Digital Storytelling Lesson Plan

Eileen Calcaterra

LESSON PLAN
EXPLORING HERITAGE
THROUGH STORYTELLING

AUDIENCE: Grade 3--5
DURATION: 3-4 lessons

OBJECTIVE:
1. Students will present information clearly in a variety of written,oral and visual forms.
2. Students will be able to explain the lifestyles and customs of people in their family sequentially.
3. Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.

STANDARDS:
1. Speaking and writing (NYS Standard ELA 1)
2. Social/cultural needs and wants of people. (NYS Social Studies Standard 2)
3. Information systems (NYS Technology Standard 2)

MATERIALS:
1. Computer with internet access and Moviemaker software.
2. Various photos, music, printed material, audio tapes and memorabilia related to each student and their family.

ACTIVITIES:
1. Discuss what culture and heritage is.
2. As a group, brainstorm the elements of life that define culture/heritage. The list will probably include: place, language, beliefs, foods, stories etc.
3. Identify and discuss the details that illustrate unique families.
4. Have students write a list of personal information which can include: their birthplace, their home, birthplaces of their parents, the names of family members etc.
5. Explain to the students what sequential order is.
6. After collecting material about their family have the students put their information in a chronological storyline format.
7. Explain to the students how Moviemaker works.
8. Students will then use Moviemaker to put their work together. Their presentation must include photos and either music or narrative.

ASSESSMENT:
1. Did the students demonstrate an understanding of the assignment?
2. Did the students complete the presentation to the best of their ability?