Lesson Overview
After listening to authors discuss their writing process, students will:
- understand how they can get inspired and find ideas for stories
-use specific steps to create a story from an idea
-learn to write a "rough draft" of the story idea
-edit, edit, edit... to transform the "rough draft" into a finished story
-illustrate the finished story, or ask someone else to be the artist
-create an interesting book cover...one that entices others to read it
Following this process to create a picture book, and using the decision-making skills involved, is a valuable training ground for more complicated, comprehensive tasks in adult careers.
(This lesson incorporates many of the basics of accepted writing practices in SC ELA standards, culminating with a fun project that motivates and engages students. )
Essential Question
By visiting with these picture book authors and illustrators, students will learn how authors get inspired to create an idea for a picture book, and how they follow specific steps to turn these ideas into finished, published, beloved books that we enjoy.
Grade(s):
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
CHROMEBOOK - to view the video resources provided
PRINTER ACCESS ( only if students want to use a computer to type the text, instead of handwriting it on paper )
Materials needed for the book text:
* a pencil and LOTS of scrap paper, to write a rough draft of the text (text = the words of a book)
* In your rough draft, be sure to include: the main idea of the story/ a list of all the characters / describe the sequence of the action, which is called the "plot" of the book.
* You may have to rewrite the plot several times. This is not unusual for good authors...be patient and rework it... until it's JUST RIGHT for YOU!
*Extra scrap paper to make a "dummy" (a dummy is a "rough draft" of the book, with penciled text & quick sketches on each page- it helps the author see how the story flows, and if any changes need to be made.)
[ Remember: You may have to rewrite the plot several times. This is not unusual for good authors. Be patient and rework it...until it's JUST RIGHT for YOU!]
*colored construction paper, for book cover ( front & back)
*printer paper/drawing paper
For the Illustrations:
*Printer paper OR drawing paper
*any combination of: markers /colored pencils / crayons / metallic markers /paint / stamps
*a ruler (It will help keep your text in straight lines in handwritten books)
*glue stick / stapler
You need to be logged in to see this lesson. Create an account now; it's quick, easy, and free!
Log In to View LessonYou need to be logged in to see this lesson. Create an account now; it's quick, easy, and free!
Log In to View LessonStandards
- 2 Partnership for The 21st Century Skills
- 2 Partnership for The 21st Century Skills
- ELA-K-IV Developing Written Communication
- ELA-K-V Producing Written Communications in a Variety of Forms
- V.C Connecting - I can relate artistic ideas and work with personal meaning and external context.
- VA.C Connecting - I can relate artistic ideas and work with personal meaning and external context.
- VA.C Connecting - I can relate artistic ideas and work with personal meaning and external context.
You need to be logged in to see this lesson. Create an account now; it's quick, easy, and free!
Log In to View Lesson