Common Core State Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
Objective
Students will write a dialogue by taking the roles of two characters from a short story and adapting them to a setting.
360° Learning Experience
Teacher provides students with one or more 360° images and/or videos depicting a setting or context of a text that was read in class. Students then take on the persona of a character from that text and write a dialogue for it. The dialogue should include both formal and informal English, based on the setting or context.
Teaching Strategy
Example 360° Learning Experience
After reading Dorothy Parker’s short story The Sexes the following dialogue could serve as an epilogue to the story.
“I am so happy we are finished with our little tiff from the other day,” the girl said.
“I agree, so silly when we have our argument,” he said with a sigh of relief, “If only we could sit here forever.”
“It’s so glorious, with the sun shining, and they chairs are just darling,” she chuckled, “aren’t they?”
“Oh yes, I can’t remember the last time I was so comfortable. Work has me all worn out,” he mentioned.
Pausing a moment to take in the sun, “Darling, you shouldn’t be so stressed. We have such a delightful life in front of us, but I do want to talk about our plans for the summer.”
Excitedly the boy interjected, “That is great! I’ve been so excited I almost forget about our upcoming trip. With this springtime weather, it’s just made our summer look even better.”
“Yes, about that,” she hesitated before continuing, “I’m not sure I want to go to your mother’s estate any more. I mean, it’s just a drag having to sit through all those long meals, and there really isn’t too much to do.”
“What do you mean?” He asked, a bit caught off guard. “I thought you loved going to the country. They have horses and a big comfortable house, and-“
“No, I just suggest you think of some place new to go. Some place more welcoming. I really don’t think your mother cares for me too much.” She stopped and gave him a look.
Nodding, he said, “Let me know think on it. But for now, let’s just enjoy this moment.”