Writing a class play based on a novel was designed by Tania Gretton-Flood for grade 8 students. In this unit, students compare the novel, John Marsden's So Much to Tell You , with the script of its stage adaptation. They then work collaboratively to create a script for a different novel, James Moloney's Buzzard Breath and Brains . The strategies used are appropriate for a number of other suggested texts and grade levels. Writing Short Stories was designed by Lynne Collidge for a year 11 class.
Students learn how to plan effective short stories before they start writing their own.
They then work in groups to edit and revise their writing, focusing on specific aspects of story-writing. Finally, the stories are published in a class anthology. This critical literacy unit enables students to investigate attitudes, values and assumptions in sports telecasts. Students compare telecasts of netball and football as one of the activities. There are also opportunities for students to take social action.