PhotoStory Lesson

I figured out that I am going to have my students create a story using the following elements of literature: mood, tone, setting and characterization. Now, when am I going to be able to effectively complete this? My first issue is that I have to give direct instruction on these elements and how they are used in a story. I know the kids know these elements superficially, but now, how will I be able to have them use their background knowledge to identify these things and to be able to creative use them in a story. My other hurdle is how to have them correctly differentiate between tone and mood. This is a challenge because most of my students are struggling with analyzing implied information from text. This is not going to be an easy project. I am going to have to dedicate at least one week to identifying these elements, reading and analyzing these elements within an actual story. Then I need to use another week to actually analyze non-print text using these elements because students will need to use the cameras in order to take photos that display these elements and create a story that will specifically show these elements as well. So, now I am at a definite two weeks, and I need to use one week to actually have students complete their own story, maybe a week an a half. I am thinking that they will have to use a story board, edit their work, take pictures, and then create their product in photostory. This may end up being a four week project, because the students need a lot of review, reinforcement, practice, and guidance.

I can make this into a whole class project, assign jobs, and use this as a tool to also teach social skills. I am finding that it takes more time to cover the same material with special education students than with my general education students. I also have an observation during the course of this project. I guess I will be planning over the weekendL