Unit 1 Final Project

Storytelling Unit Final Project

How does storytelling make us human? How can storytelling improve our world?

This project has individual and group components. The individual component is a writing portfolio that will contain the assignments that follow.

The Writing Portfolio

As you read the short stories for the unit, you will complete paragraph response questions for each story. For your final project, you will select 2 informative and 2 narrative responses to edit and submit as examples of your best writing. These need to be labeled with the story title and the type of response. Example: “The Story of an Hour” Narrative Response, “The Most Dangerous Game” Informative Response.

Additionally, you will write an original short story. You can create a completely original story or write one to answer one of the following prompts.

• Tell a story that takes place during the span of just 1 hour where the protagonist’s life dramatically changes.
• Tell a story that ends with a shocking twist to reveal a problem in our society.
• Write an updated version of “The Lottery” that uses technology and social media.
• Tell a story where a character must outsmart the makers of a dangerous game or competition in order to survive.
• Write an updated version of “The Most Dangerous Game” that uses technology and social media.
• Write a story with a positive protagonist who meets all obstacles with a smile.
• Write a story from the perspective of a criminal on death row who is making excuses for their crime.
• Write a story where a person is judged based on their race, ethnicity, nationality, or ancestry.

Your original story must contain a clear beginning with background information that introduces that protagonist and antagonist, a middle that features a conflict, and a resolution where the theme and social commentary are clear. You will get a more specific checklist for that at a later point.

To summarize, the three components of the individual project will count as written communication grades.

• 2 narrative responses (50 points each for 100 points)
• 2 informative responses (50 points each for 100 points)
• 1 original short story (100 points)

Make sure you consult the attached written communication rubric before turning in your work.

The Storytelling Performance

In groups of 4-5, share your original stories. Select 1 story OR combine stories to present to the class. Your presentation can take a variety of forms, but it should take between 7 and 10 minutes to perform. Each group member must participate in the presentation in some way. You can also add a griot to use as a narrator to help explain your performance. Your presentation must present SOCIAL COMMENTARY in the form of a THEME that must be EMPHASIZED during your performance.

Your presentation can be:

A live performance of your story as a skit that includes all group members as actors or griots.

A filmed performance of your story that includes all group members.

A cartoon version of your story that includes voice work and contributions from all characters.

A children’s book that contains your story that is read to the class by all members and that contains engaging illustrations.

If you have another idea, please get it approved by Mrs. Klein

How will this project be graded?

• The writing portfolio is worth 300 written communication points.
• Your presentation will count as a 200-point knowledge and thinking grade based on the clarity of your presentation, which means how clearly did you tell your story? Was the social commentary clear? Was there a theme or message to the story?
• Your presentation MUST feature all group members as it will count as a 200-point collaboration and a 200-point oral communication grade.
• Additionally, you will receive a 200 point agency grade for your participation during the work day and the performance day.

Please consult the attached rubrics for a deeper understanding of expectations. There are 5 rubrics:

• Knowledge and Thinking
• Written Communication
• Oral Communication
• Collaboration
• Agency