Learning through Picture Books/ Aprendiendo a través de los álbumes ilustrados: USING A POWERFUL IMAGE TO INTRODUCE A BOOK

lunes, 25 de julio de 2011

USING A POWERFUL IMAGE TO INTRODUCE A BOOK

A different way to introduce a book and to improve writing skills could be using a powerful image.

Middle of the story

Middle: What do you think is happening?
Beginning: What happened before? How does the story begin?
End: How does the story end?

We could do a "brainstorm" and write on the board the main ideas or we could create a worksheet (a planning worksheet) so pupils could write their own stories.

I used this idea when I gave a presentation and one of the teachers made up this story (more or less like this):

1. Middle: What do you think is happening?

'Daddy Strawberry was very tired. It was a long day and he just wanted to arrive home, relax and have a nice cup of tea. Peace at last!'

2. Beginning: What happened before? How does the story begin?

'One sunny morning, the family Strawberry went shopping and to the park. Little Strawberry wanted to play with Daddy Strawberry all the time.'

3. End: How does the story end?

'Little Strawberry sat down next to Daddy. Rubbing his eyes and using his quite voice whispered "Dad, I had an amazing day because you are an amazing dad and I love playing with you".'

This is an example of creative writing using a powerful image.

Blog 'story writing plan':

http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/english/contents05writingfiction.htm

Blog 'tips for creative writers' (older pupils, adults):

http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative1/shortstory/

TIME TO READ THE BOOK!