Numskull and the Rabbit & Writing Original Fable
Numskull and the Rabbit” & Writing Original Fable
Name ______English 10/Mod _____ Date ______
Thinking and Writing- Write an Original Fable
Choose characters & Setting (Exposition)
· A fable usually has a character who suffers a human weakness (greed, pride, vanity)/choose an animal to match the human weakness
· Choose an animal to be the trickster (rabbit, fox, raccoon, weasel just to name a few)-be creative in your choice
· Give your characters a name that is reflective of their character trait (think Numskull)
· Allow the setting to enhance your message
Devise events that “rise” to the conflict (Rising Action)
· Devise a simple plot in which the more powerful creature is out-smarted by the trickster
· Imagine that you are writing this fable for your classmates or “younger” readers
· Include dialogue and details that will assume your reader
Craft a struggle that enhances the story (Conflict and Complication)
· Establish details that depict the seriousness of the conflict
· Weave poetry into your narrative, as the author of the Panchatantra does! You can give your poetry a modern twist-music lyrics, rap, etc.
Allow the events that solve the conflict to logically portray that outcome (Falling Action)
Ensure that your characters, setting, events, conflict, and resolution guide the reader to the didactic message (Moral)
Fable Requirements Points for Original Fable
Ø Minimum of 3 pages long *Completed Fable Dissection Chart
Ø 3 pictures (neat and colorful) *Final Copy based on Original Fable Rubric with Illustration
Ø Final copy should include color (10 points= Chart) (30 points for Fable with illustrations)
Ø 3 verses of poetry * Total Points= 40 Points
Ø Typed using MLA format
Ø Creative title
Ø Final copy should have a cover and author’s name (your name)
Story Writing: Original Fables Grading Rubric (adapted from Kate Boyce)
Category / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1Characters / The main characters are named and clearly described in text as well as in pictures. Most readers could describe the characters accurately. / The main characters are named and described. Most readers would have some idea of what the characters looked like. / The main characters are names. However, the reader knows very little about the characters (personality, appearances, etc.). / It’s difficult to tell who the main characters are, or they are not developed at all.
Setting / Many vivid, descriptive words are used to tell when and where the story took place. / Some vivid, descriptive words are used to tell the audience when and where the story took place (name and descriptions). / The reader can figure out when and where the story took place, but the author didn’t supply much detail. / The reader has trouble figuring out when and where the story took place.
Problem/Conflict / It is very easy for the reader to understand the problem the main characters face and why it is a problem. / It is fairly easy for the reader to understand the problem that the main characters face and why it is a problem. / It is fairly easy for the reader to understand the problem that the main characters face, but it is not clear why it is a problem. / It is not clear what the problem that the main characters face.
Moral / The moral is clearly stated and relates directly to the events of the fable. / The moral is easy to understand and is somewhat related to the events of the fable. / The moral and its relationship to the fable is a little hard to understand. / No moral is attempted, or it is impossible to understand.
Spelling and Punctuation / There are no spelling or punctuation errors on the final draft. Character and place names that the author invented are spelled consistently throughout. / There is one spelling or punctuation error in the final draft. / There are 2-3 spelling and punctuation errors in the final draft. / The final draft has more than 3 spelling and punctuation errors.
Creativity / The story contains many creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader’s enjoyment. The author has really used his/her imagination. / The story contains a few creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader’s enjoyment. The author has used his imagination. / The story contains a few creative details and/or descriptions, but they distract from the story. The author has tried to use his/her imagination. / There is little evidence of creativity in the story. The author does not seem to have used much imagination.
Illustration
X 2 / Original and creative symbolic features that enhance the details of the fable. Vivid use of color and detail, If fable us multiple pages, illustrations for each page (3) / Drawing enhances just one part of the fable. Vivid use of color and creativity. Could be parts of the drawing that do not show as clear of a connection as they should. / Illustration is clear as to the connection to the fable, nut it lacks vivid use of color, creativity, and originality. / It is not clear what is being illustrated and what the connection is to the fable. Evident lack of effort (not artistic ability). Lacks creativity and/or color.