YAP Educator Guide: SCRIPT WRITING
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
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SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 1 Why I Write CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Habits/Skills Sharing Ideas Exercising Voice
Young writers are asked to think about what they enjoy about writing.
Selected Resources Why I Write – Sharon Washington Why I Write – Gerald Richards
Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALiteracy.W.9-10.3
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM A. Dead Poet’s Society Watch “Dead Poet’s Society,” either in full or just clips, to get students thinking about what it means to be a writer and the identity you embrace. Encourage students to take notes of favorite quotes as they write their blog about why they like to write. B. Your Digital Story Ask students to create a “digital story” like Anna from the video resource. Students can create a short animation, a clay animation, or short film about why the enjoy writing. C. “Why I Write” Wall Ask students to write a short blurb or even a few words about why they write. Students can decorate and illustrate their blurbs to hang around your classroom as writing inspiration and a reminder of why they are interesting in this pathway.
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
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SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 1 Your Writer’s Journal CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Habits/Skills Sharing Ideas Habit of Writing
Young writers will start, or continue, a journal to hold his or her genius.
Selected Resources 6 Brilliant Writers on the Importance of Keeping a Journal
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM
Junot Diaz Grabs Ramen, Pizza, and “Fight-Worthy” Chicken While He’s in New York
A. Ideas Wall Construct an “Ideas Wall” for both stolen and original ideas in your classroom. Students can post photos, quotes, drawings, etc. of some of their favorite ideas and the wall can serve as inspiration for later writing.
Standards Alignment
B. Ideas Word Cloud Ask students to create a word cloud of their ideas. Students can create individual word clouds or pair up, create groups, or do an entire classroom word cloud of journal ideas.
CCSS.ELALiteracy.W.9-10.3
C. Journal as a Celebrity Ask students to determine their ten journaling ideas from the perspective of a famous person. For instance, Brad Pitt might be interested in, fatherhood, film, scriptwriting, basketball, and Los Angeles.
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST Â Â
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SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 1 Take Your Journal Outside CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Habits/Skills Descriptive Language Reflection / Observation
Young writers will watch the scene, soaking up the details and learn to tell vivid stories.
Habit of Writing
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM Selected Resources My Neighborhood My Neighborhood, Cont.
Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALiteracy.W.9-10.3
A. Journaling Field Trip Take your students outside of your learning space, either to another room or outside to a park, the city, a neighborhood, etc. Leave the time open for students to reflect on what stands out to them, or ask them to pay attention to specific things (i.e. human interactions, cars, wildlife, etc.). B. Name that Scene Ask students to pair up and write about the same observation. Students can choose the situation or you can; after they spend some alone time writing in great detail about it, ask the students to compare their descriptions. C. Explore Our Senses Ask students to choose one sense (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch) to focus on during their writing time. Students can use that sense to make all of their observations for that entry.
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
ChicagoCityofLearning.org
SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 1 Read Some Awesome Scripts Habits/Skills Critical Thinking / Critique Habit of Reading
CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT:
Great writers read what's already out there.
Reflection / Observation Sharing Ideas Exercising Voice Genre Literacy
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM Selected Resources Glee Pilot Episode Script Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALiteracy.W.9-10.3 CCSS.ELALITERACY.RL.910.10
A. Story Venn Diagram Ask students to compare the various pieces they read by using a Venn diagram. The comparisons can be simple, one-word responses that compare style, point of view, form, etc. or they can be more complex comparisons about content and context. B. Talk Show Session Host a talk show session with your students where they can discuss the works that they read for this challenge. Students can pose as the authors being interviewed about their work, or maybe as scholars that are examining the writing.
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
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SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 2 Character Study CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Skills Critical Thinking Reflection and Observation Sharing Ideas
Young script writers are asked to analyze a character from their favorite TV show or movie.
Habit of Reading Exercising Voice Selected Resources
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM
How to Write a Character Study A Humorous Analysis of Olivia Pope from Scandal Character Analysis of Wolverine Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALITERACY.RL.9-10.3 CCSS.ELALITERACY.RL.1112.3
A. Character Interview Use this activity to have students create mock interviews of a character. Students will need to analyze characters to understand what questions to ask the character and then put themselves in the character’s shoes to answer in the manner the character would. This activity could also be used a pair activity using text the class may be exploring. B. Compare and Contrast Use this activity to have student compare and contrast two characters from provided context or allow them to explore characters of their favorite shows, books, or movies. Have students compare and contrast characters of opposite roles (i.e. villains/heroes, adult/youth, etc.).
