Original Children's Books
Overview
After learning the elements of a short story and reading/critiquing
several children’s books and authors, students will write,
revise, and publish an original children’s book which
incorporates the elements of a short story. The students will put
their story in the form of a slide show and use the scanner, desktop
video camera, ClarisWorks paint, and the ClarisWorks library to
incorporate pictures into their children’s books. Each final
story will be dedicated to an elementary school student and the
students will participate in a “Meet the Author” day with
the elementary students.
Concepts
- Students will learn the elements of a short story.
- Students will plan, revise, and publish an original
children’s book.
- Students will utilize a variety of technology.
Indicators
- Students will write a children’s book and put it in the
form of a slide show. The book will demonstrate knowledge of plot,
theme, setting, conflict, point of view, climax, resolution, and
character development.
- The slide show will also demonstrate the correct use of the
scanner, desktop video camera, ClarisWorks library, and
ClarisWorks paint.
Precomputer
- Teach the elements of a short story.
- Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the elements through a
variety of activities (reading short stories and various
children’s books, practicing using the elements in short
writing assignments, etc.)
- Draft, edit, and revise story (students will need to have a
self, peer, and teacher edit).
- Plan the layout of each slide on a separate sheet of paper.
They must show the exact text, placement of text, and placement of
illustrations/graphics. They will also need to design a cover for
the book and a title/dedication page. Note: The book can be
illustrated by using the scanner or desktop video camera to put in
pictures that they drew on their own or pictures from a
magazine/book. They can also use ClarisWorks paint to draw their
own pictures and/or graphics from the ClarisWorks library. They
must demonstrate through their slide show that they know how to
use this equipment.
On the computer
- Students will set up their slide show (see attached directions).
- Students will use word processing skills to type their stories.
- Students will use the scanner, desktop video camera,
ClarisWorks library, and ClarisWorks paint to incorporate pictures
into their slide show.
Tips:
-The font needs to be consistent throughout the slide show.
-Let the students choose what font they want but limit their
choices.
-Tell the students what size you want their text to be.
-Have the students save often.
-Remind them to spell check and proofread their work often.
-Have the students preview the slide show to make sure it looks like
they want it to.-Have the students choose a background and border for
their slide show.
Postcomputer
Students will share their stories with their classmates and they will
identify the various literary elements in the children’s
books.
Students will present and read their stories on the computer to
elementary students and participate in a “Meet the Author”
day.
Slide shows will be put on a videotape and used to introduce the
elements to the next class of 7th graders.
Related resources
- English anthology
- Children’s books
- Slide show directions sheet
- ClarisWorks, scanner, and desktop video camera manuals
- Magazines and newspapers