Color Storytelling

Lesson Overview

Grade: 9th
Duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 20 students
Unit: Expressing Colors in ASL (Lesson 11 of 12)
Topic: Color Storytelling using American Sign Language (ASL)
Focus: Creating and presenting stories integrating color signs

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• I can create a short story using at least five different color signs in ASL.
• I can present my story clearly to my peers using correct ASL finger spelling and color signs.
• I can analyze and identify the use of colors in storytelling.

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Common Core State Standards Alignment

Although ASL is not explicitly covered in Common Core, the following standards closely align with the communication, presentation, and storytelling skills this lesson develops:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4

• Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically so listeners can follow the line of reasoning.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.5

• Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.6

• Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (Interpreted here for ASL fluency and cultural communication.)

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Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed color flashcards for ASL signs (red, blue, green, yellow, purple, orange, black, white)
• Story planning graphic organizer (includes story structure prompts and space for color inclusion)
• Optional: tablets or paper and markers for story illustration (extension activity)

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Lesson Procedures

1. Engage — Warm-up & Review (5 minutes)

• Teacher briefly reviews ASL color signs using flashcards.
• Quick collaborative activity: Students call out and sign colors to refresh memory.
• Establish learning goals with “I can…” statements, write them visibly.

2. Explain — Introduction to Color Storytelling (7 minutes)

• Teacher models a short story (1-2 minutes) incorporating at least five colors in ASL. Example: “A story about a red apple on a green tree under a blue sky…”
• Highlight storytelling flow and use of color signs.
• Ask students to observe how colors add vividness and meaning.

3. Explore — Story Creation (15 minutes)

• Students pair up (differentiation for support), using the story planning graphic organizer.
• They develop a short story (3-4 sentences) choosing at least five colors to integrate in their ASL storytelling.
• Teacher circulates, providing one-on-one assistance and encouragement.
• Support students who need extra help by suggesting simpler story structures or assisting with vocabulary.

4. Explain & Elaborate — Story Presentation (12 minutes)

• Each pair presents their story in front of the class using ASL color signs.
• Audience encouraged to give positive, constructive feedback focusing on clarity of color use and storytelling elements.
• Teacher notes examples of creativity and fluency.

5. Evaluate — Reflection and Success Criteria Check (5 minutes)

• As a class, discuss: Did the stories incorporate at least five colors? Were the stories clear and engaging?
• Students self-assess based on the success criteria:
  • I used at least five ASL color signs.
  • I signed the story so others could understand it.
• Teacher provides verbal feedback and written comments.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For struggling learners: Work in pairs for peer support, allow use of written notes or keyword cards for sign recall.
• For ELLs or learners needing extra help: Pre-teach color signs and give extra practice before story creation.
• For advanced learners: Challenge them to include emotional or descriptive ASL signs connected to colors (e.g., ‘happy yellow’), or use more complex story structures.

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Extension Activity

• Students illustrate their ASL story on paper or digital tablets, labeling items and colors in English and ASL sign gloss (the written description of signs).
• Volunteers can create a video recording of their story for a digital class archive or portfolio.

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Assessment

Formative assessment:

• Teacher observation during pair work and presentations.
• Peer feedback focusing on use of color signs and storytelling clarity.
  Summative assessment:
• Final presentation evaluated using a rubric measuring:
  • Incorporation of at least five ASL color signs
  • Story coherence and clarity in ASL
  • Engagement and fluency

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Reflection for Next Lesson

• Collect student feedback on story difficulty and comfort with color signs.
• Adjust complexity of storytelling tasks in Lesson 12 to either include more descriptive vocabulary or focus on storytelling techniques in ASL.

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This lesson ensures engagement, aligns with relevant Common Core standards regarding presentation and communication skills, and employs multiple modalities to support diverse learners. It also creatively integrates ASL color vocabulary in a meaningful, memorable context.