Introduction
Can you name a picture book that you read as a child that you found was extremely powerful?
Your job today will be to read a powerful picture book and watch the performed version of the same picture book and determine what makes it a powerful story. Then you will be asked to use the storyteller's toolbox to perform your choice of a picture book.
Task
Students will read the picture book "The People Could Fly" and then watch a performance of the same book to compare and contrast a written story to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium. (RL.7.7)
Students will then choose their own picture book to create a performance of that same book using the Stroyteller's Tools.
Process
You need to follow the following steps in order to complete this WebQuest:
1. Read "The People Could Fly" by Virginia Hamilton. You can read the print version available in the classroom library or you can read the digital version found here: http://pams.pasd.com/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=9180729.
2. Next, you need to watch the performed version of "The People Could Fly":
3. Then you will review the Storyteller's Toolbox Anchor Chart: file:///C:/Users/jhins/Downloads/ela-g7-m3-u2-l5%20(1).pdf. It is located on page 13.
4. After seeing the example of "The People Could Fly" as a written version and a performed version, you will choose a picture book to perform.
5. You will record yourself performing your chosen picture book and upload it to YouTube when you are finished.
6. Finally, you will complete the assessment form about your performance.
Evaluation
Each student will be evaluated on their Storyteller's Performance Assessment as well as on their Performance. The Storyteller's Performance Assessment is worth 25 points and the Performance is worth 25 points for a total of 50 points.
Storyteller’s Performance Assessment
Picture Book that was performed: _______________________________ (2.5 pts)
Link to performance: ________________________________________ (2.5 pts)
Please check all Voice Tools you used in your performance and explain why you chose to use these tools:
Voice
___ Tone and Volume
___ Speed
___ Repetition
I used the following tool(s) to: ___________________________________
________________________________________________________.
(10 pts possible - students checks each one that is demonstrated in the performance and thoroughly explains the function of those tools in performance)
Body
___ Facial Expression
___ Hand and Body Motion
I used the following tool(s) to: ___________________________________
________________________________________________________.
(10 pts possible - students checks each one that is demonstrated in the performance and thoroughly explains the function of those tools in performance)
Performance Rubric
15 pts - Student clearly demonstrates the Storyteller's Tools indicated on Storyteller's Toolbox Assessment
5 pts - Student uses a variety/combination of Voice and Body Tools to help tell the story.
5 pts - Student clearly and fluently performs chosen picture book in an engaging manner.
Conclusion
What are some of the tools that Storytellers can use when performing a story to make it seem more powerful?
What are some of the reasons that storytellers use these tools to bring a story to life?
Teacher Page
"The People Could Fly" by Virginia Hamilton gives us a powerful story of slavery to help make connections with Frederick Douglass. We will be looking at different picture books that relate to Frederick Douglass as we study him and his life. We will also be focusing on the question, "What makes a story powerful?"
Frederick Douglass: The Last Day of Slavery is a fantastic option to choose to do your performance over. Keep in mind the picture book you choose to perform does not have to be about Frederick Douglass or slavery, but it should be a powerful story.
Storyteller's Performance Assessment
Remember: You do not have to use all of the tools mentioned on the Storyteller's Toolbox Anchor Chart; however, you do have to use a combination of those tools. I should be able to note at least 3 of the tools in your performance.
Keep in mind WHY storytellers use certain tools in their performance.