Procedure:

1. Read selected stories about monsters through shared reading and read alouds, focusing on describing words (3 - 5 days).
2. Next, the class will create one large class monster using chart paper and markers. Following the template*, have each child draw one part to create your class monster (1 session). Note: Using standard shapes and keeping the monster simple will make it easier for your partner class to draw.
   *IMPORTANT: There are two different versions of the template: pdf and MS Word. The PDF can be printed out and written on and the MS Word document can be typed onto directly.
                                     PDF Template              MS Word Template
   
3. Display your class monster near the presentation monitor and open the template. As a class, follow the template to write the description of your class monster (1 - 2 sessions). Note:You can open this page on your presentation monitor and type directly onto the template. When you save your description, YOU MUST click on the down arrow at the top of the "save as" window and select the directory with your first initial and last name.
   NOTE: You do NOT have to do this on the presentation system. You may prefer to write by hand on large paper on the flip chart.
4. Next, show the students the accuracy of the description of their monster. From the presentation monitor, (or flip chart paper) reread the class description to your students sentence by sentence. At the end of each sentence, follow the students' written description and draw that part of the monster. As the students notice errors, edit the class description on the template. Example: If the template says, "The monster has one green eye", the teacher may draw the eye on the foot. The students then will see the need to edit the template to say, "The monster has one green eye in the middle of its head."
5. Take a digital photograph of your class monster. The computer aide can assist you if needed. This photograph will be displayed on the project website. Send the description to your partner class via email. Click here for directions on how to email the monster description to your class partner. Send the drawing via interoffice mail.
6. With your class, check your email for the monster description from your partner class. When it arrives, read aloud the description of the monster submitted by your partner class. Every child listens to the step by step description and draws his/her own monster (1 session). Note: Be sure to give your technology aide samples of your students' monster drawings.
7. When the monster drawing from your partner class arrives via interoffice mail, compare and contrast their original drawing with each child's picture. Ask the children what was the same or different about their monster and the original monster (1 session).

NOTE: Be sure to give your technology aide samples of your students' monster drawings. The building webmaster will upload the drawings and descriptions to the project site.

IMPORTANT: This project does not allow pictures depicting blood, gore, or violence.

Extension Activities:

• To evaluate the original class description, have the partner class send their renditions of the monster to the originating class so that they can critique their descriptive writing. This could be done either orally or as a writing exercise.
• Complete one or both of these extension lessons, using the "Monster Exchange" website. You may request to be partnered with your Lakeland partner class or with another class in another part of the country.
  • Extension Lesson 1 (incorporates measurement using non-standard units of measurement)
  • Extension Lesson 2 (has students "buddying up" with older students to create and type their description)
• While reading the class book about monsters, write a class book review and email to your partner class.
• Have students use Kid Pix to draw the monsters based on the description.
• Have students use Kid Pix to create new monsters and then write descriptions of them.
  
• Have students visit the site www.monsterexchange.org to view other schools involved in a similar activity.
• Have students use the activities on the MonsterExchange.org site
  • Mr. Monster Head
  • Sentence Scramble
  • Picture Scramble