Author: Marion Mittenzwey

E-mail: [email protected]

Subject: Literature

Level: 7th Grade

The Cinderella story is timeless and universal. Everyone knows the story of Cinderella. This fairy tale has been told all over the world since the 9th Century. The first one comes from China. Cinderella was fortunate to have her Fairy Godmother's help to get to the ball, meet the Prince, and live happily ever after.
Fairy Godmothers are make-believe. Now, Cinderella is living in the 21st Century and has no imaginary Fairy Godmother. She has met her dream man and wishes to marry him. How are you going to help her?

Activity 1: Choose a country for your Cinderella story. Using the internet, investigate about its geographical features, flora and fauna, the culture, the food, the way of dressing, and the religion. Hand in a report on your findings including at the end the url sites from where you got the information. You will tell your classmates about what you investigated. You must bring for that day, your own illustrations of the place, its geography, and culture.

Activity 2: Write an outline for the Cinderella story you will write. You must hand in this outline before starting to write your personal story.This outline must include the following characteristics:
a) CHARACTERS...What are their names? How old are they? Which are girls and which are boys? Which ones are mayor and which ones minor characters? Which is Cinderella' role in this story? What else can you add?
b) SETTING...Where is the story taking place? What year? It's the 21st century! What time of year? What season? What else can you tell about the where and when of the story?
c) ACTION...What events or problems happen in the story to make the story interesting? Which is the conflict? Which would be the climax?
d) RESOLUTION...How are the events or problems solved in the story? Does the story end “Happily Ever After”? If it does, how did that happen? What else can you share to make others understand that this is the end of your story?
e) LESSONS...What is the message to the listener about how to live?

Activity 3: Now you can start writing your own Cinderella story which must include the common elements of a story and follow the ideas mentioned in your guideline. Remember: it takes place in the 21st Century, but your Cinderella is somewhat traditional.

Activity 4: Make an illustration depicting the main character from your story. Be sure the character is in the clothing of the culture, modern yet traditional. Present your character in an important scene from your story. Make a second illustration depicting the main setting where the story takes places. Make sure it shows the geographical features and the wildlife of the place.

Activity 5: Write a dialogue/conversation between two or more of the characters. This dialogue must be included as a part of your story. Don't forget to mention the stage directions and the props.

Your story must be handed in printed, using Arial 12 and doble space. Check your spelling and punctuation! Include your illustrations. You must also hand in the outline again. Hand everything in, in a folder.

As you must do some research, you can use the following websites. If you prefer to use others, you are free to do so.

You must investigate the following:
1. Country's name and location on a map.
2. Geographical features.
3. Main flora and fauna.
4. Social structure.
5. Daily life.
6. Celebrations.
7. Food.
8. Way of dressing.
9. Religion.

I will grade the following aspects.

1. Internet research - in depth of the investigations and that all aspects were covered. The garde will also include the oral presentation to your classmates.

2. Outline - you must have answered all the questions.

Final Proyect
3. Your Cinderella story - to develop it you must have followed all the points of your outline. Grammar, punctuation and spelling will also be considered. - 50%
4. Your two illustrations - one of the character and one of the setting. 30%
5. Your dialogue with stage directions. 20%

A Cinderella story can be used to allow children to learn about different countries, cultures, times, and places. Hundreds have been written. You had the challenge! Hopefully you also had fun in using your new found knowledge to be creative and produce a brand new Cinderella story.

Did you help Cinderella find her happy ending?