Teacher Mr. Jake

Course Overview

Objectives

• Develop vocal variety and expressiveness

• Understand and portray different characters

• Enhance listening and retelling skills

• Build confidence in public speaking

• Foster creativity and imagination

Materials Needed

• Course books: (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep/Inkheart)

• Props and costumes that might help with your performances

• Notebooks and pens

• internet connection and computer

Weekly Lesson Plan

Weeks 1-2: Introduction to Storytelling

Week 1: Introduction and Icebreakers

• Icebreaker activities

• Introduction to the course objectives and expectations

• Discussion on the importance of storytelling

• Brief storytelling by the instructor

Week 2: Elements of a Good Story

• Discuss the elements of a good story (plot, characters, setting, conflict, resolution)

• Interactive activity: Group creation of a short story

• Homework: Write a short story using the discussed elements

Weeks 3-4: Voice and Expression

Week 3: Vocal Variety

• Introduction to vocal techniques (pitch, pace, volume, tone)

• Practice exercises for vocal variety

• Group activity: Reading a passage with different vocal expressions

Week 4: Expressive Reading

• Focus on reading with expression and emotion

• Practice with short, emotive texts

• Homework: Record an expressive reading of a chosen text

Weeks 5-6: Characterization

Week 5: Understanding Characters

• Discuss character traits and motivations

• Activity: Create and describe an original character

• Group exercise: Role-play different characters

Week 6: Voice and Movement

• Practice using different voices for different characters

• Incorporate movement and gestures

• Homework: Write a short dialogue between two characters and practice performing it

Weeks 7-8: Story Retelling Techniques

Week 7: Listening and Retelling

• Practice active listening skills

• Activity: Partner storytelling and retelling

• Homework: Retell a story heard in class to a family member

Week 8: Adding Personal Touch

• Discuss how to add personal flair to retelling

• Practice retelling a known story with unique twists

• Group activity: Each student retells a familiar story with their own twist

Weeks 9-10: Folktales and Myths

Week 9: Introduction to Folktales

• Discuss the characteristics of folktales and myths

• Group reading and discussion of a popular folktale

• Homework: Research and prepare to tell a folktale from another culture

Week 10: Retelling Folktales

• Students share their researched folktales

• Group feedback and discussion

• Activity: Re-enactment of a folktale in small groups

Weeks 11-12: Developing Storylines

Week 11: Plot Development

• Discuss plot structure (beginning, middle, end)

• Group activity: Develop a plot outline for a new story

• Homework: Write a detailed plot outline

Week 12: Story Mapping

• Introduce story mapping techniques

• Individual activity: Map out a story using a storyboard

• Group sharing and feedback

Weeks 13-14: Dialogue and Monologue

Week 13: Writing Dialogue

• Discuss the importance of dialogue in storytelling

• Practice writing realistic and engaging dialogue

• Group activity: Create a short scene with dialogue

Week 14: Monologue Practice

• Introduction to monologues

• Practice writing and performing monologues

• Homework: Write and memorize a short monologue

Weeks 15-16: Improvisation

Week 15: Introduction to Improv

• Discuss the basics of improvisational storytelling

• Group activities: Improv games and exercises

• Homework: Create an improvised story outline

Week 16: Advanced Improv Techniques

• Practice advanced improv techniques

• Group activity: Improv storytelling in pairs and small groups

• Feedback and discussion

Weeks 17-18: Storytelling with Props

Week 17: Using Props in Storytelling

• Discuss the use of props to enhance storytelling

• Practice incorporating props into stories

• Group activity: Create a story using given props

Week 18: Costume and Character

• Explore the use of costumes in characterization

• Practice storytelling in costume

• Homework: Prepare a costume for a chosen character

Weeks 19-20: Storytelling through Different Mediums

Week 19: Audio Storytelling

• Introduction to audio storytelling and podcasts

• Practice recording stories with sound effects

• Homework: Create a short audio story

Week 20: Visual Storytelling

• Discuss visual storytelling techniques (comics, storyboards)

• Group activity: Create a visual story

• Share and discuss visual stories

Weeks 21-22: Rehearsal and Feedback

Week 21: Storytelling Rehearsal

• Begin rehearsing for final performance

• Group feedback and refinement of stories

• Homework: Continue practicing your story

Week 22: Peer Review and Refinement

• Perform stories in small groups for peer review

• Provide constructive feedback

• Final refinements based on feedback

Weeks 23-24: Final Performance Preparation

Week 23: Dress Rehearsal

• Full run-through of final performances with props and costumes

• Feedback and adjustments

• Homework: Final practice and preparation

Week 24: Final Performance Rehearsal

• Final rehearsal with full performances

• Last-minute adjustments and encouragement

• Prepare for final showcase

Week 25: Final Performance

Week 25: Storytelling Showcase

• Students perform their final stories for an audience (parents, classmates, teachers)

• Celebrate the achievements of the students

• Reflect on the course and what was learned