Major themes or topics: Storytelling, storytelling techniques, perspective, messaging, emotion, connection, context, actions, impact

Key content: Students become storytelling detectives that analyze personal narratives to discover the storytelling moves authors use to make their tales interesting. Students use these same techniques to tell a story of their own. As they listen to and tell stories, students discuss the importance of words and the impact of storytelling.

Focus questions: What are some key elements that make a narrative impactful? Why is storytelling important in connecting individuals and communities? How can personal narratives help us understand different perspectives and experiences?

DCPS alignment: Grade 4 ELA, Unit 2 - My Story