Story-telling project example:

Students create an appropriately designed trailer for a book of their choice.

Lesson Plan: Creating a Book Trailer as a Storytelling Project 

Grade Level: Secondary School  

Objectives: 

• Students will analyze a selected book’s plot, characters, and themes. 
• Students will develop creative and analytical thinking skills. 

• Students will learn about the elements of storytelling and visual communication. 
• Students will create a compelling book trailer using multimedia tools. 
• Students will present and share their book trailers with the class. 

Materials: 

• Copies of age-appropriate fiction books. 

• Access to computers or tablets with video editing software (e.g., Animoto) 
• Internet access for research and multimedia resources 
• Classroom projector or screen for presentations 
• Rubrics for assessment 

Preparation: 

• Select the book for the project and ensure copies are available for students. 
• Familiarize yourself with the selected book to guide discussions and provide support. 
• Choose a video editing tool that is accessible to your students and ensure they have the necessary accounts or permissions. 

Lesson Plan: 

Day 1: Introduction to Book Trailers and Book Selection (45 minutes) 

• Begin the class by discussing the concept of book trailers and their purpose: to promote a book by providing a visual and emotional teaser. 
• Show examples of book trailers from different genres to inspire students. 
• Provide a list of book options for the project or allow students to choose their own book (with your approval). 
• Explain the project goals and assessment criteria. 

Day 2-3: Reading and Analysis (90 minutes) 

• Allocate time for students to read their chosen book or a specific book assigned by you. 
• Encourage students to take notes on key plot points, characters, themes, and emotional moments. 
• Engage in class discussions about the books, allowing students to share their initial impressions and thoughts. 

Day 4: Storyboard and Planning (60 minutes) 

• Teach students about the importance of planning before creating a book trailer. Discuss the elements they need to include, such as visuals, text, and music. 

• Have students create a storyboard that outlines the scenes they want to include in their trailer. 
• Emphasize the need for a clear narrative structure. 

Day 5-6: Video Creation (120 minutes) 

• Provide a brief tutorial on the chosen video editing software. 
• Allow students to work on their book trailers, incorporating their storyboards and utilizing multimedia resources. 

• Circulate and provide guidance and support as needed. 

Day 7-8: Editing and Refinement (90 minutes) 

• Encourage students to review and refine their book trailers, ensuring they convey the book’s essence effectively. 
• Discuss techniques for editing, including transitions, text overlays, and music selection. 
• Peer review: Have students exchange trailers for constructive feedback. 

Day 9-10: Finalization and Presentations (90 minutes) 

• Instruct students to make final edits and polish their book trailers. 
• Allocate time for each student to present their trailer to the class. Encourage them to explain their creative choices. 
• After each presentation, facilitate a brief class discussion about the book and the impact of the trailer. 

Assessment: 

• Use rubrics to assess students’ book trailers based on creativity, accuracy in representing the book’s content, storytelling, visual appeal, and overall presentation. 
• Consider peer evaluations for presentations and constructive feedback. 

Extensions: 

• Organize a film festival-style screening of the book trailers, inviting parents or other classes to attend. 
• Encourage students to share their book trailers on a school website or social media platforms to promote reading. 

• Discuss the role of book trailers in the publishing industry and the art of marketing books. 

Homework: 

• Assign students to write a brief reflection on the book they read and their experience creating the book trailer. 

By the end of this lesson plan, students will have not only engaged in creative storytelling but also gained valuable skills in multimedia production and presentation. This project promotes literacy, critical thinking, and teamwork, making it an enriching experience for secondary school students.