Outcomes:
Character descriptions, formal letter, book review, dialogue (direct speech), retellings
Main Outcome:
Own version narrative (written as a playscript)
Length:
15 sessions, 3 weeks
Overview and Outcomes:
This is a three-week planning sequence using Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold in which children explore the theme of ‘freedom’ and do so by creating their own story, written as a play script, where they master their own world by flying over it, eventually writing their own version of a ‘Tar Beach’ story about their own locality or chosen place. They will also create retellings, book reviews, character descriptions and dialogue.
Synopsis of Text:
Ringgold recounts the dream adventure of eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot, who flies above her apartment-building rooftop, the 'tar beach' of the title, looking down on 1939 Harlem. Part autobiographical, part fictional, this allegorical tale sparkles with symbolic and historical references central to African-American culture. The spectacular artwork resonates with colour and texture. Children will delight in the universal dream of mastering one's world by flying over it. A practical and stunningly beautiful book.
Links:
Dreams, New York, America, African-American, bridges, flight, quilts, storytelling
