approved Adirondack Curriculum Project - www.adkcurriculum.org
NYS Content Area Standard

ELA  Standard 2: Commencement Level: Write for literary response and expression; Read and interpret Adirondack folklore to create a new genre for the tale.


Title: Tales through Skits

Grade Level:

Author: Terri Smith,
Newcomb C.S.

Email: tsmith@newcombcsd.org
Adirondack Curriculum Content Area
___ Natural History
___ Human History
_X_ Culture & the Arts
___ Government & Civics
___ Economy
___ Health, Recreation & Life Skills

Investigative Question or Issue: How might we convey the meaning of an Adirondck tale/legend through a skit?

Challenge:  
Context for this Challenge: Prior to issuing this challenge, the teacher may want to  introduce the "skit" as a form of performance art and discuss what "criteria" will  be used for assessing a "quality skit".

The Challenge: With the all members of your assigned group agreeing, select an Adirondack tale/legend that appeals to you. Read the tale/legend and interpret its meaning. Discuss how the tale/legend might be adapted for presentation as a skit.

Be sure that your adaptation maintains the integrity of the original tale both as fact & fiction.

As you prepare your skit, please consider the following:
- The entire script for your skit must be written out
- The script should include stage directions
- Your script should be written using proper mechanics
- The language of your skit should be adapted to the context and content of the tale
- The skit maintains the integrity of the original tale/legend
- The skit includes both fact and fiction found in the original tale/legend
- The skit includes all the events and characters of the original tale/legend
- The skit may or may not include a narrator. If a narrator is employed, please be sure to include an equal amount of action. Please do not simply retell the tale.

You should use appropriate props and costumes to enhance the quality of your skit.

You will have class time to prepare your skit but must be ready to work outside of class as well.

Finally, you will have a real audience to view your skit and provide feedback to you.
 

Quality Standards:

- The entire script for the skit is written out
- The script includes stage directions
- Your script should is written using proper mechanics*
- The language of the skit is adapted to the context and content of the tale*
- The skit maintains the integrity of the original tale/legend*
- The skit includes both fact and fiction found in the original tale/legend*
- The skit includes all the events and characters of the original tale/legend
- The skit may or may not include a narrator. If a narrator is employed, an equal amount of action is included. The tale is not simply retold.
- Appropriate props and costumes are used

* See Product Quality Checklist for greater detail about these criteria
Adapted for the Adirondack Curriculum Project from the work of Education By Design TM and Leading EDGE, LLC ©ACP 2002

   Product Quality
Checklist
Date: ________                                                                     Class Period: ________
Product Author(s):

 

 Product Title/Name:
Tales through Skits
Evaluator Name(s)
 
 Observed Standard/Criteria
Possible
Points
Rating
  Content

  • Includes facts found in original tale;
  • Accurately includes literary elements of tale (humor, suspense, irony, setting, theme, etc.);
  • Maintains the integrity of original;
  • Includes all the events and characters of tale;
  • Logic evident in interpretation;
  • Includes stage direction
30
 
  Mechanics

  • Correct spelling
  • Suitable format
  • Neat
 10  
  Language Use

  • Adapts to context
  • Spoken in dialect (if applicable)
  • Evident in script and performance
10
 
  Performance
  • Character portrayals on target
  • All group members contribute
  • Props employed
  • Presented seriously
  • Accurately presents the story
30
 
  Assignment
  • Read, interpreted and discussed original
  • Evidence of process writing
  • All group members contributed
  • Deadlines met
10
 

Above and Beyond
10
 




 
TOTALS
 100  

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