Alternate Universe: New Perspectives in Storytelling
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we creatively transform a classic story by reimagining it from a different character's point of view, and what impact does this shift have on the story's perception and elements?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do authors develop a character's perspective in a story?
- In what ways can changing the point of view change the way a story is perceived by the reader?
- What are the key story elements that can be altered when shifting the perspective character?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify and describe different story elements such as plot, character, and setting from a new character’s point of view.
- Students will creatively rewrite a section of a classic story from a different character's perspective, demonstrating understanding of point of view.
- Students will analyze a classic story to draw evidence and support the changes made while maintaining the story’s core elements.
- Students will understand how a change in perspective can alter the reader’s perception of a story and its elements.
Common Core Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsJourney of Voice
Invite students on a 'journey' where they receive 'voice recordings'—monologues of side characters from popular stories. These reveal secret thoughts and unseen events, prompting students to explore narrative depth and ask, 'what if' questions about different storytelling angles.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Perspective Shift Presentation
Students present their alternate stories or significant scenes to the class, explaining the creative choices made and the impact of the perspective shift on story elements and reader perception.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed presentation on character perspective and its impact, complete with visual aids.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.9 by requiring textual analysis to support creative reinterpretation, and reinforces CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3 with narrative techniques.Alternate Plot Pathway
Students design alternate plot lines by changing the key decision points based on their new character's perspective. This activity involves creative storytelling and reinforces understanding of how perspective influences plot.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn illustrated or written map showing the new plot pathway developed from the perspective change.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3 by developing narrative experiences from a new POV, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3 by exploring how plot unfolds.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioAlternate Universe Twist: Story Perspective Rubric
Creativity and Originality
Assesses the student's ability to creatively reinterpret a classic story by introducing innovative elements and perspectives.Story Elements Reimagining
Evaluates how well the student has creatively reimagined key story elements such as characters, settings, and plot.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student has extraordinarily reimagined story elements, demonstrating novel and impactful interpretations that enhance the narrative.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student has effectively reimagined story elements with clear and meaningful interpretations that contribute to the narrative.
Developing
2 PointsThe student exhibits some creativity in reimagining story elements but lacks depth and consistency in interpretation.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student shows minimal effort in reimagining story elements, with interpretations that are basic or confused.
Perspective Shift Impact
Measures the student's success in altering the perception of the story through the chosen point of view shift.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe perspective shift leads to profound insights into the original story, revealing new layers and understandings.
Proficient
3 PointsThe perspective shift provides considerable insights into the story, adding depth and new understanding.
Developing
2 PointsThe perspective shift offers limited insights, with some moments of added depth but lacking consistency.
Beginning
1 PointsThe perspective shift offers no new insights, failing to engage with the story on a deeper level.
Analysis and Understanding
Focuses on the student's ability to analyze and understand the original story and apply this understanding to the rewritten version.Textual Analysis
Assesses how well the student has analyzed the original text to support their reinterpretation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe analysis is thorough, with detailed evidence from the original text that cogently supports the new narrative.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student provides clear evidence from the original text to support the reinterpretation but misses some subtle points.
Developing
2 PointsAnalysis is present, but lacks depth or alignment with the original text, providing weak support for the reinterpretation.
Beginning
1 PointsLittle to no analysis is present, with inadequate or irrelevant evidence to support the new narrative.
Understanding of Point of View
Evaluates the student's grasp of point of view and its impact on narrative structure and perception.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates an outstanding understanding of point of view, expertly weaving it into the narrative to alter perceptions effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a solid understanding of point of view, effectively altering perceptions in the narrative.
Developing
2 PointsShows partial understanding of point of view, with inconsistent application in altering story perceptions.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal understanding of point of view, with little effect on the narrative's perception.
Presentation and Communication
Assesses the student’s ability to effectively communicate their narrative and insights through presentation and visual aids.Presentation Clarity
Evaluates the clarity and coherence of the student's presentation in conveying their perspective shift and narrative changes.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresentation is exceptionally clear, well-structured, and engaging, conveying insights and narrative shifts convincingly.
Proficient
3 PointsPresentation is clear, well-organized, and effectively communicates narrative shifts and insights.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation lacks some clarity or organization, offering partial communication of narrative shifts and insights.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is unclear, disorganized, and fails to communicate narrative shifts and insights effectively.
Use of Visual Aids
Assesses the effectiveness and integration of visual aids accompanying the presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsVisual aids are creatively and effectively integrated, greatly enhancing the impact and understanding of the presentation.
Proficient
3 PointsVisual aids are well-integrated, supporting and clarifying the presentation.
Developing
2 PointsVisual aids are present but not effectively integrated to support the presentation.
Beginning
1 PointsVisual aids are poorly used or absent, offering minimal support to the presentation.