Genre Quest: Creative Journeys Through Storytelling

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

Genre Quest: Creative Journeys Through Storytelling

Lilia Moreno Delgado

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.8

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage high school students in an exploration of literary genres through hands-on, creative activities that deepen their understanding and appreciation of storytelling. By participating in a variety of tasks, such as writing, filmmaking, and artistic expression, students will gain insights into how different genres shape narratives and evoke distinct emotional responses. This project fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and personal reflection, culminating in a public exhibition that celebrates their learning and creativity.

Learning goals

Students will explore and analyze various literary genres, enhancing their understanding of how each genre uniquely conveys stories and evokes emotional responses. They will develop skills in creative writing by crafting original pieces that reflect genre-specific elements, fostering personal expression and critical analysis. Through collaborative activities and feedback sessions, students will refine their work, culminating in a digital portfolio and a public exhibition that showcases their comprehensive grasp of literary genres.

Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.8 - Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.

Products

Students will create a digital portfolio that includes their reflections, analyses, and creative projects, demonstrating their understanding of literary genres. They will produce short films or video presentations showcasing their chosen genres, which will be featured in a 'Genre Film Festival' exhibition. Additionally, students will craft short stories or poems, and curate a virtual gallery of artwork inspired by literary genres, each accompanied by a written reflection on the genre's influence on their creative process.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Literary Genre Scavenger Hunt' in the library, where students work in teams to find clues and complete tasks related to different literary genres. This interactive activity will engage students in exploring the unique elements of each genre, fostering collaboration and critical thinking. As they navigate the library, students will begin to identify and appreciate the distinct characteristics that define various genres, setting the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

