Retelling+Beowulf

=Retelling Beowulf - by Chris Goodson=

Curriculum framing questions
What makes a good story?
 * Essential Question**

How was storytelling different in 800 AD? What makes a story universal?
 * Unit Questions**

What is an epic? What qualities did a hero need in Beowulf’s time? Who are the important characters, settings and plot points in Beowulf?
 * Content Questions**

Summary
In this Unit, Students will look at the Anglo-Saxon epic poem //Beowulf// and use it to examine storytelling. Students will build a resource wiki about the poem and about storytelling techniques as they read //Beowulf//. Students will then use the wiki as a reference while creating retellings of the Beowulf legend in a variety of formats.

Preassessment

 * Students will write a reflective journal entry on “what is your favorite story and why” Due to limited computer access, the journals will be kept on paper.
 * Students will complete a survey (possibly using survey monkey) to determine how they would prefer to experience a story? (read, watch, hear, etc.)

Introductory Powerpoint
This powerpoint will serve as an introduction to the unit. Teacher will use the powerpoint to collect student ideas on what makes a good story and what types of stories students are familiar with. The script text is an example of possible student answers.

Brochure
While my unit deals with 12 grade English (my former subject area), I chose to make a brochure to give to teachers and administrators relating to my new job as a technology facilitator

Student Samples
Here are two "student" samples of possible products. The first lesson is a mini-lesson that gets students thinking about visual vs. narrative storytelling by storyboarding a section of //Beowulf//. The powerpoint presentation gives the assignment and the video file shows a possible student slideshow of storyboards. [|Beowulf storyboards]

The second sample is a bare bones "Beowiki" that students will create. Beowiki