Short Story Lesson I

SUBJECT: CREATIVE WRITING-SHORT STORY

TEKS:

8.1 A, C
8.12 A, B, D, F, G, H 
8.15 D, E, G
8.16 A, B, C, D, E, F
8.17 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I 
8.29

OBJECTIVES:

Students will utilize the elements of a story to create a short story based on an image of an art object. The story will display the students knowledge of writing conventions, elements of a story, and descriptive writing.

MATERIALS:

See Images Below

Yoshikazu
Foreigner Loving a Child, 1860

Francesco Guardi 
Santa Maria della Salute, 1760

Anonymous
Duke of Saint Vallier, 17th c .

IMPLEMENTATION:

1. Discuss the elements of a story, listed below.

2. Have the class read and analyze a variety of short stories.

3. Present several pictures to the students and have them write a short story about one of the pictures.

4. If computers are available in the classroom, students may create Hyperstudio stories or illustrate and type up their stories in a word processing program.

ELEMENTS OF A STORY

Setting: The setting sets the stage establishes the mood and underlying meaning of a story. It may include weather, time, season, as well as place. For instance, a setting could be a haunted house or a galaxy far, far away,

Plot: Plot is the skeleton of the story or what happens. In a good plot, the main character is involved in a conflict which produces tension for the reader. The main character is usually seeking a specific goal and he is prevented from reaching this goal by some obstacle or obstacles. Problems arise when the main character deals with the obstacles. The climax occurs when the main character either reaches the goal or does not obtain it because of some flaw in his or her character. If the main character does not obtain the goal, he or she usually has some insight from his or her failure.

Characterization: Characterization includes the physical appearance, feelings, dreams, actions and reactions to situations of a character. Characters are usually not described in a story. We learn the information in little bits.

Dialogue: Dialogue is the conversation. Dialogue is used to develop the character, keep the reader's interest, advance the plot, or to add humor. Much can be revealed about characters by their conversation. Remember to write dialogue just as you would hear it. It needs to sound natural.