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TRANSCRIPT
A Tell Tale TrialUsing Short Stories and
Novels to Create Mock Trials
2019
Learning Goal
We will be able to create a mock trial based on a piece of literature in order to help our
students strengthen their reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills.
Why a mock trial?
Why a mock trial?
How well do your students choose the best arguments and ideas to support their points in
their writing? Think about the ideas they use, not just their ability to cite the source.
Why a mock trial?
• Strengthens reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
• Provides experience with a variety of texts• Reading practice with a purpose• Real-world experience• Offers opportunities for cross-curricular
unitsIt’s Fun!!!
Step 1: Courtroom Procedures
http://www.classbrain.com/artteensm/uploads/humpty.pdf
Step 2: Select a text
Select a fictional text with a crime in it, solved or unsolved.
Assignment # 1: With a partner(s), brainstorm possible short stories or novels
Step 3: close reading of the text
Assignment #2: Read and annotate “A Tell Tale Heart.” This is the written confession of the accused.
Guiding Task #1: The narrator of this story is insane. He had a mental infirmity. As a result of this condition, he did not understand what he was doing or the consequences of his actions. Find the evidence!
Guiding Task #2: The narrator of this story is not insane. He commits his crime with complete knowledge of the immorality of his actions. Find the evidence!
Step 4: write opening statements
Assignment #3: With your partner, write an opening statement.
Step 5: Create Legal teams
Create teams of
2-4.
Teams vote on the best
opening statements.
Share statements
with all students on
the same side .
Teams vote on the best statement.
Select team leaders.
Burden of Proof
Step 6: Assign Roles and Prepare for trial
Actors• Create witness statements• Create characters (costumes, mannerisms, etc.)
Attorneys
• Write questions (direct and cross)• Help actors with witness statements• Coach actors on questioning
Teachers• Help students frame their stories• Help students determine pertinent evidence
Step 7: Conduct the Trial
Step 8: Writing Closing statements
•Optional•Provide time prior to deliberation.•Allows for review.