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Lesson 7

We will develop an original narrative for the Section Diagnostic, a retelling of a legendary story based on a myth, folk tale, fairy tale, cultural story, or parable that we find interesting and meaningful.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I identify a myth, folk tale, fairy tale, or parable that I find interesting and meaningful?

  • Can I plan a retelling of a legendary story, and explain it to other students?

Texts

There are no texts for this Lesson.

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Discuss – Read

We will prepare to write a legendary story by orally retelling and discussing our story options with a partner. Then we will review the task expectations for the Section Diagnostic.

Step 1

With a partner, review the story options you identified during your research into legendary stories that you found meaningful when you were younger: family stories, myths, folk tales, fairy tales, cultural stories, or parables. Explain to your partner where the stories came from and how you are thinking about retelling them.

For one of your story options, practice retelling the story to your partner. Try to use oral storytelling techniques you heard from storytellers you listened to in this section of the unit.

Give each other constructive suggestions about which story to tell and how best to tell it.

Step 2

Review the Section Diagnostic Checklist.

Discuss with your partner how the expectations of this task fit with the story options you are considering. Talk about how to meet the expectations listed on the Section Diagnostic Checklist. Identify questions you have about the task.

In a class discussion, ask clarifying questions so that you are ready to begin planning and writing your legendary story.

Activity 2: Write

We will plan and begin writing our legendary stories, using notes and Resources we have found to guide our retelling of the story.

In a writers workshop, begin planning and drafting the legendary story you will retell. Use the details and sequence of the original story you are modeling yours after, but add your own stylistic choices to the retelling of the story. To plan your story, you might use a storyboard, cluster diagram, outlined plot list, or your researched version of the story to determine the sequence of your narrative.

As you draft, think about your storyteller’s voice and how you will make the story your own. Think also about how to use vivid, descriptive images and words to make your story come alive. Model your writing and storytelling after that of storytellers you studied in this unit, or another writer you admire.

Activity 3: Write

For homework, we will finish our drafts of our original narratives. We will practice dramatizing our story for an audience.

Finish drafting your story for homework. You will work with a writing partner in the next lesson to revise and edit the final draft.

You will have the opportunity to present your story to peers through a dramatic reading. Practice reading and dramatizing your story for your family or friends.