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SCREENWRITING FOR KIDS: ADAPTING CHILDREN'S LITERATURE INTO SHORT-FICTION SCREENPLAYS

Nomination Description

Children have always been fond of the cinema! But do they have the opportunity to learn how to craft their own narratives and write their own English-speaking short fiction screenplays at a public school? The students of the 8^th primary of Egaleo actually did! As an awarded author and screenwriter, their English language teacher, Chara Kourlessi, decided to teach them the course “Screenwriting for kids: Adapting children’s literature into English-speaking short fiction screenplays”. The previous year, Chara Kourlessi taught her high school students how to turn an American poem into an English-speaking short-fiction screenplay and the programme received the gold award in ELT Excellence Awards 2024.

As a primary school teacher though, Chara decided to focus on a children’s literature book and teach her students how to transform it into a screenplay. Therefore, the submitted student screenplays will be adaptations of the storyline included in Chara Kourlessi’s book entitled “Afendoulis and the gift of friendship” (Diania Publications). After all, turning a children’s literature book written in Greek into an English-speaking short fiction screenplay aligns with the recent decision made by the Ministry of Education to promote the teaching of literature books instead of simple excerpts. Eighteen young storytellers (nine students from fifth class and nine students from sixth class) participate in the programme this year whereas one of them has been diagnosed with autism. However, all the aspiring screenwriters are passionate and enthusiastic about this groundbreaking project submitting their work on a weekly basis!

The theoretical framework involves the well-known “Three Act Structure” and alternate linear and non-linear story structures which allows students to design the storylines of their screenplays and prepare their synopses. Character development, the importance of conflict, the successful writing of natural dialogues as well as the role of subtext are essential issues which are always discussed in class. Furthermore, students get to know more technical information such as the way flashback scenes or telephone conversations are created and presented in a script. Simultaneously, students start reading the children’s book “Afendoulis and the gift of friendship” written by Chara Kourlessi and exercise their critical abilities as they get involved in group discussions monitored by their teacher. This way, children can exchange ideas and start keeping notes about their own adaptations. Thus, kids realize that writing a screenplay is not like literature and that the main concern of screenwriters is to show without telling, by using imagination, pen and paper!

In essence, the course includes a step-by-step guide to developing a well-written, English-speaking screenplay by focusing on basic theoretical tenets, thought-provoking script samples and meaningful creative writing exercises. Students are also provided with photocopiable material and handouts designed by the teacher in order to serve their needs. The photocopiable material includes theoretical notes with examples, sample scenes as well as creative writing exercises whereas by means of power point presentations and films shown in class, the instructor illustrates key ideas regarding scriptwriting and sparks group discussions. At the end of the programme, student screenplays are assessed in terms of content and quality whereas at a special school celebration in June all students will receive certificates of distinction and symbolic gifts. 

Consequently, this creative writing programme for kids fosters a deeper engagement with children’s books and stories which help students relate to characters and  develop empathy. Besides that, learning how to adapt a children’s book into an English-speaking short-fiction screenplay within public school premises is a life skill and a valuable endeavour for children’s psychological and mental growth boosting their confidence!