Activity Overview
Stories, parables, and literature allow students to visualize different people, holidays, customs, and traditions within a particular religion in a more concrete way. There are many books related to Judaism that teachers can use to help students form a deeper understanding of the religion and the people who practice it. In this activity, students will illustrate the plot of a Jewish story.
This example is the story of Moses when he helped free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and how this exodus is the basis for the Jewish holiday of Passover.
There are many other engaging books that introduce students to traditional stories and parables relating to Judaism and the history of the Jewish people. Here are some suggestions:
- The Story of Passover by David A. Adler
- Who Believes What? by Anna Wills
- The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler
- Treasury of Jewish Bedtime Stories by Shmuel Blitz
- Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur by Deborah Heiligman
- Walk With Y'Shua Through the Jewish Year by Janie-Sue Wertheim
- New Year at the Pier: A Rosh Hashanah Story by April Halprin Wayland
- Mitzvah Pizza by Sarah Lynn Scheerger
- A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by Michelle Edwards
- I Say Shehechiyanu by Joanne Rocklin
- Here is the World: A Year of Jewish Holidays by Leslea Newman
- The Always Prayer Shawl by Sheldon Oberman
- It Could Always Be Worse by Margot Zemach
- Gathering Sparks by Howard Schwartz
- The Patchwork Torah by Allison Ofanansky
- Never Say a Mean Word Again: A Tale from Medieval Spain by Jacqueline Jules
- Goldie Takes a Stand by Barbara Krasner
- Sabbath Lion: A Jewish Folktale from Algeria by Howard Schwartz
- Osnat and Her Dove: The True Story of the World's First Female Rabbi by Sigal Samuel
- Promise of a New Spring: The Holocaust by Gerda Weissmann Klein
- Secret Seder by Doreen Rappaport
- Star of Fear, Star of Hope by Jo Hoestlandt
- A Hero and the Holocaust: The Story of Janusz Korczak and his Children by David A. Adler
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: After listening to the story, create a narrative storyboard that includes important details from the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions:
- In about 3-5 cells, write the major details of the story in order of occurrence.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters and items to illustrate each cell. The Creator has each animal from the story.
Requirements: Beginning, Middle, and End of the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images. | Descriptions do not always match the images. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Plot | Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is difficult to understand. |
How To Help Students Write Stories to Convey Complex Ideas
Build on the Idea
Help the students decide on a complex idea they want to convey through their stories. Give the students flexibility to pick their ideas according to their own interests but for evaluation purposes, teachers can give the students the challenge of portraying the same idea through different stories. For instance, students can work on ideas such as political ideologies, history and evolution, etc.
Select a Framework
Ask the students to select a plot structure framework for their stories. Students can go for simpler ones such as the three-act structure where they have to shape their ideas according to the BME model. Students who want to increase the complexity can use plot diagrams including exposition, rising action, climax, conflict, falling action, and resolution.
Foster Creativity
Encourage the students to use their imagination and creativity as much as they want. Despite creativity, students should portray the information correctly and be respectful towards different narratives. Teachers can provide some simple stories portraying complex ideas for inspiration such as “Animal Farm”.
Use Metaphors and Symbols
To depict abstract ideas, encourage the use of metaphor and symbolism. The narrative may become richer and have more levels as a result. Give students some time to research the symbols and metaphors they would like to incorporate according to their ideas in the story.
Examine and Reflect
Students should consider how well they explained the challenging concept after finishing their stories. Talk about the positives and the areas that might need improvement. Students can also discuss their stories in circles and have discussions on how their classmates conveyed their ideas in different ways.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewish Literature and Stories
What basic literature is the basis for modern Jewish literature and stories?
The Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, the Talmud, the foundational work of Rabbinic Judaism, and the writings of medieval Jewish intellectuals like Maimonides all fall within the category of classic Jewish literature. Many modern Jewish stories have been inspired by these basic Jewish books.
What place does the Bible have in Jewish literature?
Jewish literature is centered on the Hebrew Bible, sometimes referred to as the Tanakh. It includes core writings including Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, and Prophets, which have sparked a plethora of literary interpretations and discussions. Both Classic and Modern Jewish literature are interconnected with other faiths such as Christianity and Islam.
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