Communication
ASSIGNMENT 1: Storytelling and Theme
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Learning Target (Curricular Competencies):
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"Oral tradition is the means by which cultural transmission occurs over generations, other than through written records. Among First Peoples, oral tradition may consist of told stories, songs, and/or other types of wisdom or information, often incorporating dances or various forms of visual representation such as carvings or masks. In addition to expressing spiritual and emotional truths (e.g., via symbol and metaphor), oral tradition provides a record of literal fact (e.g., regarding events and/or situations)." Source: English 10 and 11 First Peoples Curriculum – 2010 – Ministry of Education
As a teaching tool, stories are a valuable way to educate young people about the values and beliefs that First Nations consider important for their members. They use many features and structures in the stories to derive meaning including:
- Context
- Text structures
- Syntax
- Diction
- Usage conventions
- Rhetorical devices
- Vocal techniques
- Nonverbal techniques
- Idiomatic expressions
Storytelling also uses a variety of voice techniques. These include:
- pace – fast to show excitement, slow to show importance
- pitch – high to show excitement, low to show importance and authority
- intonation – the rise and fall of your voice when you speak
- inflection – when your voice goes up at the end of the sentence as if you were asking a question
- tone – feeling needs to suit the words said
- volume – loud to show excitement, soft to show fear
- pause – a planned rest in your speaking to emphasize an idea.
Further explanation of these terms can be found at Literary Definitions.
Listen and follow along to the story Granddaughter was Eaten by a Big Fish which is on the next page. But as you read and listen to the recording, think about the message or lesson of the story. What is the theme?
The theme of a literary work is its underlying central idea or the generalization it communicates about life. The theme expresses the author's opinion or raises a question about human nature or the meaning of human experience. Theme illuminates some aspects of true human experience or the life lesson it exposes. It is NOT a one-word idea; rather it is a complete statement or sentence.
Watch this video on theme that accurately summarizes the definition of theme, how to uncover it in text, and how to write about it. There is also a handout in Class Handouts at the top of the course.
Task:
1. Listen and follow along to "Granddaughter was Eaten by a Fish" (found on the next page)
2. As you listen, consider how literary structures, oral techniques, and devices enhance and shape meaning and impact.
3. Write a succinct theme statement (one sentence). Then write a 200 word paragraph explaining the theme of the story. Make reference to the story in your paragraph.
ALTERNATIVELY.....
1. You could write your own story and record it in similar style to this example. You would still need to listen and read this example, consider features and structures in the stories to derive meaning, incorporate the voice techniques, AND, last but not least, integrate a similar theme statement/message.
Assessment: Below you will find the exemplary criteria used to assess the assignment.
Learning Target: (Exemplary 6/6): Exemplary comprehension of the task and clear accomplishment of the objective. Students demonstrates critical, creative and reflective thought to explore ideas within, between and beyond the text. Ideas generated are thoughtful and unique.
Written Expression: Exemplary (6/6): Sentence structure and vocabulary are varied, skillfully written, and carefully chosen. Work has been proofread and there are few or no errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar. Content contributes to the central idea and makes insightful connections with logical organization.
Submission:
Use the "2.1 Storytelling and Theme" link on the main page of this section of the course to upload your assignment to your teacher for marking.