Imagination and Storytelling: Unit Overview
In many schools, the imagination and storytelling unit runs throughout the year. Because of this, and because there is such a heavy literature tie, this is the longest, richest, and perhaps the most complex of all the material I have shared. I love teaching this unit because, at the end, students understand stories better. They can sequence a story, map a story, write a simple story, and act out a story. They learn about characters, then create characters of their own. They dive into the literature and emerge flush with new skills and new confidence in working with story texts and navigating the library. Take the time and work through this material. From performance poetry to small group “bear hunts,” your students will be better story readers and story tellers after this unit.
Imagination and Storytelling #1: Story Sequencing
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students will practice making predictions based on visual clues in a text. They will also sequence a story using an author-provided handout and extend the lesson with a simple craft activity. Lesson Plan: Suggested Grades: K-2 Objective: To practice prediction and story sequencing using a… Read more
Imagination and Storytelling #2: Story Mapping
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students are introduced to the concept of story mapping through a modern classic, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Lesson Plan: Suggested Grades: K-2 Objective: To teach the technique of story mapping so that children can use a story map to retell the tale.… Read more
Imagination and Storytelling #3: Performance Poetry #1
Lesson Overview: In this lesson students learn to tell a story with words and hand movements. Best on a rainy day, Martin and Archambault’s rain storm masterpiece lets children perform a piece of poetry together. Children will learn to perform the poem which is perfect to share in an assembly!… Read more
Imagination and Storytelling #4: Performance Poetry #2
Lesson Overview: In this lesson students also learn to tell a story with words and hand movements. However, the Bear Hunt will serve as a model for the students’ own stories and dramatic performances. Get ready for some creative thinking and writing once the kids have mastered this one! Lesson… Read more
Imagination and Storytelling #5: Scriptwriting and Video Production
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students draw on what they have learned about story structure and story performance to write and perform their own stories. I have written this into one lesson plan, but it will most likely take two to four lessons for the students to plan their projects,… Read more
Imagination and Storytelling #6: Storytelling Video Premiere
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students celebrate their learning by watching the completed storytelling videos. As the videos are normally several weeks in the making, kids are extremely proud of their productions! Give them the chance to reflect on and celebrate their achievements by hosting a red-carpet video premiere! Add… Read more
Imagination and Storytelling #7: Characters to Discover
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students are introduced to ten popular storybook characters. The introduction will encourage them to read more broadly from books several series they may not have known. It will give them more “storybook friends” to enjoy and will enable them to recognize on sight more of… Read more