SHORT STORY PROJECTS

Short Story Projects:

The short story project aim is to grant students the chance to think creatively and critically about stories that are in their textbook, giving them hands-on permission to add their own talents and knowledge to a story and to teach the story to the class. The ultimate goal is to create something that will allow future students a chance to learn from it.

The first step in the project is to pick a story from the sign-up list and read the story closely, taking notes on things like character, plot, metaphors, symbols, and so on. The second step will be to outline a presentation (see below) for class. The third step will be to develop a creative connection.

The project is worth 200 points and will be graded upon the following items.

1) 100 points presentation of story to class. You presentation needs to address the following:
a. You should have summary of the story. A detailed account of what happens.
b. In the second part of your presentation you should discuss the literary elements that appear in the story and how they may make meaning. Example: In “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird” the act of mimicking appears often in the story: Terry copies Tyrone, Cathy copies Granny and adults, Camera and Smilin’ are trying to copy the Cain’s life on film, Granddaddy and Granny in a while mimic the two children hawks, and finally all the places the Cain family move too they find a repetition of disrespect from people. All these acts of mimicking, conscious and unconscious, form the backdrop of the story, the mockingbird of the story, the idea of intrusion which contrasts the blues granny hums which is calm, soothing and represents respect.
c. The third part of your project should be a comparison to a story you have read in class. You can compare characters, themes, ideas, the use of some literary device.
d. The fourth part of your presentation will be some sort of visual aid that corresponds to the story.

A-D are worth 20 points each. The final twenty 20 points will come from a oral presentation rubric, meaning you will be graded on how well you spoke.

2) 100 points for the creative connection. This connection displays an understanding of the story, neatness, enthusiasm and makes the story fun for the class.

POSSIBLE PROJECTS:

1) You can translate the story into a play (with a written script) and act out part of it for the class. You should think about either writing a possible theme song or finding one. You will have to justify your theme song. You could record your play on tape or burn it on a CD. Your play should be close to the original story.
2) You can make the story into a movie (with a written script) and film it in Skagway. You should think of music. Your movie should be at least 15 minutes long and should remain close to the text of the original story. (I’ll show you an example of this soon).
3) You can create a comic book out of the story but your version should remain very close to the text of the original story. Your comic book should be at least ten pages and can contain the sequel to the book. The comic should also have a list of reading comprehensive questions at the end.
4) You could create a magazine about the story—things to include might be: interviews with characters from the story; reviews from critics; short story sequels; poetry about the story; information about the author, drawings; review of movies or radio programs based on the story, etc. You should have at least 6 things in your magazine (magazine should be 6-8 pages).
5) You could write a 2-5 page critical paper on the story. If you decide to do this you must talk to me about your topic and your direction.
6) You could do a power point presentation that includes research on the story, the author and some other aspect of the story.