Description
This six-week class for 7th and 8th grade students focuses on the crafting and presentation of a true personal story in podcast form. Through a series of exercises, students will explore their own lives to identify a meaningful personal experience that they will refine and edit into a short story to be shared with the group and invited guests at the final session. Concepts such as stakes, story arc, imagery, and theme will be illustrated using examples and through group discussion. Students will work on multiple story ideas, practice active listening, and learn how to provide constructive feedback. Theater games, ice-breakers, and other team-building activities have been modified for the virtual space. Homework will include composition based on prompts as well as practice readings. There will also be discussion about the power of storytelling and its practical application in college applications, personal essays, job interviews, and beyond. The final project will include a recording of the students' personal stories in a podcast episode. This exercise will allow students to hear how they sound while telling their stories and gain skills to work on their storytelling performance. The final project will also be a fun memento for students to carry with them beyond this class and share with family or friends.
Days/Times: Days/Times: Thursdays, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Dates: 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18