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Session 8: Digital Stories 📱

Overview

Grades: 3-4 | Duration: 40 minutes | Session: 8 of 17

Students create digital stories about Gospel values or saints, combining narrative skills with technology.

Session 8: Digital Stories

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Plan a structured story with beginning, middle, end

  • Use digital tools to create narrative

  • Include faith-based themes and messages

  • Present completed digital story

Session 8: Digital Stories

Materials Needed

  • 💻 Computers/tablets with Scratch, slides, or video tools

  • 📋 Story planning templates

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 🖥️ Projector for sharing

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

The Gospel Writers — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John told Jesus' story so others could believe!

Scripture

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." — Mark 16:15

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you gave us the story of Jesus to share with the world. Help us tell stories that inspire faith and share your love. Guide our creativity today! Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (5 minutes)

  1. Power of Stories:
  2. Stories change hearts and minds
  3. Jesus taught through parables (stories!)
  4. Gospel writers preserved Jesus' story forever
  5. Digital Storytelling:
  6. Modern way to share stories
  7. Reaches many people
  8. Combines words, images, sound
  9. Our Mission:
  10. Create digital story that shares faith
  11. Topics: Saint's life, parable, Gospel value

Main Activity: Digital Story Creation (27 minutes)

Part 1: Story Planning (7 minutes)

Choose Your Topic:

  • A saint's story (Francis, Kateri, Patrick, etc.)

  • A parable of Jesus (Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son)

  • A Gospel value (kindness, forgiveness, love)

Story Structure: 1. BEGINNING: - Who is the main character? - What's the situation? - Hook the viewer!

  1. MIDDLE:
  2. What happens?
  3. What challenge or lesson?

  4. Key events

  5. END:

  6. How does it resolve?
  7. What's the message?
  8. Call to action?

Part 2: Create Digital Story (16 minutes)

Option A: Scratch Animation

  • Animate scenes with sprites

  • Add narration and dialogue

  • Create movement and transitions

Option B: Digital Slideshow with Audio

  • Create slides with images

  • Add recorded narration

  • Include music/transitions

Option C: Digital Comic

  • Draw scenes digitally or on paper (photograph)

  • Add speech bubbles and captions

  • Sequence to tell story

Part 3: Preview & Polish (4 minutes)

  • Watch your story

  • Fix any issues

  • Add finishing touches

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Write your story outline (beginning, middle, end)
  2. Sketch one scene
  3. Write: "My story teaches..."
  4. Write: "Digital storytelling helps share faith because..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Story Premieres — Share stories (time permitting)
  2. Gospel Mission — "How can we share Jesus' story?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for stories that teach us about you. Help us share your Good News with everyone. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Created structured story

  • Used digital tools effectively

  • Included faith-based message

  • Completed shareable product

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Story template provided

  • Simple slide format

  • Partner work

For Advanced Students

  • Multiple scenes/chapters

  • Original music/sound design

  • Complex animation

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Share your digital story with family! Tell stories about your family's faith. Research how storytelling spreads the Gospel today. Create family faith stories together!

Teacher Notes

  • Allow flexibility in format

  • Stories can continue as homework

  • Consider sharing at school assembly

  • Save stories for portfolio

Previous: Session 7 — Christmas Circuits
Next: Session 9 — Faith & Science