Objective: 

Students will dramatize a story or fairy tale in two different settings—one before and one after the introduction of a modern computing technology (e.g., smartphones)—and discuss how the technology impacts the characters’ lives.

Materials Needed:

• A popular fairy tale or myth (e.g., "Cinderella," "Little Red Riding Hood").

• Props or costumes for dramatization (optional).

Steps:

• Choose a Story: 

  • Select a familiar fairy tale or myth. Start by reading the story aloud to the class, ensuring everyone understands the plot and characters.

• Discuss the Two Time Periods: 

  • Explain that the class will act out the story in two different time settings. The first setting will be in a time before smartphones existed, and the second will be in a time where smartphones are a part of everyday life. Ask students how characters might behave differently with and without the technology. For example, how would Little Red Riding Hood's journey change if she had a smartphone?

• Dramatize the Story:

  • Split the class into two groups. One group will act out the story in the original setting (without technology), and the other group will act it out in the modern setting (with smartphones).

  • Encourage students to think creatively about how the presence or absence of technology affects the characters' decisions, communication, and outcomes.

• Reflection: 

  • After both dramatizations, gather the students to discuss the positive and negative aspects of smartphones on the characters’ daily lives. Ask questions like, "Did the smartphone make the characters’ lives easier or harder?" and "What might be some disadvantages of relying on technology?"

Equity and Access: 

Ensure all students can participate by offering various roles in the dramatization (e.g., acting, narrating, or managing props) and providing visual or verbal cues for students who may need additional support in understanding the story or participating in discussions.

Real-World Application: 

Connect the impact of smartphones in the story to real-life situations, such as how technology changes how we communicate with family or find information, helping students understand both the benefits and challenges of relying on modern devices in everyday life.

CS Practice(s): 

• Fostering an Inclusive Computing Culture: Students explore how different technologies affect diverse communities and cultures.

• Communicating About Computing: Students discuss the role of technology in stories and its impact on characters' lives.

Standard(s):

• CA CCSS for ELA-Literacy RL.K.2, RL.K.9

• CA CS K-2.IC.18

Objective: 

Students will create a digital version of a fairy tale or myth, retelling it in two settings—before and after the introduction of a modern computing technology (e.g., smartphones).

Materials Needed:

• Tablets or computers with a simple digital storytelling platform like StoryJumper, Book Creator, or Seesaw.

• A familiar fairy tale or myth.

Steps:

• Introduction to Digital Storytelling: 

  • Show students how to use the digital storytelling platform, focusing on adding text and images to create a storybook.

• Choose and Retell the Story:

  • Divide the students into small groups. Each group will choose a fairy tale or myth to retell.

  • The first part of the story will be set before smartphones existed, and the second part will be set in the present day, where characters can use smartphones.

• Create the Digital Storybook:

  • Students will create two sections in their digital storybook: one for the "before" story and one for the "after" story.

  • They can use the platform’s features to illustrate how the introduction of smartphones changes the story. For instance, they could show characters using a smartphone to solve a problem that was difficult in the original setting.

• Presentation and Discussion: 

  • Once the digital storybooks are complete, each group presents their story to the class. Discuss how the presence of technology changed the storyline and whether it had positive or negative impacts on the characters.

Equity and Access: 

Ensure all students have the opportunity to engage by providing extra support for those who may need help with the digital tools, offering step-by-step instructions, and allowing for different roles (e.g., writing, designing, or narrating) to accommodate diverse abilities and learning styles.

Real-World Application: 

Connect the activity to real-life by discussing how technology like smartphones changes the way we solve problems, communicate, or gather information today, helping students understand the practical impact of technology on daily tasks, such as using a GPS to find directions or sending a text instead of writing a letter.

CS Practice(s):

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students use digital tools to create a story that explores the impact of technology on daily life.

• Communicating About Computing: Students present their stories and discuss the role of technology in shaping the narrative.

Standards(s):

• CA CCSS for ELA-Literacy RL.K.2, RL.K.9

• CA CS K-2.IC.18