Project Exchange

SUMMARY

Goals

Introduce/review/deepen understanding of narrative elements and literary technique so students could improve their written monologue

Details

Duration: 90 minutes

Assessments: Student writing

Description

We taught a mini-lesson each day, for about 20 minutes.

1. After the students extracted the essential information, we reviewed the characteristics of "good" and "bad" monologues, we brainstormed elements of a good "story." Each student in a group of 4 was responsible for sharing a story with the group. The best story/storyteller from the group was nominted to tell the story in front of the class. After each story we listed what parts of the story stood out and why. The students were then required to begin listing ideas they had for the sotry they would share on exhibition night.

2. Creating the Germ - The purpose of this exercise was to focus in on the most interesting, unique part of the immigrant experience that they heard and frame a story around it by answering structured questions. The "germ" visual came in handy.

3. Theme - We used a technique called "Steal a line." They listened to their monologues again and wrote down lines that stuck out. This ensured (more or less) tat students has prupose and focus when writing.

4. Show Don't Tell - The powerpoint is text heavy, so it may need to be modified. Students "took" much better to the "golden details" method, which they learned at 826 Valenicia.

5. Golden Details - the heart of a good story. This powerpoint gives an example of a "cliche/clunky" detail, a "useful" detail, and a "golden" detail. We brainstormed a bunch more on the field trip and in class. It was a great activity. It also helped with "cliche" symbols, which we were trying to avoid.

6. Setting/Dialogue - these powerpoints are simple, but they served as a good reminder to pay attention to these elements. They tied this to "golden details."

7. Planning the Monologue - this handout was created by our RSP teacher to make sure that students were including all of the required elements. Although it was designed for students with special needs, many students benefitted from it.

8. Great First Lines - This is a fun powerpoint that includes powerful first lines from a range of novels. We read them and discussed why they were powerful.