View Content #20179

This activity aims at developing literacy skills through the use of a digital game designed to get kids reading and working with different parts of speech.  The activity can be used independently in a station, as an extension activity, or in groups during class time to initiate additional conversation around a common story.

Mode(s): Interpretive reading, presentational writing, interpersonal speaking

Objectives:

• Students will follow instructions to build a story around an animal character
• Students will create a digital story about their character
• Students will write a descriptive narrative about their in-game animal

Resources:

• Safari Tales (http://www.safaritalesgame.com/) or similar game as available in one’s educational context
• Playing a Story Resource Sheet

Procedure:

1. Students are asked to brainstorm three activities an animal might do in a safari and make predictions about their own animal character.
2. Students play the game for 15-20 minutes (enough time to play one level and create one story in the game).
3. Students are then introduced to the writing template and asked to expand their own story to include a description of their favorite animal and extension of their in-game character.
4. Students read one another’s stories and comment on similarities and differences.

Adaptations: This activity is easily adaptable to different proficiency levels given choice of vocabulary, choice of game to build a story, and reading genres. The game can also be played as a class and projected, depending on the availability of devices and access to the game itself.