The idea is to carefully and dramatically present or read a chosen selection– approximately 3-5 minutes in length — with an emphasis on enunciation, clarity of speech, rhythm, inflection, pace, and dramatic pauses.  The goal will be an expressive and dramatic performance of a selection of literary work. 

Story Options:

• Some may want to use an established work. 
• You may add to an existing work if it is missing criteria
• Source may be a physical book or may be an online copy (I will print or copy them for you)

Some Resources:

• Source 1: https://ultimatecampresource.com/campfire-stories/scary-campfire-stories/
• Source 2:  https://www.americanfolklore.net/campfire.html
• Source 3:  https://www.tiktok.com/@ashatalks/video/7285742249105886510?lang=en
• Source 4: https://www.americanfolklore.net/scary-halloween-stories/
• Source 5: https://www.rd.com/list/scary-halloween-true-events/

Some Examples of how to create a Good Story:

If you are telling a great story you don’t even have to be telling it in the same language as your audience:

Great stories can be found from people who are very nervous: 

And some of our Original Examples came from the Stories we were told as children:

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Setting up the Arc of the Story

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Practicing for my Dramatic Reading

Before you present your dramatic Reading, allow me to give you some last-minute advice:

1. Relax! This is supposed to be fun, and we’re all being a little silly together.
2. Embrace your inner actor! Give life to the characters you’re telling us about.
3. Practice makes perfect! If you’re nervous, it’s probably because you haven’t rehearsed enough.

Now, I realize that doing this might not be as easy as it sounds. So let’s practice before the real thing!

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Speech Rubric

		4	3	2	1
Speaking & Listening	Speaking Skills SL.4 & SL.6 I can use vocal and physical speaking skills that make sense for my speech genre.	Speaker masterfully and consistently uses strategic speaking skills to accomplish his or her specific purpose.	Speaker uses appropriate volume, body language, facial expressions (i.e. eye contact) and other style choices for his/her prompt.	1 criterion to earn a “3” was not fully or consistently met.	2 or more criterion to earn a “3” were not met or completed.
	Active Listening & Participation SL.2 I can take active notes to show what I learned from other speakers.	Student demonstrates respectful, active listening through detailed notes, feedback for the speaker, and/or focus.	During others’ presentations, listener is respectful and takes active notes (Listening Guide) to analyze the effectiveness of others’ speeches.	1 criterion to earn a “3” was not fully or consistently met.	2 or more criterion to earn a “3” were not met or completed.
Writing	Genre, Purpose, and Audience W.4 I can write a speech with realistic content for the genre.	Speech’s content is appropriate, realistic, well-organized, and detailed; it is recognizably fitting for the prompt and fits the target audience.	The content of the speech is appropriate for the prompt, genre, and target audience, including word choice, formality, details, and structure.	1 criterion to earn a “3” was not fully or consistently met.	2 or more criterion to earn a “3” were not met or completed.

Tale of the 3 Brothers

Thank you,

Mrs. Reed

Updated 10/12/2026