Storytelling (Narrative Exercises)

1940s School Desk

·       Interview someone who was a grade school student during the 1940s/50s. Develop a set of questions that you want to ask this person.  Afterwards, write a first person narrative from the perspective of the person you interviewed.

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·        Have students write A Christmas Story incident based on an anecdote from their lives.  As an example, use Jean Shepherd's radio reading of a version of A CHRISTMAS STORY by clicking here for the audio or reading his account by clicking here.(Note: The reading is quite long nearly 50 minutes.) Or, alternatively, do the same with the Brantwoodian Story, “The Schwinn Panther”, by clicking here for the narrative or here for the audio.   An an optional exercise, simultaneously play the Brandwoodian audio version as students read it.  (Optional: Questions and vocabulary follow the selection.)   

·       From your recollections at Ralphie’s age, what were your “kid year” major events?  Share these activities chronologically or in order of significance.

 

Click here for an excellent example of a student's Christmas Story submitted as an assignment.

Click here for another excellent example of a student's Christmas Story submitted as an assignment.
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