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Lesson: Level Up Your Storytelling: Creating Video Game Narratives

Hometriangle separatorEducatorstriangle separatorGet in the Gametriangle separatorLesson: Level Up Your Storytelling: Creating Video Game Narratives

Objective

  • Students will learn about video games and video game narratives.
  • Students will create their own video game narrative using a story map.
  • Students will use their video game narratives to create a simple video game using a game creation tool.

“I can” statements

  • I can explain what a video game narrative is.
  • I can create my own video game narrative using a story map.
  • I can use a game creation tool to create a simple video game based on my narrative.
  • I can share my video game with the class and explain the narrative behind it.
  • I can provide constructive feedback to my classmates about their video games and narratives.

Grade Level: 2 through 4

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.6: Use a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.5: Create audio recordings of stories or poems; add drawings or other visual displays to stories or recounts of experiences when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

DEIA Standards

Diversity

  • The lesson plan can incorporate examples of video games with diverse characters and narratives, promoting representation of different cultures, races, and ethnicities in the video game industry.
  • Students can be encouraged to create video game narratives that represent diverse perspectives and experiences, highlighting the value of different cultures and backgrounds.

Equity

  • The lesson plan can ensure that all students have access to technology and tools needed to create their own video game narratives and provide additional support or accommodations to students who need them.

Inclusion

  • The lesson plan can encourage and celebrate different ideas, backgrounds, and experiences that students bring to their video game narratives. This can be done by providing opportunities for students to share their perspectives and stories and encouraging respectful and open-minded discussions.

Accessibility

  • The lesson plan can provide alternative ways to engage with the material, such as audio recordings or simplified versions of the story map for students with different learning needs. The teacher can also ensure that the game creation tool is accessible to all students, including those with disabilities, by using appropriate settings and features.

Materials

  • Computer or tablet with internet access and game creation tools (such as Scratch or GameMaker Studio).
  • Printable story map worksheets.
  • Pencils, markers, and other art supplies.

Lesson Hook

Start with a brief discussion about video games that the students enjoy playing, and then ask them to imagine what it would be like to create their own video game. This can help capture their interest and enthusiasm for the topic, and provide a sense of ownership and creativity as they explore the idea of making their own video game narrative.

Procedure

Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Start by asking the students about their favorite video games. Ask them to describe what they like about these games and what makes them fun. Explain to them that today, they will be creating their own video game narratives.

Video Game Narratives (20 minutes)

  • Distribute story map worksheets to the students. Explain that a story map is a tool used to plan a narrative. Have the students use the story map to plan out their own video game narrative. Encourage them to be creative and think of a unique storyline. Allow them time to work on their story maps.

Creating a Story Map (30 minutes)

  • Distribute story map worksheets to the students. Explain that a story map is a tool used to plan a narrative. Have the students use the story map to plan out their own video game narrative. Encourage them to be creative and think of a unique storyline. Allow them time to work on their story maps.

Creating a Video Game (60 minutes)

  • Introduce the game creation tool to the students. Provide a brief demonstration of how to use the tool. Explain that they will use their story maps to create a simple video game. Allow them time to work on their games, assisting them as needed

Sharing and Reflection (20 minutes)

  • Allow students to share their games with the class. Have them explain the narrative of their game and what they learned from the activity. Encourage them to ask questions and provide feedback to each other.

Conclusion

If time allows, have the students add more complexity to their video games by including additional game mechanics, characters, and levels. Alternatively, have them create a game trailer or advertisement to showcase their game and narrative.