Thing 5: Digital Storytelling with iMovie [The Literacy Block]

Digital storytelling in the literacy block

We often utilize personal narratives at the start of the year as a way of  building community, reviewing the writing process, and establishing a writing portfolio.  A digital story could fit into the process a couple of  ways. 

Objective: Students will create a digital story using narration and images focused on specific important personal event. 

• Students could use narration and images in a straight retelling of their narrative. These could include images from the event, drawings, or collected stock images. 

Objective: Students will create a digital story reflecting on the personal impact of an event. 

• A more impactful presentation would be one that focuses on the reflection piece of their personal narrative. Students in 6th grade are to not only describe the event, but also reflect on the impact.  They could choose key images, quotes and dialogue from their narrative, narration, drawings, and music that best conveys the mood and tone of their piece. The focus would be more on the meaning of the event personally rather than a just a retelling.  

This would definitely require some time and modeling but worth it to create a polished portfolio piece. Finding a few mentor pieces would be important and teacher preparation. Following up with a project gallery walk would provide an audience. If placed on a personal student blog, students could provide feedback. 

(Additional assignment component - comments on other participant blogs)
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