At Silicon Valley International School (INTL), we emphasize the importance of developing strong language skills in our students. This year, our 2nd Grade class embarked on an enriching project that not only enhanced their understanding of English, but also showcased their storytelling abilities.
As part of INTL’s English Language curriculum, students delved into the world of fables and fairy tales. They learned about the essential elements of these classic stories: character development, setting description, and plot structure, which includes both the problem and the solution. By studying these components, students gained the skills needed to create compelling narratives.
This project allowed each student to write and illustrate their own fairy tale, helping them improve their English vocabulary and sentence structure. To make their stories come to life, the classes partnered with Studentreasures, a company that helps students publish their work. Students received materials to write and illustrate their tales, giving them the chance to express themselves visually as well as verbally.
This creative endeavor, which spanned two to three months, required perseverance and dedication. It was not just about writing; it involved revising and editing, teaching students the important skill of refining their work. The final product – beautifully bound books filled with their unique and imaginative stories – demonstrated their hard work and creativity.
Anlia Ford, the 2nd Grade English Teacher who led the project, shared her thoughts: "seeing the pure joy and excitement on their faces as they held their published books was truly unforgettable. This project wasn't just about creating stories; it was about empowering them with a voice and a sense of pride in their accomplishments. It showed them that their narratives matter and have the potential to inspire others, regardless of language."
This project was an integral part of INTL’s English curriculum, aimed at creating well-rounded learners who are confident in tackling new challenges. It instilled a sense of accomplishment in our students and demonstrated that their voices have value. They learned not only the fundamentals of storytelling, but also the power they have to captivate and inspire readers through their writing.
We are incredibly proud of our 2nd Graders for their hard work, creativity, and dedication. Congratulations to our young authors at INTL! This may be the first chapter in their literary adventures, but we are confident there are many more captivating stories waiting to be told.