Story Stroll: Tales with a Twist!

8th Grade

Project
4 weeks

Story Stroll: Tales with a Twist!

MICHAEL WALKER

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage 8th-grade students in the art of storytelling as a means to convey important life lessons to younger audiences. Through the creation and sharing of personal stories, students will develop narrative skills, enhance their socio-emotional growth, and foster connections within the community. By presenting their work at local elementary schools and community events, students will actively contribute to the learning experiences of younger students, while also reflecting on their own growth and understanding of storytelling as a powerful tool for communication and empathy.

Learning goals

Students will develop narrative writing skills by creating short stories that convey meaningful life lessons, focusing on narrative structure and character development. They will enhance their ability to communicate effectively through storytelling, both in written and oral forms, during the storytelling showcase and festival. Through peer feedback and reflection circles, students will cultivate socio-emotional skills, such as empathy and active listening, while gaining confidence in public speaking as they present their stories to diverse audiences.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4: Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot.

Products

Students will create a collection of short stories that convey life lessons, which will be compiled into a published book. Additionally, they will develop interactive storyboards that highlight key themes and lessons from their stories. These storyboards will serve as engaging tools for guided discussions and activities during visits to local elementary schools, allowing younger students to explore and connect with the narratives.

Launch

Begin the project with an engaging Story Circle, where students gather to share personal anecdotes or favorite childhood stories that imparted valuable lessons. This activity will create a supportive environment, encouraging students to connect with each other and draw inspiration for their own stories. By listening to diverse narratives, students will gain insight into the power of storytelling and begin brainstorming ideas for their short stories that will teach life lessons to younger audiences.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Storytelling Festival' at a local community center, where they will perform their stories in front of an audience comprising parents, teachers, and community members. This event will be interactive, with students leading workshops to guide attendees in creating their own mini-stories, fostering a collaborative and creative environment. This exhibition not only showcases the students' storytelling skills but also encourages community engagement and dialogue around the themes and lessons presented in their stories.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Story Circle Introduction - Host a storytelling circle where students share personal anecdotes or favorite childhood stories that taught them valuable lessons, setting the stage for their own story creation (40 min)	Exploring Life Lessons in Stories - Facilitate a discussion on various stories and their life lessons, encouraging students to brainstorm potential themes for their own stories (40 min)	Narrative Structure Workshop - Conduct a workshop on narrative structure, focusing on how to develop a compelling plot that effectively conveys a life lesson (40 min)	Character Development Session - Guide students through exercises on creating relatable characters that enhance the message of their stories (40 min)	Story Planning and Brainstorming - Provide time for students to outline and brainstorm ideas for their stories, incorporating narrative structure elements and life lesson themes discussed earlier (40 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed story outline that includes a clear narrative structure, character development, and defined life lesson.
Preparation	1. Prepare materials for the Story Circle, such as note-taking sheets, and set up a comfortable space for sharing. 2. Develop workshop materials on narrative structure and character development, including examples and templates. 3. Create brainstorming prompts and discussion questions to facilitate idea generation during the brainstorm session. 4. Print outline templates to help students organize their stories effectively, ensuring they address key narrative elements. 5. Set up a peer review format and guidelines to ensure constructive feedback is exchanged during review sessions.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Character Development Workshop - Facilitate a hands-on activity where students create detailed character profiles, focusing on traits, motivations, and challenges that convey life lessons (40 min)	Narrative Structure Exploration - Guide students through an interactive session on crafting engaging plots, emphasizing the importance of beginning, middle, and end to effectively teach life lessons (40 min)	Story Drafting Session - Encourage students to write the first draft of their short stories, ensuring they incorporate narrative structure and character development techniques learned (40 min)	Peer Feedback Exchange - Organize a peer review session where students share story drafts and provide constructive feedback focused on enhancing themes and storytelling elements (40 min)	Teacher-Student One-on-One Critique - Conduct individualized meetings to discuss story drafts, focusing on refinement and strategies for deeper impact (40 min)
Deliverables	1. Submit a draft outline of their short story, including narrative structure, character profiles, and identified life lesson.
Preparation	1. Gather examples of well-structured narratives and character development worksheets to use during the workshop. 2. Prepare guiding questions and prompts for the peer feedback sessions to help students provide constructive critiques. 3. Create a checklist for students to use when identifying and integrating life lessons into their stories.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Draft Review and Feedback - Conduct peer review sessions where students exchange draft stories and provide constructive feedback focused on narrative clarity and lesson impact (40 min)	One-on-One Teacher Conferences - Schedule individual meetings to discuss story progress, addressing specific feedback and areas for improvement (40 min)	Story Revision Workshop - Facilitate focused revision time where students implement feedback to enhance their stories' plot development and character depth (40 min)	Interactive Storyboard Creation - Guide students in designing storyboards that visually represent key scenes and lessons from their stories, preparing for elementary school visits (40 min)	Reflection Circle - Organize a reflection session where students share their experiences and growth through the revision process, discussing personal challenges and insights (40 min)
Deliverables	1. Revised and finalized short story drafts. 2. Completed interactive storyboards ready for elementary school visits.
Preparation	1. Provide art supplies and digital tools for storyboard creation. 2. Arrange a schedule for one-on-one meetings between students and the teacher for critique sessions. 3. Reserve a classroom space for storytelling rehearsals. 4. Prepare reflection circle discussion prompts to guide the session.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Storytelling Showcase Preparation - Students rehearse their stories to practice clarity and engaging delivery in preparation for the showcase event (40 min)	Final Story Revisions - Students make last-minute adjustments to their stories based on feedback and rehearsal experiences, ensuring the narrative is impactful (40 min)	Storytelling Showcase Event - Host an event where students present their stories to peers and teachers, followed by a Q&A session to discuss themes and lessons (40 min)	Reflection Circle - Facilitate a reflection session where students discuss their storytelling experience and personal growth, sharing insights and challenges (40 min)	Elementary School Visit Planning - Students plan logistics for upcoming visits to local elementary schools, focusing on presentation techniques and interactive storyboard preparation (40 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed short stories compiled into a digital book format for publication. 2. Interactive storyboards finalized and prepared for presentation at elementary schools. 3. Reflections from the final reflection circle documented in a shared class portfolio.
Preparation	1. Ensure the digital book design software is accessible for students to compile their stories. 2. Organize transportation and permission slips for the walking field trip to local elementary schools. 3. Arrange the storytelling showcase event space with necessary audio/visual equipment. 4. Prepare materials for the 'Storytelling Festival,' including sign-up sheets for workshops. 5. Gather feedback forms for the storytelling showcase and festival audiences.