Transforming Fairy
Tales
Project
URL:
http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnet-lab/ps171/jwilliams/fairytales/fairytaleindex.htm
How
it works:
This program gives students the opportunity to use the
computer to write, draw, explore the Internet, and combine all of these
elements. They learn that technology enables the creation of a project
that combines genuine learning with fun. In one application, fourth
graders write their own fairy tales, which can be based on familiar
stories or their own ideas. The students also use computer software to
create drawings of the characters for their tales, using the Internet to
gather backgrounds and props. Finally, they combine all of these onto
paper and produce completed and illustrated stories. You can surprise the students at the end of the unit with
bound editions of their work.
Standards
addressed:
Students use prewriting strategies to plan,
draft, revise, edit, and publish written work. They evaluate their own and
others' writing; create narrative accounts such as poems and stories;
distinguish between fable, fairy tale, and tall tale; develop positive
attitudes toward technology that support lifelong learning, collaboration,
personal pursuits, and productivity; and use productivity tools to
collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, preparing
publications, and producing other creative works.
Materials
used:
This program utilizes a computer lab equipped with
iMacs that have Internet connection via a T-1 line. AppleWorks is on
everyone's computer and is used for word processing, painting, and
drawing. A printer and a digital camera are also
employed.
The
students:
Transforming Fairy Tales was
developed with a fourth grade class in a school with homogeneous
groupings. This large "top" class (28 students), however, had quite a
large range of abilities. Some students immediately became engaged and
others became enthusiastic only during certain lessons. You can save all
of the students' work on the computers or school server so that, even the following school
year, work can be completed.
Overall value:
Students
develop their writing skills by adapting a familiar fairy tale and
creating their own stories. They are introduced to painting tools early in
the project, which encourages many of them to be a little more creative
when it is time to start drawing their characters. They enjoy the process
of transforming characters, changing the size, the position, and the
colors. They love looking for backgrounds for their tales on the Internet
and putting the pages of their stories together. There is something for
everyone: writing, painting, researching, and organizing. It holds the
students' interest for months.
Tips:
Once you introduce the major
characteristics of a fairy tale and discuss how these apply to familiar
stories, your students should have little trouble getting started
transforming a tale. Have students edit each other's work before you
look at it. Introduce each step separately. Students can, however, work at
their own pace.
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About the teacher:
For the past ten years, Jill Williams has been developing a
computer program in her elementary school in New York City. She tries
to provide her students with meaningful projects that address the
curriculum areas and challenge the students' creativity. Her goal is
to teach her students to use the tools of technology and the Internet,
and apply these skills in exciting and creative ways.
E-mail:
JWms530@aol.com
Subject areas:
Language Arts
Art
Technology
Grade levels:
3-12
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