirs Fritz, Jean. Fritz, Jean. Homesick, My Own Story.Homesick, My Own Story. Fritz, Jean. Fritz, Jean. Can’t You Make Them Can’t You Make Them

Behave, King George?Behave, King George? Dahl, Roald. Dahl, Roald. Boy.Boy. Say, Allen. Say, Allen. Grandfather’s Journey.Grandfather’s Journey. Say, Allen. Say, Allen. Tea with Milk.Tea with Milk. Say, Allen. Say, Allen. Tree of Cranes.Tree of Cranes.


Biographies, Autobiographies, MemoirsBiographies, Autobiographies, Memoirs Giblin, James Cross. Giblin, James Cross. Good Brother, Bad Good Brother, Bad

Brother.Brother. Ryan, Pam Munoz. Ryan, Pam Munoz. When Marian Sang.When Marian Sang. Kerley, Barbara. Kerley, Barbara. The Dinosaurs of The Dinosaurs of

Waterhouse Hawkins.Waterhouse Hawkins. Krull, Kathleen. Krull, Kathleen. The Boy on Fairfield Street.The Boy on Fairfield Street. Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Snowflake Bentley.Snowflake Bentley. Rumford, James. Rumford, James. Seeker of Knowledge.Seeker of Knowledge. Borden, LouiseBorden, Louise. A. Lincoln and Me.. A. Lincoln and Me.


Alphabet Books:Alphabet Books: Marsalis, Wynton. Marsalis, Wynton. ABZ, A Jazz AlphabetABZ, A Jazz Alphabet Cheney, Lynne.Cheney, Lynne. America, A Patriotic America, A Patriotic

PrimerPrimer Cheney, Lynne. Cheney, Lynne. A is for AbagailA is for Abagail Various authors, state by state alphabet Various authors, state by state alphabet

books (Sleeping Bear Press)books (Sleeping Bear Press)


Unusual and Interesting Formats:Unusual and Interesting Formats: Lewis, J. Patrick. Lewis, J. Patrick. Monumental Verses.Monumental Verses. Sabuda, Robert. & Matther Reinhart. Sabuda, Robert. & Matther Reinhart.

Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Dinosaurs.Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Dinosaurs. Delafosse, Claude. & Gallimard Jeunesse. Delafosse, Claude. & Gallimard Jeunesse.

Egyptian Tomb Hidden World.Egyptian Tomb Hidden World. Messenger, Norman. Messenger, Norman. Imagine.Imagine. Carter, David A. & James Diaz. Carter, David A. & James Diaz. Let’s Make Let’s Make

it Pop-Up.it Pop-Up. EgyptologyEgyptology


Magazine and Newspaper LayoutsMagazine and Newspaper Layouts Dorling Kindersley booksDorling Kindersley books Investigations books Heckscher, Investigations books Heckscher,

Melissa, Mark Schulman, et al. Melissa, Mark Schulman, et al. The The Explorer’s Gazette: Amazing Stories of Explorer’s Gazette: Amazing Stories of 30 Rea- Life Journeys.30 Rea- Life Journeys.

Silver, Donald M. Silver, Donald M. One Small Square One Small Square Cave.Cave.


Fiction that Includes Research:Fiction that Includes Research: Anderson, Laurie Halse. Anderson, Laurie Halse. Fever, 1793.Fever, 1793. Clary, Margie Willis. Clary, Margie Willis. A Sweet, Sweet A Sweet, Sweet

Basket.Basket. Various authors. Various authors. Dear America Series.Dear America Series. Various authors. Various authors. Royal Diaries SeriesRoyal Diaries Series Hobbs, Will. Hobbs, Will. The Maze; Jackie’s Wild The Maze; Jackie’s Wild

Seattle, et al.Seattle, et al.

Documents

Multi-Genre Research IRA Regional Conference Billings, Montana October, 2007 Presented by Joy Dewing