by Ann Scates

Grade Level: 4-5

Content Areas: Language Arts & Info Technology

• Students will read three different cultural versions of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and compare and contrast them.
• Using similarities found in the different versions, students will work together to create their own modern, Americanized version of the story.

Other Materials

• Microsoft Word or AppleWorks, KidPix, PowerPoint, Library Computer Catalog, Sketchy

Procedures

1. All students will read the eBook version of the original "Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Moore.
2. Using BooksLog, small groups of students will fill in the title, author,
   genre sections, and write a summary of the story. Each summary, written
   in the notes section, will contain the main characters, setting, beginning, middle, and end of the story.
3. The groups will then beam their BooksLog entries to each group and compare.
4. Groups will then use the Library Computer Catalog to identify and select
   3 other versions of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" from the library. (i.e. Cajun Night Before Christmas and The Prinicpal's Night Before Christmas)
5. Groups will check out the books, read them, and complete a BooksLog
   about each version.
6. Using Inspiration, each group will complete a diagram comparing the
   three versions to present to the class as a whole. Click here for an example.
7. The class will then find the similarities of the different cultural
   tales and list them on notepad.
8. Using these notes, students will plan, write, and illustrate their own,
   modern, Americanized version of the tale using a choice of Sketchy,
   PowerPoint, Appleworks Presentation, or KidPix 4.0.
9. These versions can then be compiled into an eBook for students to enjoy
   in class using eBook Studio.