Final Project Course III

UNIT:
Realistic Fiction Animations by Kathy Sandler and Nancy Gorneau, Grade 4

DESCRIPTION:
Realistic fiction is a familiar genre for Grade 4 students. However, the content of these familiar books begins to change. Character development, plot structures and emotional themes become increasingly more complex. Students have to read with wide awake minds and be alert in order to get the most out of their reading and to understand the deeper meaning of the text.

This unit aims to give students the skills and strategies necessary to think critically when writing realistic fiction stories. As writers and animators students can infer deeper meaning to make connections between realistic fiction and their own lives.

STAGE 1: IDENTIFY DESIRED RESULTS

LANGUAGE ARTS / WRITING
Demonstrates competence in the general skills and strategies of the writing process

Writing Process
4.1.2 Brainstorm, plan and organize ideas
4.1.3 Revise original ideas to improve and develop coherence
4.1.5 Revise to enhance ideas by adding description and detail

Writing Purposes and Resulting Genres
4.1.12 Begin to develop believable characters and setting through choice of detail
4.1.15 Develop a character by providing motivation for action and having the character solve the problem
4.1.16 Develop the plot or tell about the event by describing actions and emotions of the main characters including descriptive details, using dialogue and other story strategies

NETS
Creativity and Innovation
Communication and Collaboration
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
Technology Operations and Concepts

21st CENTURY SKILLS, ICT LITERACY
Use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate and communicate information
Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information technologies

ENDURING UNDERSTANDING:
Students will learn to live like fiction writers, gathering ideas for stories everywhere.
Students will develop their characters and show tiny details and experiences to create realistic fiction stories.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
What are the character’s internal and external features?
How do the character’s traits connect with his or her problem(s) and conflict(s)?
How can writers use imagery to create short stories?

STAGE 2 – ASSESSMENT EVIDENCE

GRASPS TASK:
Goal: To create a visual representation of their written realistic fiction story.
Role: Students will write about a realistic character and then create a series of drawings to show the internal/external journey the character undertook.
Audience: 4th grade students
Situation: Students will integrate technology skills with their realistic fiction writing to express their understanding of character development through drawing and animation.
Product: Animation-ish movie published to their blogs.

SIX FACETS OF UNDERSTANDING:
Explain: Students will show their characters traits.
Interpret: Students will write a realistic fiction story with a believable character whose traits contribute to his/her problems.
Apply: Students will create their character in Animation-ish.
Have perspective: Students will understand how developing their character helps them draw a better story.
Empathize: Students will realize how characters struggle.
Have self-knowledge: Students will understand how we can find ourselves in the characters we create.

NOTES:

Language Arts
• Character’s External/Internal Features – T-chart, character cut out
• Story Mountain – movable posts-its to plot scenes and show struggle
• Drafting booklets
• Published class book
• 3 weeks

Tech
• Model how to use Animation-ish
• Create Animation-ish using a simple illustration
• Save and Share their creation
• Upload to blog
• Reflect on process
• Upload written story
• 3 – 45 minute lessons

Student examples: Kasy, Leo, Alexa looks better on their own blogs. Vimeo makes them play too quickly.