Read Write Think: Oral Storytelling and Dramatization

Students begin this lesson by discussing what makes a good, vivid story and creating a working checklist of the criteria for a good story. They explore background information about the Mercury Theatre production of the "War of the Worlds" from October 30, 1938. They read the broadcast script from the show and compare its characteristics to those listed in the checklist they created. They then listen to audio of the production and compare it to the script version. Next, students create their own audio dramatization of a text they have read, following a process that takes them from pre-production activities, such as outlining, through post-production activities, such as editing and publishing their work. During the process, they analyze how the "War of the Worlds" script conveys emotion and feeling. Finally, students share their broadcasts with the class and use a checklist to assess each other's work.