Short Story Project
Choose one of the activities below, matching them with the short stories with which they will be most successful. All of the activities require that you take information provided in the story and combine it with your own creative input. Do not change the facts, characters, or themes of the stories; however, you may fill in "blank spots" with added information where necessary. Please make clear which stories are used for each activity you choose. On anMLA-style works cited page, include all citation information about the stories used. Choose a varietyof activities: one writtenand one artistic.
1. Write a radio show version of one of the stories and record it on cassette or CD. In the script, write the story in play form, including narrator, sound effects, and music. You should ask classmates, family, and/or friends to help you in the recording of the radio show. (Get creative with a brief commercial or two, weather announcements, road conditions, public service announcements, etc.)
2. Write a resume of one of your more well-detailed characters. Imagine that the character is applying for a job (appropriate to his or her role in the story). Include: objective, prior positions and job experience, education/schools and degrees (if any), vital statistics, references, hobbies and interests, etc. Make this document look official! This project must be typed as a Word document.
3. Create a comic strip or a story board for one of your stories. Be sure that the captions and illustrations explain the story clearly. Do not include every detail -- only those that are most important. You will not be judged on your artistic talent, only on your apparent effort. The pictures may be elaborate or simple, but must effectively present all relevant plot details. Draw at least 12 panels for full credit.
4. Rewrite one of the short stories as a poem or a song. Be sure to include important details, symbols, incidents, conflicts. Though good poetry does not always rhyme, good songs usually do. Extra points will be awarded for students who perform their songs.
5. Discuss an important symbol from one of your stories. Explain why you believe the thing (object, color, sign, etc.) is important, and what you believe it comes to represent in the story. Provide examples and details in a Word document of at least one page, single spaced.
6. Write a news article covering the events in one of your stories. Besides the fiveW's (who, what, when, where, why), include eyewitness accounts, quotes, expert opinions, and photos. You may elaborate or expand on basic facts to create a detailed article. Create a Word document of at least 150 words.
7. Discuss the author's use of suspense or irony in one of your short stories. Provide details and reasons to support your observations in a Word document of at least one page, single spaced.
8. Imagine you were to go through the trash of one of your characters. Explain what you would find there, and why. Base your "finds" on the story from which the character comes (at least four objects). Begin by telling a bit about the character. Your detailing of the character’s trash should be about 5 minutes for full credit. Extra points will be given to students who bring in visual aids.
9. Imagine you are a Hollywood film producer. The author of one of your stories has contacted you regarding the possibility of producing a film version of his story. Write your response, in letter form, explaining whether or not you believe the story would make a successful film. Give specific reasons for your opinion. Create a Word document of at least one page, single spaced. Extra points will be given to students who include visual aids showing preferred actors for key roles.
10. Write a piece in which you discuss your personal connection or response to one of the stories you read. Why was it important or relevant to you? What is most powerful about the selection? How has the story changed you? With whom did you share the story? Why? Create a Word document of at least one page, single spaced.
11. Build or draw the set for a TV show or movie based on one of the stories. A minimum of three locations is required for full credit. Write a rationale for the set design. Create a Word document of at least one page, single spaced.
12. Other projects may also be completed with Mr. Long’s approval.