Lesson 4

Writing a Rationale for Your Story

  • Objective:
  • Understand the concept of a rationale and its purpose in storytelling
  • Identify the CaL requirements for a rationale based on the story rubric
  • Resources:
    • Chart paper or whiteboard
    • Markers or chalk
    • Writing materials (paper, pencils, etc.)
  • Time: 60 min
  • Introduction (15 mins):
  • Begin the lesson by explaining what a rationale is in the context of writing a story. (See explanation in the notes below in pink colour)
  • Discuss the purpose of a rationale, which is to provide an explanation and justification for the choices made in the story.
  • Emphasize that a rationale helps readers understand the intentions and themes in the story.
  • Understanding CaL Requirements (20 min):
      • Display the story rubric and the CaL requirements on the chart paper or whiteboard.
      • Explain the CaL requirements, focusing on the specific content aspects that need to be addressed in the rationale.
  • Writing the Rationale (15 min):
    1. Emphasise the importance of clear and concise writing while addressing the CaL requirements outlined in the story rubric.
  • Closure of Lesson (10 min):

Summarize the purpose of a rationale and the CaL requirements for writing it.

  • Notes:

Example Explanation 1: 

Imagine you are building a special toy or drawing a picture. A rationale is like a special explanation or reason for why you made certain choices or decisions. It helps others understand why you did things the way you did. Just like when you tell a story, a rationale helps explain why you chose certain characters, settings, or actions. It’s like saying, ‘This is why I made it this way!’ It helps people understand your creative choices and makes your story more interesting and meaningful.

Example Explanation 2

Think about a superhero like Super Kindness! Super Kindness helps people in many ways. But why does Super Kindness do these amazing things? Well, that’s where the rationale comes in. 

Super Kindness has a special reason for helping others and making a difference. Let’s say Super Kindness helps clean up the environment by picking up trash in the park. 

The rationale for doing this could be, ‘Super Kindness wants to keep our planet clean and beautiful, so everyone can enjoy nature and animals.’ The rationale helps explain why Super Kindness does good deeds and why it’s important. 

Just like Super Kindness, when we do something kind or make a positive impact, we can have our rationale or reason for doing it. It helps others understand why we care and why it matters to make a difference in the world!