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
ChicagoCityofLearning.org
SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 2 Crafting Characters CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Skills Character Development Habit of Writing
Young script writers create and/or develop a specific figure for a story by fleshing out a character sketch.
Selected Resources An Autobiographical Character A Model Character An Opposite Character
Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.910.3.B CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.910.3.D
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM A. Team Character Sketching Use this activity to have students team up to develop characters based on a scenario or theme provided from a hat. Scenarios can be scenes or a main character in need of a supporting character. Students can work together to design a compelling character based on certain constraints or guides. B. Fanfiction Characters Use this activity as an exploration in fan fiction. Have students brainstorm a new character for their favorite books, movie, or show, or for text currently being used in the classroom. Challenge students to consider how this character may fill a need or gap in the story for a character or scene. C. Based on a True Story Use this activity to have students think about identity and projection by creating a character based on themselves or someone they know.
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
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SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 2 Character Selfie CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Skills Character Development Point of View
Selected Resources Who’s That Girl? What Happened? Frida Kahlo
Young script writers “embody” a chosen character, using the physicality of emotions to get a better “feel” for the character they are developing.
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM A. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.910.3.B CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.910.3.D
Use this activity as a role-playing game where students provide a short set of their character’s characteristics and have to act out their role in a game-like setting where other students write down what they observe about each others’ characters. B. Selfie Collage Use this activity to have students take photos of their characters expressions in different situations. Students can either creat a traditional or digital collage using the photos taken.
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
ChicagoCityofLearning.org
SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 2 Attend An Event CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Skills / Habits Critical Thinking/Critique Taking Risks Joining a Writing Community Reflection/Observation
Selected Resources Poetry Foundation YOUmedia Chicago Young Chicago Authors Second City Chicago
Young script writers take on the “writer’s life” by attending a public writing event and reflecting on it as a writer.
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM A. Field Trip Opportunity Use this activity to take students to writing events and author talks around the city. B. Class / School Event Use this activity as a class project to have students create a reading
Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.9-10.6
or open mic event in the classroom or school. Consider inviting other classes/groups/clubs/programs to attend!
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
ChicagoCityofLearning.org
SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 2 Put Your Work in the World CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Skills / Habits Taking Risks Sharing Work with Others
Selected Resources Poetry Everywhere with Rita Dove
Young script writers are challenged to share their work with others - through an email to family and friends, via social media, at an open mic, etc. and then reflect on the experience.
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM
Poetry Everywhere with Jane Hirshfield
A. Class / School Reading
Jessica Helen Lopez
or open mic event in the classroom or school. Consider inviting other
Use this activity as a class project to have students create a reading classes/groups/clubs/programs to attend!
Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.9-10.6
B. Blog Starter Use this activity to have students create a class or individual blog where they can post poems or critiques. Students can take on roles such as Editor-In-Chief, Editor, Contributing Writer, etc. to get a sense of what the professional writing careers. C. Poetry Zine Use this activity to have students create a poetry zines or broadside. Have students choose one or two poems and create an artistic interpretation (sketch, painting, photography,etc.) for a hand-made broadside or a create a little booklet of one or two poems students can print and distribute. This will be a great entryway for Level 4. Here are some examples: http://bit.ly/1LAYNnZ
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
ChicagoCityofLearning.org
SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 3 Stirring Up Conflict CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Skills Storytelling Dialogue Point of View
Young script writers create a conflict for one of their characters and write a dialogue that reveals how that character deals with it.
Selected Resources Scene Checklist and Template
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM
Simba v. Scar Lion Kara Magaga
Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.910.3.B CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.910.3.D
A. Overcoming the Obstacle Use this activity to begin a dialogue with students about how to overcome obstacles. Students can consider time where they were presented with an obstacle and create a character that has to confront that same challenge. B. Pair Off Use this activity to have students practice authentic voice by having students engage in character pair dialogue around a provided challenge or scenario. Have students choose a character they’ve developed, pair up with another student, and have one students be the main character and the other the obstacle character, and then have them switch.
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
ChicagoCityofLearning.org
SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 3
Improvised Scenes CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT:
Point of View
Young script writers use improvisation to create a scene in which at least one of their characters tries to achieve a specific objective.
