More than 40 students from five multiage classrooms at Scarborough Middle School were involved in writing and illustrating a storybook for an independent reading project.

The students chose a published storybook as a model for their own books.

Some eighth-grade students were required to create an electronic book using their laptops.

The students explored theme, conflict, resolution, author purpose, and various aspects of illustrations.

“This helped them understand what makes a solid narrative,” said Liz Hunt, coordinator of the multiage program.

Once the students completed the assignment, they shared their books with students from different classes.

On Jan. 6, the students from the classes met in the hallway to share, assess and conference on each other’s creations.

“By sharing they are able to get different levels of complexities that sutdents put into the project,” Hunt said. “Students can always learn from each other.”

From left to right, Scarborough Middle School students Joey Sprague, Molly Snowden, Colby Yerxa and Andrew Rathmell participate in the Scarborough Middle School literature activity.