Created by John Kotnarowski (Spring 2014)
Objectives: Students will be able to…
- Understand and identify the seven elements of storytelling
- Understand the definitions of and correctly employ storytelling vocabulary in discussions and writing about class topics
- Define and exemplify the concept of ‘genre’
- Relate the importance of storytelling within their home cultures
- Engage in basic reading journal writing
“The Power of Storytelling” Vidcast
Storytelling Vocabulary Worksheet
“Common Elements of Storytelling” ppt & Comprehension Questions
Copies of (access to) “Last Night of the World” short story by Ray Bradbury
Common Elements Organizer
Sources
Bradbury, R. (1951). “Last Night of the World”. The Illustrated Man. New York: Doubleday &
Company
Short Story Terminology: Grade 9. (2014) Retrieved from:
http://www.shs.k12.nf.ca/johnsond/English/Grade%209/new%20short_story_terminology.htm
Preparation
Students will come to class having listened to the “Power of Storytelling” podcast (and having completed the comprehension check and reaction questions).
Since this is the first lesson in the unit, the instructor can approach presenting this information in one of two ways. He/She can present (selected parts of) the material ahead of time to give the students to process before class (ex: one of the following: vocabulary list, elements of storytelling information, example story). The second option involves presenting the following information in-class on the first day of the unit.
Teaching Instructions [60 minutes]
I. Schema Activation -> Brainstorming [10 minutes]
Using the Group Randomizer, divide your class into small groups of no more than three students. If necessary, re-arranged the randomized groups so that as many cultures/backgrounds as possible are represented. Have the students discuss the following questions:
II. Short Form Focus: Vocabulary for Storytelling [15 min]
In order for all the students to be able to engage in meaningful discussion about stories, they should become familiar some basic vocabulary terms. The following activities are designed to help students acquire this vocabulary.
The first activity asks students to work in pairs to define several key terms. The second activity asks them to create sentences that contextualize their new found lexical knowledge. After students have worked through the exercise, reconvene the class and discuss their answers together. After the discussion, provide the answer key.
III. Schema Development: Storytelling Overview PPT [10 minutes]
This short presentation provides students with a brief introductory overview of the idea of storytelling as well as discussion of several common features of exemplified by different historical and global storytelling traditions. This handout contains some focused discussion questions and a comprehension check.
IV. Intensive Reading: "Last Night of the World" [25 minutes]
Now, students will read the short story, “Last Night of the World” (pdf found here). As they read, have them think about the 5 Common Elements of Stories as portrayed in this story. Once each student has finished, they should fill out this chart.
Post-Reading: Have students form new groups of three. Task them with discussing the following questions:
V. Unit Overview
With the remaining time, provide the students with the unit overview, discuss the protocol for in-class assignments (ex: comparative genre analysis charts) and out-of-class journaling work. Finally, introduce the unit main assignment overview and ask students to start thinking about which project they’d like to work on.
VI. Homework
Students should do the reading for the first “theme” unit on “Mythology & Legend”. The reading is on the story of Prometheus giving fire to humans. It can be found here. They should fill out the required common elements organizer.
Also, have them post a reaction or reflection from the class here.
Finally, have them begin filling out the comparative genre analysis chart. Let students know that this will involve them engaging in their own research outside of class.
- What is a ‘story’? Can you list some common features shared by all (or most) stories?
- How is a story different from an essay? A newspaper article? A research paper?
- Is the idea of ‘story’ all-encompassing? Or are the different types of stories? Explain.
- What is your favorite kind of story? Why?
- What types of storytelling mediums are there? Which is the most effective? Why?
- What kinds of stories are important in your culture? What role do they play? Can you give an example of what you mean?
II. Short Form Focus: Vocabulary for Storytelling [15 min]
In order for all the students to be able to engage in meaningful discussion about stories, they should become familiar some basic vocabulary terms. The following activities are designed to help students acquire this vocabulary.
The first activity asks students to work in pairs to define several key terms. The second activity asks them to create sentences that contextualize their new found lexical knowledge. After students have worked through the exercise, reconvene the class and discuss their answers together. After the discussion, provide the answer key.
III. Schema Development: Storytelling Overview PPT [10 minutes]
This short presentation provides students with a brief introductory overview of the idea of storytelling as well as discussion of several common features of exemplified by different historical and global storytelling traditions. This handout contains some focused discussion questions and a comprehension check.
IV. Intensive Reading: "Last Night of the World" [25 minutes]
Now, students will read the short story, “Last Night of the World” (pdf found here). As they read, have them think about the 5 Common Elements of Stories as portrayed in this story. Once each student has finished, they should fill out this chart.
Post-Reading: Have students form new groups of three. Task them with discussing the following questions:
- What information did you fill out on your “5 Elements” chart? Does everyone agree? If no, why not?
- Did you like this story? Why or why not?
- What do you think of the message/theme of this story? Do you think it applies today?
- What kind of genre do you think that this story belongs to? Why?
V. Unit Overview
With the remaining time, provide the students with the unit overview, discuss the protocol for in-class assignments (ex: comparative genre analysis charts) and out-of-class journaling work. Finally, introduce the unit main assignment overview and ask students to start thinking about which project they’d like to work on.
VI. Homework
Students should do the reading for the first “theme” unit on “Mythology & Legend”. The reading is on the story of Prometheus giving fire to humans. It can be found here. They should fill out the required common elements organizer.
Also, have them post a reaction or reflection from the class here.
Finally, have them begin filling out the comparative genre analysis chart. Let students know that this will involve them engaging in their own research outside of class.
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