Stories can engage their audience

Today the library media centre supported the new Unit of Inquiry by presenting a 'river of  stories' for the girls to journey around. They had time to browse the books. They read them before discussing them with friends. Finally they shared in groups why they liked their selected books. Students shared their love of a particular page, the story, the pictures, the humour and the characters before checking them out to read or re-read at home.
 We have many more to share in the library and also online so we hope to see them checking books out frequently during this unit.

Stories that Communicate Meaning and Express Values

Fractured Storytelling

As a part of their inquiry into how humans express themselves, Grade Two has been learning how to engage their audience through stories that communicate meaning and express values.

With the goal of refining their narrative skills, Grade Two has been focusing on writing fractured folk and fairy tales. Basing their stories off of well-known tales, the girls are learning to infuse their own meaning into these tales by developing slightly fractured interpretations. Their wide range of stories incorporate different problems and resolutions, distinct characters, and unique dialogue. 

"I am doing well because I put dialog in my story... My next step is to put more adjectives in my story because I didn't put adjectives well."
- 2A student, reflecting on her fairy tale






"Heroes: 'Jasmin, Quinn, Jifar'
Villains: 'Aladdin'
Setting: 'At the castle'
Problem: 'Trying to steal Jasmin's crown'"
-2B student, planning her tale

Storytelling through Kamishibai

Kuniaki Sakai, Niigata teacher, shared his original kamishibai story called "Max and Space" with Grades Two and Three on Friday, January 15th.   Linking with their units of inquiry on How We Express Ourselves, students got a first-hand look at how they can use Japanese storytelling for their written stories or performances.  Sakai's kamishibai stories are written and illustrated by him.  All of his stories revolve around the mischievous character Max The Cat.  The students were fully engaged in his presentations.  We hope that he can come again in the future.

                                                                                               -- Ms. Kampa

Kuniaki Sakai with his book "Max and Space" 

Grade 2 poses with Mr. Sakai.

Students giving imaginative suggestions for what the picture resembles.