Exhibition

Organize a 'Genre Film Festival' where students create short films or video presentations based on their chosen literary genres, screening them in the ES Library for an audience including other classes and community members. Each presentation should be accompanied by a brief introduction from the creators, highlighting the genre-specific elements they explored. Encourage audience interaction by hosting a Q&A session after each screening to deepen understanding and appreciation of the diverse genres.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Kick-off the project with a 'Literary Genre Scavenger Hunt' in the library, where students work in teams to locate clues about different literary genres. This activity involves exploring books, multimedia resources, and genre-related tasks.	Activity 2: Facilitate a group discussion where students share their findings from the scavenger hunt, focusing on the unique elements and characteristics of each genre they discovered.	Activity 3: Introduce students to the concept of genre-specific creative writing. Have them choose a genre they are interested in exploring further for their creative writing piece.	Activity 4: Begin drafting a short story or poem based on the chosen genre. Encourage students to focus on incorporating key genre elements and personal expression.	Activity 5: Start a weekly reflection journal. Prompt students to write about their experiences during the scavenger hunt, their initial thoughts on different genres, and their creative writing process.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed initial draft of a short story or poem in the chosen genre. 2. Deliverable 2: The first entry in the weekly reflection journal documenting their learning and creative process.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Organize and set up the 'Literary Genre Scavenger Hunt' with clues and tasks spread throughout the library. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare genre-specific resources and examples to facilitate the group discussion post-scavenger hunt. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide writing prompts and structured guidelines for the creative writing activity, ensuring clarity on genre-specific elements. 4. Prep Task 4: Set up a digital platform or physical space for students to maintain their weekly reflection journals.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Conduct a workshop on digital storytelling tools and techniques, focusing on how to create short films or video presentations. Introduce students to software and apps available for video creation and editing.	Activity 2: Organize a brainstorming session where students collaborate in pairs or small groups to develop storyboards for their short films or video presentations. Encourage them to integrate elements specific to their chosen literary genre.	Activity 3: Facilitate a peer review session where students present their storyboards to classmates for feedback. Guide students in providing constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement.	Activity 4: Begin filming or gathering multimedia resources for their short films or video presentations. Encourage students to experiment with different filming techniques and multimedia elements relevant to their genre.	Activity 5: Continue the weekly reflection journal. Prompt students to reflect on the digital storytelling process, challenges they encountered, and how their understanding of the genre has evolved through this activity.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed storyboard for the short film or video presentation, incorporating peer feedback. 2. Deliverable 2: The second entry in the weekly reflection journal, focusing on the digital storytelling process and genre exploration.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange access to digital storytelling tools and software, ensuring all students can utilize them during class. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare a list of resources and tutorials on digital storytelling techniques and genre-specific filming styles. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up a peer review protocol and guidelines to facilitate constructive feedback during storyboard presentations. 4. Prep Task 4: Organize the necessary equipment for filming, such as cameras or devices, and ensure students have access to them. 5. Prep Task 5: Create prompts for the weekly reflection journal to guide students in documenting their experiences and insights.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Host a mock exhibition where students present draft versions of their short films or video presentations to a panel comprising teachers and peers. Facilitate a feedback session where students receive constructive criticism and actionable suggestions for improvement.	Activity 2: Organize a creative writing workshop focused on revising and refining students' short stories or poems. Encourage students to integrate feedback received and explore deeper genre-specific elements.	Activity 3: Conduct a digital portfolio development session where students compile their work, including reflections, analyses, and creative projects. Guide them in organizing their portfolios to effectively showcase their understanding of literary genres.	Activity 4: Facilitate a group discussion where students reflect on the impact of feedback on their projects and how their understanding of genres has evolved. Use this time to share insights and strategies for improvement.	Activity 5: Continue the weekly reflection journal. Prompt students to document their experiences during the mock exhibition, the feedback received, and their plans for revision and finalization.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Revised draft of short films or video presentations incorporating feedback from the mock exhibition. 2. Deliverable 2: Updated entry in the weekly reflection journal focused on the feedback process and personal growth in genre understanding.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange logistics for the mock exhibition, including setting up the space, organizing the panel, and ensuring necessary equipment for presentations. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare guidelines for providing and receiving constructive feedback, ensuring students understand how to apply it effectively. 3. Prep Task 3: Gather resources and examples for the creative writing workshop to support students in refining their stories or poems. 4. Prep Task 4: Set up templates or examples of digital portfolios to guide students in organizing their work. 5. Prep Task 5: Develop prompts for the weekly reflection journal to encourage deep reflection on feedback and project progress.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Conduct final editing and polishing sessions for short films or video presentations. Provide students with access to editing tools and support as they finalize their projects.	Activity 2: Facilitate a creative writing finalization workshop where students put finishing touches on their short stories or poems. Encourage peer feedback and self-assessment to ensure genre-specific elements are effectively portrayed.	Activity 3: Guide students in completing their digital portfolios, making sure reflections, analyses, and creative projects are organized and clearly presented. Provide time for peer review of portfolios to gather final insights.	Activity 4: Organize a rehearsal for the 'Genre Film Festival.' Run through technical aspects, student introductions, and Q&A preparations to ensure a smooth exhibition experience.	Activity 5: Host the 'Genre Film Festival' in the ES Library, where students present their short films or video presentations, sharing their genre explorations with an audience. Facilitate a Q&A session after each presentation to engage the audience and deepen the discussion.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Finalized short film or video presentation ready for exhibition. 2. Deliverable 2: Completed digital portfolio showcasing reflections, analyses, and creative projects. 3. Deliverable 3: Final entry in the weekly reflection journal summarizing the entire project experience and personal growth.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Ensure all editing software and tools are available and functioning for student use during final editing sessions. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare guidelines and materials for the creative writing finalization workshop, providing examples of effective peer feedback. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up templates and feedback forms to support students in finalizing their digital portfolios. 4. Prep Task 4: Coordinate technical arrangements for the 'Genre Film Festival,' including audio-visual equipment, seating, and scheduling. 5. Prep Task 5: Create a schedule for the festival, including student presentation orders and Q&A time allocations.