Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Interesting Expansion of Story

Premises: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class duration, prior student study both with the Book and the beginning of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be carried out during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a large part of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

This stage aims to set a clear understanding of the core skills that students will focus on during the lesson. By defining the main objectives, students will be encouraged to think about how they can enhance their storytelling techniques and effectively apply them in crafting their own narratives. This understanding will serve as a guide throughout the activities, ensuring that students remain focused on character development and event construction as key elements of engaging storytelling.

Main Objectives:

1. Develop the ability to create engaging and relatable characters that resonate with readers.

2. Enhance the skill to construct compelling events in a story that maintain readers' interest and drive the narrative forward.

Introduction

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

This stage aims to bridge the students' prior knowledge about storytelling with the new skills they will acquire during the lesson. By presenting relatable problem situations and illustrating the significance of storytelling in real life, students are motivated to think critically about their previous learning and its relevance. This contextualization also encourages them to visualize the application of storytelling techniques in their own lives, making the learning process more engaging and meaningful.

Problem-Based Situation

1. Imagine a character named Raju, who dreams of becoming a cricketer but faces numerous obstacles, including familial pressure to pursue a different career. How can students develop Raju's character and his journey to become a better cricketer?

2. Consider a local festival story where a missing artefact threatens to ruin the celebrations. What compelling events could lead to the discovery of the artefact and how can students construct a narrative that keeps the audience engaged?

Contextualization

In today's world, storytelling is not just about recounting events; it is a means to convey emotions, inspire change, and connect people. In a bustling city like Mumbai or a quiet village in Rajasthan, stories shape our culture and identity. Understanding how to craft engaging characters and events can empower students to share their own experiences or cultural narratives effectively. For instance, a well-developed character can reflect societal issues, while a captivating event can spark discussions about local traditions, ensuring that stories resonate across generations and enrich the community.

Development

Duration: 70 - 80 minutes

This stage of the lesson plan is designed to provide students with a hands-on opportunity to apply their understanding of character development and event construction in storytelling. By working collaboratively in groups, students will creatively engage with the material, generating diverse narratives while developing their teamwork and communication skills. This active methodology encourages a deeper connection with the storytelling process, allowing students to take ownership of their learning and gain confidence in their creative abilities.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - Cricket Dreams: Raju's Journey

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: The objective of this activity is to strengthen students' abilities to develop relatable characters and engaging events, while fostering teamwork and creativity.

- Description: In this activity, students will immerse themselves in the story of Raju, a young boy from a modest background, who dreams of becoming a professional cricketer. Students will work in groups to explore the character's motivations, his family's expectations, and his journey through the ups and downs of the sport. They will develop scenes that showcase pivotal moments in Raju's life, incorporating elements of conflict, determination, and community support. Each group will be encouraged to create a mini play that narrates Raju's inspiring story, highlighting the challenges he faces and how he overcomes them.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of 5 and provide them with a brief overview of Raju's character and his dreams.

• Encourage each group to brainstorm various scenes that depict Raju's challenges and victories.

• Assign roles within each group (i.e., writers, actors, directors) to ensure participation from all members.

• Allow groups to rehearse their scenes, emphasizing creativity and emotion in their performances.

• Conclude with a presentation session where each group performs their mini play for the class.

Activity 2 - Mystery at the Festival

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: This activity aims to enhance storytelling skills through character development and event construction in a collaborative environment.

- Description: In this engaging activity, students will explore a local festival where a cherished artefact goes missing just days before the celebrations. Working in groups, they will craft a story that revolves around the search for the artefact, including twists and turns that maintain suspense and intrigue. Students will delve into character development, creating diverse characters such as a curious child, a wise elder, and a skeptical police officer. Through collaborative storytelling, groups will create an exciting narrative that showcases resolution through community efforts.

- Instructions:

• Form groups of 5 and introduce the scenario of the missing artefact.

• Encourage brainstorming sessions to develop the storyline, ensuring each character has distinct motivations.

• Instruct groups to incorporate various events that build tension and lead to the artefact's discovery.

• Allocate time for groups to share their story outlines with classmates for feedback and enhancement.

• Wrap up with a performance where each group presents their story, focusing on character portrayals and event sequencing.

Activity 3 - Tales from the Heart: Personal Narratives

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: The goal is to strengthen students' narrative skills by focusing on personal experiences while enhancing character and event construction.

- Description: In this heartwarming activity, students will share and expand upon their personal stories that reflect cultural experiences, using prompts to guide their character development. Each group will discuss unique aspects of their narratives, focusing on how to elevate character depth and plot detail. They will be encouraged to weave in local traditions and community stories, creating an authentic and relatable narrative that resonates with their peers. By the end of the session, groups will present their enhanced personal tales to the class.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of 5 and provide narrative prompts that reflect local culture and experiences.

• Instruct students to draft outlines of their personal stories, emphasizing character attributes and key events.

• Facilitate discussions within groups to critique and enhance each other's narratives.

• Allow time for groups to prepare and rehearse their storytelling presentations.

• Conclude with a storytelling session where each group shares their enriched narratives.

Feedback

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

The purpose of this feedback stage is to consolidate the learning experiences of the students by encouraging reflection and discussion on the storytelling techniques they practiced. By sharing insights and understanding each other's narratives, students will reinforce their skills in character development and event construction. This collaborative dialogue will enable them to appreciate diverse storytelling approaches, deepen their comprehension of the elements involved, and foster a supportive community where creativity can thrive.

Group Discussion

Today, we've explored the art of storytelling by diving into our imaginative characters and exciting events. Now, let's share our discoveries! Each group will take turns discussing what they learned about character development and how they crafted engaging narratives. Think about the challenges your characters faced and how those experiences shaped your stories. Who would like to start?

Key Questions

1. What are some key elements that make a character relatable and engaging?

2. How did collaborating in your group enhance your understanding of storytelling?

3. What surprised you about the process of creating events in your narrative?

Conclusion

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this conclusion stage is to encapsulate the main learnings of the lesson, reinforcing the importance of character development and event construction in storytelling. By summarizing the experiences and connecting the theory to practical applications, students will leave the classroom with a clearer understanding of how these skills can enrich their lives and the narratives they share.

Summary

In today's lesson, students delved into the art of storytelling, focusing on character development and the construction of engaging events. Through interactive group activities like 'Cricket Dreams' and 'Mystery at the Festival', students enhanced their creativity by crafting relatable characters and compelling narratives that reflect their cultural backgrounds and personal experiences. Each group's presentations showcased the diverse approaches to storytelling, highlighting the unique challenges and victories characters face.

Theory Connection

The lesson successfully bridged the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application by allowing students to put their knowledge into practice. While initial learning was based on understanding character traits and story structure, this active methodology facilitated a hands-on experience where theory was transformed into practice. By collaborating on group activities, students connected their theoretical insights with the real-world implications of storytelling, deepening their appreciation for the craft.

Closing

As the lesson comes to a close, students should appreciate the significance of storytelling in their everyday lives. Whether it’s sharing personal experiences or weaving local tales, the ability to create engaging narratives fosters a sense of community and cultural identity. Storytelling not only entertains but also allows individuals to express their thoughts and feelings, making it a vital skill in personal and communal interactions.