story boards and a plan for next week (krista)

This week, we continued our work with story boards. Almost everyone has asked to dictate and illustrate a story....some friends have created 4 or 5 story boards.

Alaira has been particularly interested in the process and today, she decided that her story should have a title. She also chose to tell a story about two characters, instead of one central character.

Sophia and Alaira collaborated on a story board today, as well. It was important to the girls that both of their names were credited. I really enjoyed watching them work together in such a respectful way on this creative process.

The children now proudly refer to themselves as authors and illustrators ;).

Looking ahead:

We're going to make paper next week, with the goal of producing enough paper for each friend to make their own book. I've got a paper-making frame and some complicated directions for using it...does anyone have suggestions or a simple guide to making paper? I'm going to look around at crafty blogs this weekend, as well.

Overheard at the lunch table:

Allie: I just cover up my vegetables so I don't have to taste them.

Jalie: You can also try pinching your nose...that really works, too.

Happy Weekend, Happy Sunshine!

xo

Storytime Deconstructed (Krista)

This week, I offered the children the opportunity to create a "story board".

Jalie, Allie, Damon, Alaira, Jason and Mia Gleinser (she's made a request that I refer to her as Mia Gleinser, instead of Mia G, which I totally understand ;)) were interested in the activity.

Inspiration:

I offered the children a small story board that is divided into 3 sections, an array of markers, pens and colored pencils, the wooden box of sandpaper letters and a basket of various animals and insects for inspiration.

Process:

The creative process was different for each child.

Jalie sorted through the box of letters before choosing the sandpaper letter 'a'. Together we came up with a list of words starting with the letter 'a'.

Here is our list:

apple ant anteater

apple juice Alaira Anika

Allie alligator

After reviewing the list, she decided to tell a story about an ant. She dictated the story to me, and then carefully chose the colors that she would use to illustrate the story. She laid the markers out in a row and worked methodically.

Mia picked 2 frogs out of the basket and set them next to her story board. She tested several colored pencils and markers before finding the ones that matched the color of the frogs exactly. It was important to her that her drawing look like the frogs. She took a lot of time with her illustrations.

Damon referred to his story as a comic book. He said that it was his first comic book and he was incredibly proud of it.

Jason grabbed the markers and began excitedly dictating to me as he drew. He took my finger and placed it on one of his drawings, "This is the plane, right here. Write plane!"

Allie told me several stories before finally letting me write one down. It was important to her that the story ended with everyone's dream coming true.

Alaira asked to do two story boards. She told her stories quickly and with a lot of enthusiasm. She re-told the stories as she illustrated them. Twice, she said that she was finished, and then returned to add some more. She chose to dictate two stories because she thought that the first story was too mean.

The story boards are displayed in the foyer, and the children are quite proud of them, so please take a moment to read their stories next week.

Happy Weekend Everyone! xo