Creating Worlds, Constructing Meaning: The Scottish Storyline Method

By Jeff Creswell

Book Overview

Creating Worlds, Constructing Meaning is the first U.S. book on Storyline, a revolutionary method for teaching content, integrating curriculum, and engaging students. Developed in Scotland over thirty years ago and now used in over a dozen countries, the Storyline method uses the power of story to create a meaningful, real-life context through which students learn concepts and skills. Students and teacher work collaboratively to create a setting and characters; plot evolves as they address real problems and issues that arise. A creative partnership is established between the teacher and learners as they share and explore ideas and feelings. This book follows the development of the Storyline method in Jeff Creswell's elementary classroom over a period of four years. The author offers a history of the method and five specific examples of Storylines he and his students have created. All of the activities involve more than one subject and advance students' knowledge and skill in more than one area. Language and mathematical skills find application in environmental studies; art, drama, and music play a part in social studies and geography. The lines between discrete curriculum areas blur as students explore topics and apply skills in this innovative approach to curriculum integration. In the eight years since Storyline was brought to the United States, it has been embraced by teachers and administrators working with children from preschool through high school. This book will be a valuable reference tool for teachers already familiar with the method as well those who want to learn more about it.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0435072447
• ISBN13: 9780435072445
• Release Date: November 1997
• Publisher: Heinemann Educational Books
• Length: 124 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 7.1" x 9.1"
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 5

Customer Reviews

My thoughts of "Creating Worlds, Constructing Meaning"

I am a student in a Compostion Techniques course that recently read about the Storyline method. The Storyline method is a very interesting approach to teaching students Math, Geography, History, Language Arts and other subjects. Having children create their own hotel, radio station, etc., gives them reason to want to learn in a fun and exciting way. I am glad I got to read this book and recommed it to others students that are going to teach the early grades and are looking for new and exciting ways to teach the curriculum.

A method to motivate your whole classroom!

As a former elementary principal and now, as an educational consultant, I worry about the loss of creativity, spontaneity and engagement in the classroom as we focus intensely on reform and test scores. Jeff Cresswell's book describes a well tested approach which I believe, can lead to very high achievement while preserving the essence of childhood--curiosity, enchantment with ideas, creative thinking and the production of products which make sense to the child. If I had an elementary staff, I'd purchase the book for all of them. Mr. Creswell includes in the title the words "teacher to teacher." This is a critical element in the success of the work. All the practical questions are answered--What does a day with Storyline look like? Do you still teach regular math and reading? What does your plan book look like? What are the roles of the teacher and student? What are some sample Storyline study projects which have been successful? This book answers all these questions in a reader friendly, very visible way. Teachers need the exhilaration and joy of exploring and teaching this way as much as the children do. Storyline preserves the wonder of the journey we call learning. It makes every child want to achieve!