Digital Storytelling
I can publish my own book?
Digital storytelling will motivate even your most hesitant writers! Incorporate any subject or theme, encouraging not only writing, but art and creativity as well. Works of art can be published, shared and enjoyed by all, not stuck on a shelf only to be looked at by the teacher and student.
Use artwork from professional illustrators or create your own. It's very easy to use because each page of art is already completed. This program is more about your storytelling ability than your visual artistic design skills. If you really want to manipulate the visuals of your story, then you might want to try another program. Storybird for Schools = Free teacher and student accounts
High School - Everyone's Different | Leo The Leopard
Elementary School - I Like Monsters
Teacher Example - Alien Attack
Use your own artwork or photos to create books, or simply use the site's characters, clips and scenes. It's easy to use and allows for visual artistic creativity as well as storytelling. It has an excellent "StoryStarter" worksheet to guide writers. A special feature on this site is that you can also purchase copies of digital books (your own or those created by other writers). StoryJumper Classroom Edition = Free teacher and student accounts
High School - Molly's Hair | I'm Not Scared of my Potty | Eli's Birthday Party
Elementary School - Ms. Harris Rocks!
3D Pop-up books. A little different take and easy to create books make this a good entry level option. Use personal or downloaded photos or clip art. There are educator licenses available.
This is the most advanced storytelling program, geared toward comic design. It allows the creator to make comic pages, books, design characters, upload and manipulate photos, and add artistic touches. You can also purchase copies of digital books (your own or those created by other writers). ToonDooSpaces = Teacher and students accounts for a price.
High School - Cats vs. Dogs | Dirty Rodney | Death of Leaders | French Revolution
Integration Ideas
- Have older students "teach" younger students a concept, idea, or event. Involves students taking complex ideas and retelling them in a way a younger audience could understand.
- Demonstrate understanding of a concept, idea, or event by retelling it in a storybook format.
- What happens next? Have students continue the characters journey.
- Provide all the students with a set of images and have them individually create a story. (Could be done with printouts of the images if there are not computers available for every student).
- Create a book on how to do a specific task - using student photographs or drawings to illustrate the ideas.
- With a single computer, the teacher could lead the class through the creation of the story around a concept or moral.
- Computer station, have students work on their story while others complete different projects or types of projects.
- Invite family and friends to view finished products and provide feedback to the students.