At it’s simplest, ACOS provides practice in writing skills, something
we feel is much needed at all grade levels. More subtly, it involves the process
of production or creation, which is fundamental to the learning process. The
process of producing information, rather than simply consuming it, builds knowledge,
understanding, and critical thinking skills. It could have any number of roles
in a classroom, from “just for fun” to part of the backbone of a
literature or language unit or course or as part of a collaborative project
such as the Global Virtual Classroom.. 
Here is our idea - the students in the USA and Canada both begin some ACOS fairy
tale storylines. Once created, send them to their partner in the other country
to have part two added. Once the second ( action part) is added, email it to
the third partner for a climatical conclusion.
At some point, when their story is brought to a close, really bring the story to a close through discussion during class time or in an online chat with the partner class.
Each storyline could be compiled and edited and brought to a final good copy, and finally the stories will be submitted for publication. At the end of the project the stories will become part of our web project and each student could receive a print copy of the fairy tale they helped to create, complete with their name on the author list, and student artwork on the cover.
How’s that for a souvenir of Grade 6 English class?
There are many Curriculum Expectations covered in an ACS project
- revise and edit their work in collaboration with others, seeking and evaluating
feedback, and focusing on content, organization, and appropriateness of vocabulary
for audience; - independently and enthusiastically, discusses & edits work
to improve content, organization & sense of audience - may seek further
feedback
- explain their interpretation of a written work, supporting it with evidence from the work and from their own knowledge and experience; - independently makes insightful and relevant judgments & conclusions with solid supporting opinion & detail
We've also done some interesting graphics with the computer, using Adobe's Photo Shop, Corel Draw, 3D Morph and Flash. It was fun playing and using our partner's art to make our work that much better.
Click on an image below to read an ACOS story.
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