Introduction | The Task | Resources | The Process | Assessment Rubric | Conclusion
powerpoint presentation on storytelling

Introduction
Choose one of the story writing options below.  Follow the directions and begin to write your story.
Remember the characteristics of a good story !
Once your story has been revised and is complete you will tell your story to a few members of your class.

The Task

At the end of this unit students will have successfully completed:

• a short story
• the telling of a short story 5 to 7 minutes in length

Resources - click the colored links below to try out any of these resources

1.    The hero's journey .... An environment to explore
       the classic mythical story structure and to create your own stories.
     http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/smc/journey/#

2.    Finding Folk tales to Tell
     http://www.storyarts.org/classroom/retelling/findingtales.html

3.    Remembering Your Life Story
     http://www.storyarts.org/classroom/roots/lifestory.html

4.    Collecting Family Stories
     http://www.storyarts.org/classroom/roots/family.html

The Process

Follow the steps below in order.

1.  Choose one of the web sites above to guide you through the story making process.
2.  Pick up the corresponding worksheet that matches the web site you chose.
3.  Begin working on the rough draft of your story.
4.  Find tune your story and write your final copy.
5.  Practice telling your story.

Characteristics of a Good Story

As you begin developing your story, you want to keep in mind the characteristics of a good story.  They are:
 *a single theme, clearly defined
 *a well developed plot
 *style:  vivid word pictures, pleasing sounds and rhythm
 *characterization
 *faithful to source
 *dramatic appeal
 *appropriateness to listeners

Tips for Learning and Telling a Story
*Practice
*Picture the story
*Say your story in front of a mirror
*Don't try to memorize, tell it in your own WORDS!
*Read and reread
*Pretend you are confident!
*Use repetition
*Use variety
*Use gestures
*Let your imagination work
*Breathe!

Assessment /Grading Rubric
All students will be graded using two rubrics, Storytelling and Writing a story.  These rubrics will be attached to the web site handouts.

Conclusion
At one time storytelling was a way for ancient people to satisfy their need of explaining the world around them.  It was the primary way of communicating experiences from one person to another, of recording the actions of one's ancestors.  Now, storytelling is less frequently used as a way of recording information but instead as a form of entertainment.  Good storytelling can be powerful, transporting and magical.  We hope that once you have completed this assignments your will realize how powerful your spoken words are, and how important it is to listen.

Last updated December, 2001.