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  • Age 9 - 12
  • Hours 2 - 4

Introduction

This lesson can be implemented at any time while children are reading the book "Around the world in 80 days". Moreover, it can be easily applied during the reading of any other story, even with younger or older children.

Process

The teacher can read to the children the quote from the book where Fogg was travelling from Bombay to Calcutta and during the journey the train stopped because the railway wasn't finished. Then the teacher ask the children to imagine what happened next and how did Phileas Fogg continue his trip. The children brainstorm in groups and come up with their own story. Then using a narrative structure, they develop the plot of their story, deciding on the characters of the story and the setting. An example of a narrative structure might include the following: 1. Exposition: Introducing the characters and establishing the setting 2. Rising action: Introducing a conflict or a problem/obstacle and setting the story in motion 3. Climax: The turning point in the story—the point of the highest tension and conflict 4. Falling action: In this stage, the story begins to calm down and work toward a satisfying ending. 5. Resolution: Solving the problem, ending the story After the students develop the plot of their story on paper, they work on computers and using the Storyjumber, they create their digital story. Storyjumber allows children to create a digital story including text, images and sound. This environment also allows the teacher to have access to children's work. When all groups are finished, each group presents to the class their story. Stories are saved on line and they can either be printed or even shared with the parents.

Learning Objectives

  • work collaboratively
  • learn how to use storyjumber
  • be able to write a narrative story

Tools & Equipment

  • Story Jumber

Conclusion