Scene Development
Skills Storytelling Dialogue
Habit of Writing
Sample Resources
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM
N/A
Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.910.3.B CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.910.3.D
A. Perform and Reflect Use this activity to have students reflect on each others’ characters and scene development. Break students up into groups of 4 and have two students play out the scene and other students observe and provide feedback on the improvised scenes. Then have students switch.
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
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SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 3 A Play A Day CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Skills Habit of Writing Selected Resources Plays by Suzan Lori Parks
Young script writers are challenged to write 1 play per day (regardless of length) for a period of time, and then submit 7 of their favorites.
Writing a Play in a Day
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.910.3.C CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.9-10.4 CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.9-10.10
A. Script Journal Use this activity to have students keep a script journal where they can write all of their new, original drafts. B. Theme Scripts Use this activity to have students begin to think about the types of stories they would like to tell in a collection. Have students pick a theme they would like to create a series of scripts around.
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST Â Â
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SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 3 Find A Mentor CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Skills / Habits Find a Mentor Review and Revision Sharing Work with Others
Selected Resources How to Keep and Find a Mentor
Young script writers are challenged to find a mentor who will read their work and support them in moving forward as a writer.
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM
Get Out There and Meet Writers
A. Peer Editors Use this activity have students become peer editors. Students can choose a person in the class whom they can come to trust to be their peer editor for the remainder of activities on the playlist.
Standards Alignment
B. The Ideal Mentor Use this activity to have students think about what makes a good mentor and write about the ideal mentor.
N/A
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
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SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 4 Name That Form! Skills Critical Thinking / Critique Habit of Reading Reflection / Observation Sharing Ideas
CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT:
Young script-writers discover new formats for plays to better understand the importance of authorship.
Exercising Voice Genre Literacy Selected Resources A Doll’s House Realism Lore of the Sea – Abstract Theater Participatory Theater Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALITERACY.RL.1112.5 CCSS.ELALITERACY.RL.1112.6 CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.11-12.3
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM A. Mystery Science Theater Use this activity as a way that allows students to become immediate film critics by hosting a film screening of one of the suggested plays. Have students write down immediate thoughts on index cards and post them in a designated, visible area during the screening. B. Synopsis Adaptation Use this activity to have students create an adaption of the one of the plays representative of their own lives or contexts. Students should express what they kept and why and what they are changing based on opinions and observations from reading and analyzing the original.
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
ChicagoCityofLearning.org
SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 4 Why Plays? CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Skills Critical Thinking / Critique Habit of Reading Reflection / Observation
Young script writers consider deeply why this particular genre of writing is important to them.
Sharing Ideas Genre Literacy Exercising Voice Selected Resources Emily Mann – I Am Theater Tina Howe – I Am Theater Marcus Gardley – I Am Theater Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALITERACY.WHST.910.5
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM A. Author Interview Use this activity to have students take on the identity of playright who is being interviewed by a host of a television or radio show. Have students pair up to play interviewer and interviewee. This will help students express their first and truest ideas on their own writing and will reveal to them their creative perspective. B. Why I Write Vision Board Use this activity to have students create a playright vision board that answers the questions presented through collaged images and ideas.
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
ChicagoCityofLearning.org
SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 4 Find Your People CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT: Skills / Habits Join a Writing Community
Selected Resources The Algonquin Round Table Writers, Writers, Writers!
Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALITERACY.SL.1112.4
Young script writers are encouraged to build and expand their networks through sharing their work and participating in a writing community.
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM A. In Class Open Mic Use this activity to create an open mic in your classroom that allows students to share their work with others.
YOUNG AUTHOR PLAYLIST
ChicagoCityofLearning.org
SCRIPT WRITING: LEVEL 4 Portfolio Pride Skills / Habits Critical Thinking / Critique Editing and Revision Techniques
CHALLENGE SNAPSHOT:
Young script writers review, revise, and prepare their work for publication.
Habit of Review and Revision Habit of Writing Having A Mentor Sharing Work with Others Selected Resources A How-To-Guide for Writing Portfolios A Letter to My Future Self
TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM A. A Final Project Use this activity as a final project. B. Peer Editing Use this activity to have students become trusted peer editors for one another and help one another develop a poetry manuscript.
Standards Alignment CCSS.ELALITERACY.W.9-10.5
CCSS.ELALITERACY.SL.1112.4
C. The Keen Reviser Use this activity to help students practice grammar and content revision through application of grammar and mechanics to a personal body of work.