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in the project. The MGRP blends research and creativity in a way that is enjoyable for students (Moulton, 1999). Students often choose to include a short biography, poetry, maps, charts, song lyrics, a dramatization, music, newspaper articles, etc. Because students like different types of writing, they can choose styles they are comfortable with and therefore, have fun completing their MGRP.

The MGRP is not only fun, but it is also a great tool to use in language arts centers. Students work together to choose topics, research, and select the genres to include in their papers. More interaction and support occurs in the classroom, which makes the project easier to complete. Students also receive more support from their peers when it comes time to present their findings due to the variety of genres.

Through the process of the MGRP, students practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening which is helpful for communication in future classroom and career situations (Allen, 2001). In fact, this project encompasses every Pennsylvania
standard for Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.

Reading is a major component of the MGRP. Students spend large amounts of time reading information found in newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias, books, and on the Internet.
They also spend much time reading pieces written by their peers. When they are given the opportunity to read authentic pieces of literature, reading is perceived as more enjoyable and not so much of a chore.

The writing component of the MGRP involves a large amount of note taking, drafting, editing, revising, journaling, and self-evaluating. Most importantly, though, students learn to write in a variety of genres as indicated by the following list (Vucko &
Goodall).

Sample List of Genres

Adventure

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An imal Story

Ballad

Biography

Blurb

Charm

Children's Literature

Comic

Concrete poetry

Dedication

Dialogue

Editor ial

Epitaph

Essay

Fable

Folklore

Gh ost Story

Haiku

Historical Fiction

Information guide

Legend

Memoir

Mystery

Novel

O de

Orders

Parallel Poetry

Prologue

Question and Answer

Review

Rules

Satire

Script

S oliloquy

Sonnet

Speech

Sports Review

Transcripts

Urban Tale

Valentine

Western

Word Play

X-Word

Yarn

Zodiac

Students often feel uncomfortable speaking in front of their peers. The MGRP may help to alleviate some of these fears by providing a welcoming atmosphere for sharing. Each week students share their writing in small groups. When their projects are complete, they present their papers to the entire class. By this time students feel they

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