Game 5: Using a skill prompt

If you're ready to get serious with Frankenstories, then it’s time to play your first targeted skill game.

You can use or adapt a preset prompt from the Frankenstories library, or create your own from scratch.

If you're using a preset, here are a few tips below.

Many prompts relate to a Writelike page or lesson that you might want to check for clarity or inspiration.

For example:

In Establishing the world, you might want to check what we mean by the phrase "introducing story elements".
In Argument types, you might want to learn the features of a causal argument.
In the Narrative distance topic, you might want to brush up on the definitions of each level.

Before playing the game, you might need to teach students the relevant concept or skill.

There are a few ways to do that:

Explain it your own way and relate it to other content you've taught.
Some prompts have examples of real games that you can review—many concepts are more clear when you see them in action.
Use support material from Writelike—such as videos, handouts, or mentor text models, depending on the prompt.

What to expect

From this point on, results depend on your class and the prompt.
Keep in mind that program prompts are granular, and their effect is cumulative.
Early games might seem quite abstract, but concepts will reappear in later games and skills will become more intuitive.

If students are struggling, one way they can reduce the mental load is to write list items instead of complete sentences (or stories, arguments, etc).

The programs feature list-making prompts for specific purposes, but you can encourage students to use the technique whenever they feel overwhelmed.

Teaching with Frankenstories ARCHIVED 202404

Game 5: Using a skill prompt