An AskERIC Lesson Plan
Date: 1994
Grade Level(s): 5
Subject(s):
Materials:
Activities and Procedures:
Read Polar Express as a model. Discuss the process the author used to produce the book.
Have the students brainstorm on paper to develop a story idea using a Christmas, Chanukah, or New Year theme. Have them choose one story idea and write a synopsis, including setting, story problem, major characters, story beginning, and the solution to the story problem.
Have them write a first draft on the computer using word processing software, print drafts, and edit and rewrite the stories until they complete a final draft. If computers are limited, have students print their stories after each set of changes and work on more changes at their desks while others are using the computers.
Simultaneously, have the authors work on mock-ups of their books, using newsprint paper folded and assembled to represent the pages of the book. Decisions need to be made as to where pages will end and what will best illustrate the story on each page.
Next, have the students use the white paper and fold the number of sheets they need to create their book, remembering that each sheet equals four pages.
Have the students draw the illustrations directly on the pages of the book.
Cut each page of the word processed story out of the printed sheet of paper and glue them onto the book pages that have the illustrations.
Have the students develop a title page for their books, giving credit to the author/illustrator. Then have them sew their books together and attach the cardboard covers and book binding tape.