Rubric for Tall Tales

CATEGORY

4

3

2

1

Characters

The main characters are named and clearly described (through words and/or actions). The audience knows and can describe what the characters look like and how they typically behave.

The main characters are named and described (through words and/or actions). The audience has a fairly good idea of what the characters look like.

The main characters are named. The audience knows very little about the main characters.

It is hard to tell who the main characters are.

Sequence

Tells story in correct sequence leaving out no important parts of story.

Tells story in sequence with 2-3 omissions.

Tells story with several omissions, but maintains sequence of those told.

Tells story out of sequence.

Voice

Always speaks loudly, slowly, expressively, and clearly. Is easily understood by all audience members all the time

Usually speaks loudly, slowly and clearly. Is easily understood by all audience members almost all the time, but could be more expressive.

Usually speaks loudly and clearly. Speaks so fast or so quietly sometimes that audience has trouble understanding. Storyteller is not very expressive.

Speaks too softly or mumbles. The audience often has trouble understanding.

Creativity

Storyteller tells a very exaggerated, humorous tale that makes audience laugh.

Storyteller tells a tale full of exaggeration.

Storyteller has some exaggeration in his story.

Storyteller does not exaggerate very much or not at all.

Listens to Others

Always listens attentively to other storytellers. Is polite and does not appear bored or make distracting gestures or sounds.

Usually listens attentively to other storytellers. Rarely appears bored and never makes distracting gestures or sounds.

Usually listens to other storytellers, but sometimes appears bored. Might once or twice accidentally make a gesture or sound that is distracting.

Does not listen attentively. Tries to distract the storytellers, makes fun of them, or does other things instead of listening.