"Artful Stories: Moments that Matter"

4th Grade

Project
4 weeks

"Artful Stories: Moments that Matter"

ESMERALDA PEREZ

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to enable 4th-grade students to explore and articulate meaningful personal experiences through a combination of writing and art. By engaging with community partners, students will enhance their storytelling skills and gain confidence in expressing their narratives. The project aims to create a supportive environment where students can reflect on their growth, celebrate their unique stories, and share them with peers, families, and the wider community.

Learning goals

Students will develop their narrative writing skills by crafting personal stories that highlight meaningful experiences. They will enhance their artistic expression by creating visual representations of their narratives, integrating art with storytelling. Through peer review and community presentations, students will build confidence in public speaking and learn to give and receive constructive feedback. Additionally, they will cultivate digital literacy by creating and managing a digital portfolio that reflects their learning journey and personal growth throughout the project.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.4: Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.6: With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others.

Products

Students will create a personal narrative and a piece of artwork that visually represents their story. They will compile their work into a digital portfolio, showcasing their writing and artistic progress. This portfolio will serve as a comprehensive record of their learning journey, culminating in a public presentation at the 'Family Story Night' and 'Storytelling Day' events.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Memory Lane Walk' where each student brings an item or photo that represents a significant moment in their life. Students will share the story behind their chosen item with classmates, sparking interest and connection. This activity will set the stage for brainstorming ways to express their stories through writing and art, encouraging students to explore personal narratives creatively and collaboratively.

