I Am a Writer
Week 10 - Freedom Writers
SST: structure of a narrative, elements of a narrative,
characteristics of a short story, orientation, complication, series of
events, climax, resolution, coda, style, theme, point of view, plot,
setting, characteristics, unity, limited setting, reduced time frame,
small number of characters
Learning intention:
To Know: The structure of a narrative, elements of a narrative
and characteristics of a short story.
To understand: How the structure and elements of a narrative
and the characteristics of a short story work together to create an
effective narrative.
The differences between a linear and a non-linear narrative.
Our first lesson will be dedicated to unpacking the story
wheel. Ensure you write effective summary notes in your
workbook during class discussion.
Paste the “Story Coaster” hand out into your workbook.
Annotate each of the points of the “Story Coaster” with
definitions.
Write a half a page reflection about how the “Story Coaster”
is different to previous narrative structures you have been taught.
Reflect on your understanding of linear and non-linear
narratives and write an explanation for each.
“Freedom Writers”
Synopsis
A dedicated teacher in a racially
divided Los Angeles school has a
class of at-risk teenagers deemed
incapable of learning. Instead of
giving up, she inspires her students to take an interest in their
education and planning their future. She assigns reading material
that relates to their lives and encourages them all to keep journals.
Research Erin Gruwell and make some notes on her work.
“Freedom Writers” is based on a true story. What do you find
most inspiring about her life? (half a page)
Before we view the film, read through the following
activities so you know what you need to focus on.
In “Freedom Writers”, the students write diary entries to express
what they are feeling and the problems that they are facing. We
unfortunately only get to hear some of the diary entries.
Choose one of the following characters:
- Eva
- One of the boys in the class
- Margaret Campbell
- Or another character you enjoyed watching
Then, write a diary entry, in first person, about how you felt the
day Erin Gruwell started at the school. What do you think about
her? What assumptions do you make? Do you want her to succeed
or not? (1 page)
We will view the film in class during this week. It is
recommended that you take notes will watching the film.
Holiday Fun
Pretend you are a new teacher at Emmaus Catholic College. You
have been given a class of Year 10 students who are not very
motivated about learning. Think about what you would do to
engage these students in learning and encourage them to do their
best. You have one term to achieve this, what would you do?
What resources would you include, activities, assessments,
excursions etc. Compose a 500 - 750 word explanation outlining
what you would do and the reasons why. Please submit this to
your teacher on the Monday of Week 2, Term 2. This must be
typed in 12 point Times New Roman.
Success criteria:
I have written effective notes on the story wheel.
I have annotated the “Story Coaster” and have pasted this into
my workbook.
☐ I have written a half a page reflection on the “Story Coaster”.
☐ I have written an explanation for linear and non-linear narrative.
☐ I have written half a page about Erin Gruwell.
I have written a one page diary entry.
I have viewed the film in class and again during the holidays.
I have written a 500-750 word explanation outlining what I
would include in a unit of work and the reasons why.