Strange Family Tale Assignment

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Posted by Ben Koch, M.Ed.

Remember that the student write-ups of the strange family tales they collect are due on October 9! Just in case you've misplaced the handout with the guidelines, I've copied them below.

Assignment
Interview your parents and/or other relatives for a strange or mysterious (but true) story, tale, or legend related to your family. It can be a family legend that is passed down or just something “weird” that happened to you or someone in your family.

You will be recording your story onto a CD, but in order to record your story you must write it out too! The typed, written story should be at least 1 page, but it could be much longer, depending on the story.

Your tales can be “spooky,” but please don’t share anything bloody or that would be rated “R” in a movie!

TIPS
Even though you are recording a true story, you still need write it well. All the writing tools we use in class apply here, but especially be sure your story has the following:

ð Introduction (give the story a grabber)
ð Body/details (use “verbs of steel” and sensory words that put us in the story)
ð Conclusion (wrap up the story and leave the reader feeling satisfied—or scared!)

Have fun, and remember that you are SUPPOSED to get help from your parents and other relatives on this! We’ll be learning a special software program to record our stories and add special sound effects and music! In order to release our CD by Halloween, your typed, complete story is due on OCTOBER 9.