Exhibition

Invite families to a 'Family Story Night' where students showcase their personal narratives and artwork. Set up an engaging gallery-style display of the students' art pieces, allowing families to walk through and appreciate the visual representations. Organize a storytelling session where each student reads their narrative aloud, creating a warm and supportive environment for sharing meaningful experiences. Encourage families to engage in conversations with students about their stories, fostering a sense of community and connection.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Memory Lane Walk Kickoff - Host a 'Memory Lane Walk' where each student brings an item or photo representing a significant moment in their life and shares its story with classmates to spark interest and connection. (25 min) Brainstorming Session - Guide students in brainstorming ways to express their personal stories through writing and art, encouraging creative exploration and collaboration. (20 min)	Introduction to Personal Narrative - Discuss the elements of a personal narrative, including structure, descriptive details, and clear event sequences, to set the foundation for their stories. (20 min) Story Mapping - Have students create a story map outlining key events and details of their chosen personal experience, focusing on the beginning, middle, and end. (25 min)	Drafting the Narrative - Students begin drafting their personal narratives using their story maps, emphasizing effective techniques and descriptive details to bring their stories to life. (30 min) Peer Sharing - Organize a session where students share their draft narratives with a partner, providing initial feedback and fostering a supportive environment for constructive critique. (15 min)	Exploring Artistic Expression - Introduce students to various art techniques and mediums that they can use to create visual representations of their stories, with examples and demonstrations. (20 min) Art Planning - Students sketch initial ideas for their artwork, planning how to visually represent key elements of their narrative to complement their writing. (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Bring a personal item or photo representing a significant moment for the 'Memory Lane Walk'. 2. Write a draft of the personal narrative focusing on the significant moment shared. 3. Create a simple storyboard sketch that visually represents the narrative idea.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the local art studio to have art supplies ready for next week's activity. 2. Prepare writing materials such as journals or notebooks for students. 3. Set up a digital platform for students to eventually upload their narrative drafts and artwork. 4. Arrange the classroom for the 'Memory Lane Walk' with designated areas for storytelling. 5. Organize a brainstorming session with prompts to help students identify significant moments in their lives. 6. Schedule time for students to share their stories and receive feedback from peers during the 'Memory Lane Walk'.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Story Structure Exploration - Review the components of a narrative, including beginning, middle, and end, with examples from familiar stories (20 min) Drafting a Personal Narrative - Begin drafting the first section of their personal narrative, focusing on setting the scene and introducing the main event (25 min)	Peer Sharing Session - Pair students to share their narrative drafts and provide each other with feedback on clarity and detail (20 min) Revise and Extend - Use peer feedback to revise and expand the middle section of their narratives, emphasizing the unfolding of events (25 min)	Artistic Brainstorming - Discuss and sketch ideas for visual representations of their narratives, considering color, shape, and symbolism (15 min) Collaborative Art Session - Partner with a local art studio and begin creating artwork to accompany their narratives, focusing on expressing the story's emotion (30 min)	Narrative Conclusion - Draft the conclusion of their narratives, ensuring a satisfying resolution and reflection on the experience (20 min) Digital Portfolio Setup - Introduce digital portfolio tools and upload drafts and initial artwork, organizing materials for ongoing reflection (25 min)
Deliverables	1. A completed draft of the personal narrative, incorporating feedback from peers. 2. A piece of artwork that visually represents the personal narrative, created during the art studio session. 3. Initial entries in the digital portfolio, including the narrative draft and a photo of the artwork.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the local art studio to schedule the art session and ensure they have the necessary art supplies ready for students. 2. Prepare peer review guidelines and feedback forms to help students provide specific and constructive feedback. 3. Set up digital portfolio accounts for each student, and provide a tutorial on how to upload and organize their work.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Narrative Revision Workshop - Facilitate a focused revision session where students refine their personal narratives, emphasizing clarity, coherence, and emotional impact. (30 min) Art Technique Refinement - Guide students in refining their artistic techniques, encouraging experimentation with different mediums to enhance their visual storytelling. (15 min)	Peer Review Session - Host a structured peer review where students exchange narratives and artwork, providing constructive feedback on content and emotional resonance. (25 min) Incorporating Feedback - Allow students time to incorporate feedback into their narratives and artwork, fostering a reflective and iterative creative process. (20 min)	Digital Portfolio Setup - Introduce students to digital tools for creating their portfolios, guiding them in uploading their narratives and artwork, and organizing their work. (25 min) Portfolio Reflection - Encourage students to reflect on their progress and learning journey, writing a brief reflection to accompany their digital portfolio. (20 min)	Art Studio Session - Collaborate with the local art studio for a hands-on session where students finalize their artwork with professional guidance, enhancing their creative output. (30 min) Final Narrative Editing - Provide a final editing session for students to polish their narratives, ensuring readiness for public presentation. (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Revised personal narrative incorporating peer feedback and descriptive details. 2. Completed artwork that visually represents their personal narrative.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the local art studio to ensure they have the necessary art supplies and instructors available for the sessions. 2. Prepare guidelines for the Peer Review Session, including criteria for constructive feedback. 3. Arrange for digital devices or access to technology so students can update their digital portfolios with revised narratives and artwork. 4. Set up a schedule for students to visit the art studio for their creative sessions.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Final Story Rehearsal - Conduct a practice session where students rehearse reading their narratives aloud, focusing on clarity, pacing, and expression for public presentation. (20 min) Artwork Display Preparation - Guide students in finalizing their artwork presentations, ensuring each piece is labeled and ready for display at the upcoming events. (25 min)	Storytelling Day at Local Library - Host an event in collaboration with the local library where students present their narratives and artwork to the community, enhancing public speaking skills. (45 min)	Family Story Night Preparation - Arrange the classroom or designated space to showcase student art and narratives, preparing for family and community visitors. (20 min) Final Digital Portfolio Completion - Have students finalize and organize their digital portfolios, including all reflections and feedback, for personal review and sharing. (25 min)	Family Story Night Exhibition - Welcome families to an evening event where students share their narratives and artwork, fostering a supportive and celebratory atmosphere. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized personal narrative 2. Completed artwork representing the narrative 3. Digital portfolio with uploaded narrative and artwork 4. Rehearsed presentation for 'Family Story Night'
Preparation	1. Ensure access to digital devices with internet connectivity for uploading work to digital portfolios. 2. Coordinate with the local art studio to provide necessary art supplies for finalizing artwork. 3. Set up a space conducive to rehearsing presentations with a focus on public speaking. 4. Prepare reflection guides to facilitate students' end-of-project self-assessment and reflection.