Children’s Storybook Writing and Analysis Unit Outline

Mr. Steel

During this unit of study, students will have the opportunity to write creatively, to illustrate, and to present their creative work either independently or as part of a small group (3 members maximum). In addition to writing and presentations, students will be required to read, analyze, and present their findings on published children’s stories.

Work and Assessment

Major and Minor Assignments:

1. All students will write and illustrate their own children’s story. All children’s stories that are submitted must demonstrate at least 5 of the components that constitute an effective story (as discussed in class). A checklist of at least 5 components must be attached to each student submission. Every student must submit his or her own illustrated story, but it is permissible for students who are uncomfortable with illustrations to ask for help from a friend with artistic abilities.

2. All students will present their children’s story either independently or as part of a group (maximum 3 members). If students choose to present in a group, they will pick ONE of their stories to present. These presentations may take the following forms:

• students may read their picture book aloud to the class.
• students may enact their stories dramatically.
• students may compose a musical version of their storybook.
• students may create a short film that tells the story they have written.

3. All students will choose a published children’s story to read and to analyze. Each student must submit a written response in complete sentences and paragraph form that answers the following questions:

(i) Summarize the children’s story you have chosen. Who are the characters? What happens in the story?

(ii) What makes this story an effective narrative? Provide examples from the story that illustrate at least 5 of the components that we discussed in class.

4. All students will present a published children’s story to the class. These presentations may be done independently or in groups of up to three students. If students choose to present in a group, they will pick ONE of their published stories to present. These presentations may take the following forms:

• students may read their picture book aloud to the class.
• students may enact their stories dramatically.
• students may compose a musical version of their storybook.
• students may create a short film that tells the story they have read.

***There is no test component in this unit. In order to facilitate student achievement, the higher mark between submitted written work and presented work will be recorded as the major assignment, and the lower mark will be recorded as a minor assignment.