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:
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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:
Requirements: Beginning, Middle, and End of the story.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.