Driving Questions:
What makes children’s literature a unique and special genre?
Can you write a good children’s story: one that is entertaining and didactic in nature?
Learning Goal:
To understand the various factors that go into creating a successful children’s story and to put into practice these ideas by writing in this genre.
Success Criteria:
To write one or more children’s story
A) Show comprehension B) Writing (Being Creative) C) Publish with Free Publishing
Preview children's books at Mid-Continent Public Library or in the classroom. Take notes on your observations.
After this work,
*complete this organizer, which can be changed as you progress through this unit.
*decide which publisher you will be sending your story to. This will determine your focus. Everyone must fill out this form before writing.
and
and
READ - Creating a Children's Book Assignment Instructions
Follow the instructions on the assignment instruction sheet
Read each section carefully and ensure that you are following the instructions.
Use the format required for your publisher . Turn in your story with cover to assignment 2.13 in Google Classroom.
Storyboard your book here.
REVIEW - Hidden Meanings & Writing Children's Books
Students will review the Google Slide presentations outlining the importance of finding the hidden meaning in children's literature and outlining the steps in writing children's books.
A) Hidden Meaning - Here
B) Writing Children’s Books - Here
Step 1 Planning
Students will be asked to spend time to plan out their story.
They will be asked to consider the various elements that go into a children’s book.
Tool’s that might help
Step 2 Outlining Your Ideas
Students will be asked to spend time outlining their story.
They will be asked to consider the various pieces that make up their story.
Tool’s that might help
A) Graphic Organizer (Beginning / Middle / End)
D) Digital Graphic Organizer (character map, conflict map, resolution map, setting map)
Step 3 Support For Your Writing
Students will be asked to ensure that their writing is of the highest of quality.
Several edits will hopefully make sure students are working towards their best writing.
Tool’s that might help
Step 5 Bonus Section
Make a brief ad (30 – 60 sec) to show an overview of your book.
iMovies, Emaze, Prezi, Powtoons or PPT (or other)
Step 6 Peer Editing REQUIRED
Students will help at least one other student edit their book.
Step 7 Write a Query Letter REQUIRED
Go back to the publisher's page and read carefully the submission requirements. If it requests a query letter, be sure to follow all of the guidelines the publisher provided. Consider checking out the websites below and write a query letter that will fit your publisher's needs.
Everyone will write a query letter for class and submit to Google Classroom.
Step 8 Turn In and Publish Publish REQUIRED
Students will publish their children’s story in a public digital folder. They may use Google Docs, Google Slides or the platform of your choice. Send the digital copy, URL or link to your teacher-shared folder.
Turn in your work to assignment 2.10 in Google Classroom.
Step 8 Assessment / Self Reflection
Students will be assessed by the teacher using a rubric that is available to all students. Students will also complete a Self – reflection form via Google Forms.
Tools that might help
B) Google Form – Self Assessment
This unit is adapted from Mr. Paul Ingram's children's book unit. A big thank you to him for sharing his resources.
Our Schedule
2/13 - Field trip to MCPL to research and write
2/22 Write in class
2/23 - Meet in the library to write.
2/26 Manuscript Monday
2/27 1st draft due
2/28 Write in class
2/29 2nd draft due
3/1 write in class
3/4 Manuscript Monday
3/5 ASVAB TESTING
3/6 Write Query letter. Due 3/6.
3/7 3rd draft due
3/8 Final story due.
SPRING BREAK
3/25 Dr. Farmer is out of the building
3/26 Create Amazon Kindle Direct Account
3/27 Work on Manuscript
3/28 Work on Manuscript - 1st deadline