Lesson Plan (Grades 9-12): Collaborative Flash Fiction Anthology

I. Introduction

Lesson Title: Collaborative Flash Fiction Anthology

Grade Level: Grades 9–12

Subject Area: English Language Arts & Digital Media

Overview In this engaging, multi-session unit, students will write, workshop, and publish a class anthology of 250-word flash-fiction stories. Each student crafts a concise narrative inspired by a shared prompt or motif. Through structured peer workshops, they give story-arc feedback and precise line edits. Finally, learners collaborate on cover design, author biographies, and layout to self-publish a polished digital anthology. This project develops narrative craft, revision strategies, digital collaboration, and publication skills, culminating in an authentic writing portfolio piece.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Compose Flash Fiction: Write a coherent 250-word piece with a clear narrative arc—setup, conflict, climax, and resolution.
2. Apply Peer Feedback: Offer and integrate story-arc critiques and line-level edits to strengthen plot structure, character development, and language precision.
3. Revise Effectively: Employ concise revision techniques—tightening language, enhancing imagery, correcting mechanics—based on workshop feedback.
4. Collaborate in Publication: Contribute to anthology design tasks, including cover art, layout, typography, and author bio curation.
5. Utilize Digital Tools: Use Google Docs (or an LMS), Canva (or similar), and PDF export functions to assemble, format, and publish the anthology.
6. Reflect on Process: Articulate in writing how drafting, feedback, and design decisions shaped the final anthology product.

Standards Alignment

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.3 / W.11-12.3: Write narratives to develop experiences using effective techniques, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.5 / W.11-12.5: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.6 / W.11-12.6: Use technology to produce, publish writing, and interact and collaborate with others.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.5 / SL.11-12.5: Make strategic use of digital media in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence.
• ISTE Standard 6.4: Students use digital tools to plan and manage a collaborative project to produce original works.
• SEL (CASEL)
  • Self-Awareness: Recognize and manage emotions during the revision process.
  • Relationship Skills: Provide and receive constructive feedback respectfully.
  • Responsible Decision-Making: Evaluate the impact of creative choices on audience engagement.