Writing a Children's Book ~ Young Authors

Overview
Writing skills become polished with the creation of a children's book by high school students. As older students write narrative literature, they integrate five elements of the short story into their book and share it with their Book Buddies and other young children.

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e-mail Mary Ellen Bower, author and AT&T Teacher Disseminator.
Learning Standards
  • Understand and effectively employ structures of written language.
  • Understand and express different points of view.
  • Employ various formats and use of technology to complete and enhance work.
  • Classroom Activities
    Student groups work together to review their Book Buddies Journals and Web Sites for Children’s Books and critique six to eight popular children's books.
    • Present critiques to class members. Use Children's Literature Review Did I? Sheet.
    • Review and discuss five elements of the short story: character, plot, setting, theme, and style.
    • Develop examples of these elements.
    • Work with a peer throughout the writing process of writing the children's book

    • Follow the Task Description ~ Writing a Children's Book.
    • Outline with a schematic map.
    • Write drafts and share with class.
    • Present different ideas, visuals and illustrations. (clip art, scanning, use of digital camera, drawing, painting, etc.).
    • Insert completed stories into a classroom anthology.
    • Prepare to share book with class and Book Buddies.
    Community Activities
    Along with reading their final products to their Book Buddies, students read and share them with children in neighboring elementary schools and day care centers. They also exhibit their work at the local public library.
    Careers
    Students become aware of the skills needed to become an author, journalist, illustrator, or reporter. Communications careers are also discussed.
    Materials
    Children's Literature Review Did I? Sheet., Task Descriptions ~ Writing a Children's Book. , assorted children's books, book binding machines (optional), construction paper, markers and materials for illustrations
    Technology
    Students search the Internet for children's books; use Microsoft Word and Clip Art for publications.
    Assessment
    Student Literature Review Did I? sheets, Schematic Maps, and children's books are evaluated by students and teacher.

    Web Sites
    Students research Web Sites for Children’s Books