1. ASManager2.zip Driver
2. L_EXPAND.txt File Contents

L_EXPAND.txt Driver File Contents (ASManager2.zip)

Name: <  >
Class: <  >
Date: <  >



Expand!

Let your mind E-X-P-A-N-D now! You've been a reader of fables, and you've fixed up poorly-written fables. Why not try writing one yourself? Now that may sound hard, but it will be easier than you think. You're going to get some help getting started. And if you have writing partners, you can pool your brain-power.

First, you'll need to choose a moral. This is the most important decision you'll have to make because every other decision depends on it.

Below are morals you've already seen. Choose one that sounds interesting to you, and copy it to the angle brackets below. If you change your mind, you can come back to these and choose another, or you can make up your own.

Morals

1. Beware of foolish flattery.

2. One sure plan is better than a dozen weak ones.

3. If you try to be someone you're not, you may get into trouble.

4. You can't please everyone.

5. One sly trick deserves another.

6. If you give in to the wishes of everyone, you may have nothing left to give.

7. It's easy to say something is no good if you can't get it.

8. Greediness usually leads to regret.

9. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

10. Alone we are weak; together we are strong.

Choose your moral and place a copy at the angle brackets:

<  >


Name and save this file now. (Press ctrl+S, type a name for the file, and press enter.)

====================

To plan your fable, begin with the ending! Picture the last scene of your fable. What might be an outcome that would teach one character the lesson, or moral, in your fable? Let your mind play with the possibilities. Share ideas with your writing partners.

The fable could end like this:

 <  >

Or this:

<  >

Or this:

<  >


====================

Now, for characters. You want them to fit the moral, the way the fox -- who always thought he was so clever -- fit Aesop's purposes. Ask yourselves the following questions. Always think about the moral of your fable as you type your notes at the marker.

Characters

Animals?
People?
How many?

<  >

Name your characters:

<  >


====================

Once you have named your characters, think about describing them to fit the moral of the fable. What are the characters like?

Brainstorm ideas with your writing partners. When you're through, delete ideas that don't fit.

Character #1

Appearance:

<  >

Personality:

<  >

Strengths or weaknesses:

<  >


====================

Character #2

Appearance:

<  >

Personality:

<  >

Strengths or weaknesses:

<  >


====================

Now consider the setting for your fable. Brainstorm ideas in your writing group and type notes below.

Setting

Where does your fable take place?

<  >

What time of year is it?

<  >

Does the action take place indoors or outdoors?

<  >

Describe the weather or the interior:

<  >

What props or objects do your characters use?

<  >


====================

Now, here's the "meat" of the fable -- the action. To get to the outcome (the ending), things happen. Use these prompts to get you started. Delete those you don't need. Type your character's name in the first set of <  > markers if the sentence has more than one set.

First, <  > does or says this: <  >

And this happens: <  >

Next <  > does or says this: <  >

And this happens: <  >

Then <  > does or says this: <  >

And this happens: <  >

Finally, <  >

Brainstorm titles for your fable in your writing group:

<  >


====================

You're ready now to write an original fable with sleek and flowing sentences by printing out this file or going through the file to copy your best notes to the marker below. Delete words or prompts you decide not to use.

Go for It!


====================

Title: <  >

<  >

The End


If you haven't done so already, name and save this file now. (Press ctrl+S, type a name for the file, and press enter.)

====================

end of activity
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