Lesson+Development+-+Andrea

Lesson Development: “Does anyone know what a fable is and how it differs from a folktale, like the one we just talked about?” Student and teacher discussion will occur on what exactly a fable is and how it is different from a folk tale. The teacher will discuss Aesop, the famous Greek fabulist and read some examples of fables. Corresponding morals will be discussed and written down on the overhead by teacher. Students can offer any fables or morals that they have knowledge of and these will also be listed on the overhead. The teacher will then discuss the ultimate goal for each student, which will be to write their own fable consisting of two characters who are animals and who interact and speak to one another, encounter some conflict, resolve it and learn from it (the moral). Students will be asked to do some “mental homework”; to start thinking about a moral from which to construct their own fable from. On the second day, students will be given a blank story map and asked to begin to construct their own fable. The overhead of morals compiled on the first day will be displayed and students will be asked to think of their own moral, or choose an exisiting one, for which to construct their own fable around. The story map will guide them in constructing the main characters, important events, problems, resolutions, etc. The teacher will be walking around the room ensuring everyone is on track and will be available for answering questions. On the third day, the teacher will read the fable, The Hare and the Tortoise, to illustrate descriptive words and the use of dialogue to make the fable interesting. The teacher will reread specific sentences and passages while asking students to give examples of interesting words from these passages. Students will be encouraged to use interesting descriptive words (adjectives) and exciting action words (verbs), as well as good dialogue in their own fables. The concept of “dialogue” can be explained if students need clarification. Students will complete their story map and write their rough draft. The teacher will be available to answer questions and guide students. On the fourth day students will be paired up and will share their fables with their partner. Constuctive criticism will be offered and students will make revisions, and final rough drafts. On the fifth day, students will write their final copy. Back to Andrea Tomlinson Home Page