Write a Book to Change the World
Learning Sequence 7
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Introduction
During this week’s activity, we want students to begin viewing illustrations as more than just images. This week, we’d like them to start illustrating the internal pages of their book.
Now that the students grasp the significance of inferential clues, we encourage them to begin illustrating their books, including subtle inferential clues in their artwork.
Drawing parallels between reading and writing will help students understand comprehension from a fresh perspective, thereby enhancing their ability to grasp more complex texts.
Once we can write and illustrate with inference in mind, comprehending texts and imagery in this manner becomes much more straightforward!
As the children have more than 20 pages to illustrate this is where the children start to take their work home and complete in their spare time.
This week is all about creativity and creative design.
During this week’s learning sequence, we want you to begin transferring the images from your mind onto paper, bringing your story to life.
Using your story planner and timeline, we encourage you to start meticulously illustrating your book to create the picture book you’ve always dreamed of.
While illustrating your book, we’d like you to incorporate elements such as the characters, the setting, shadows, the background, and the foreground.
One special feature we’d like you to include in your illustrations is inferential clues. Please watch the following video, which will explain how you can incorporate inferential clues into your illustrations.
Illustrating a book takes time and patience, so don’t rush!
Weekly Keywords
Introduce the spelling word list and choose from this list of tasks that can be repeated and expanded upon if necessary.
Copy the words into a spelling list/Vocabulary book for later reference.
Put each of the new words into a sentence and underline the new vocabulary in red pencil.
Place the words in alphabetical order in a list.
Use a dictionary to define each of the words and place them into a vocabulary book.
Try to represent each of the words using a picture or a symbol and play the guessing game. (which image is matched to which word)
Write a paragraph containing all of the new vocabulary.
Make a vocabulary wall containing all of the new words.
Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for the words and create a synonym list.
These words will help you during this week’s lesson. You may already know some of these words however practice makes perfect!
First, read the words and then try to define them as simply as possible.
An example has been completed for you. You can write these into your books, and draw a picture to match or simply complete the task card.
Read and Discuss - ' Weekly Warm-Up Activity '
During this week’s comprehension activities it may be a good idea to include an explanation as to why penguins actually follow the process of collecting stones.
Students can be given a small research task to investigate if this is true and if so why it happens?
Students will soon realise that this phenomenon is actually a real process that Adele Penguins in Antarctica follow during the breeding and mating season,
Penguins find a stone and propose to their fellow mates by dropping it at their feet and helping them build a nest.
In your groups or in pairs, read the pages (26-29.) and discuss what is happening this week.
This week we want you to think about the answers to each of the questions but also consider how you came up with that particular answer.
Weekly Comprehension (Discussion)
This teaching activity involves students reading specific pages and then discussing questions that focus on inferring characters’ emotions and motivations, particularly through the lens of personification.
The questions encourage children to analyze visual clues within the images and apply their understanding of human reactions to similar situations. This method enhances critical thinking, empathy, and comprehension skills, as students use their past experiences and insights to delve deeper into the narrative and character dynamics, fostering a richer understanding of the text.
After reading pages 26-29, review the following questions and discuss the answers with your peers. The clues for these questions can be found in the images, but some require you to make inferences based on how you think humans would react in the same situation. This is called personification.
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Why were all the boys crowding around?
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Why was Sergio about to give up?
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How did the girl feel when all the boys showed her the stones?
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Why were there so many stones on the floor?
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Why did the girl stare at Sergio?
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How did the sky change when she walked over to Sergio? Why?
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How did the other boys feel?
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Why did the girl ignore all the shiny stones?
Drawing Activity - Creating Perspective
In this activity, children engage with the concept of perspective by examining an example image and then drawing features with attention to their distance from the viewer.
Through this, they learn to add depth and meaning to their stories, using spatial awareness to enrich narratives without words. By thoughtfully incorporating perspective, children convey emotions and details, enhancing the reader’s experience.
This exercise in visual storytelling deepens their understanding of both artistic technique and narrative complexity.
Today, we’re embarking on an artistic adventure! First, take a look at the picture I’ve created, noticing how objects appear larger when they’re closer and smaller when they’re further away.
Armed with your pencils and imagination, you’ll use my task card to draw a scene, deciding what’s near and what’s far.
Remember, make distant objects smaller and those closer to you larger. You might even choose to colour in your image at the end.
This activity is excellent practice before we begin illustrating our book in the next activity.
Read - Keeping Everything in the Safe Zone!
Once published, the children’s books may be purchased from the Upschool Library by individuals globally.
As these books will be printed, it’s essential to ensure that no text is lost during the trimming, printing, and binding process.
Please ensure that your students adhere to the guidelines about keeping their text within the SAFE ZONE around the page edge, where text placement is critical.
Additionally, please conduct a final check to confirm adherence to these guidelines before uploading the books to the library.
Now that you’ve begun illustrating your book, it’s crucial to ensure the text stays at least 2cm away from the edge of your page.
When books are printed, the edges are often trimmed, which could result in losing some of your story’s words.
To prevent this, please refer to the attached task card and follow the step-by-step guidelines to keep your text within the SAFE ZONE!
Watch - How to Illustrate the Internal Pages
Allow students to watch this 10-minute video to explain how they can utilise their front cover to help them illustrate the first page and beyond.
During this video, we will show children exactly how they can add shadow to their illustrations to create a deeper representation. We will also show children how to use perspective in the foreground and in the background to create a sense of depth within their images.
During this time, students will be required to spend a significant amount of time becoming familiar with the Canva system, Students will need to be encouraged to spend any extra spare time they may have in order to progress throughout the pages of their book.
Next week we will introduce how to incorporate new settings into your illustrations but this week is about becoming familiar and confident with the Canva system.
As you’re about to begin illustrating your book, it’s crucial to utilise all the tools that Canva offers to make the task as straightforward as possible.
Please watch the accompanying video where I delve into the exciting features Canva has, enabling you to create a book that rivals those in bookstores.
With our publication happening in just under four weeks, maximising every moment for illustration is essential. Consider illustrating during lunch, recess, or by accessing your Canva account at home in your free time.
You might even start an illustration club with friends or family during lunchtime or weekends to ensure your book is completed on time.
Best of luck!
Advertising Your Book - Designing a Poster
Encourage students to leverage their creativity and design skills by creating a promotional poster for their upcoming book launch. This task involves selecting compelling images and text from their book to craft a visually appealing poster.
Emphasise the importance of self-promotion and advertising techniques in spreading the word about their story. The final posters can be shared within the community and displayed prominently, demonstrating the power of effective communication in making a positive impact.
Now that you have a good understanding of what your book will look like and how the story will unfold, it’s time to start preparing your community for the grand launch of your story.
Take a look at the poster sample and use some of the images you have created, along with your front cover, and perhaps some of the words, to create a poster similar to this.
Once complete, the poster can be taken home and shared with your community. It may also be displayed around the school on notice boards or even featured in the school newsletter.
Remember, the more copies of your book you sell, the better the world becomes.
Good luck in getting the word out there for everyone to see.
Closing Video With Gavin
Illustrating your book can take a very long time and will need deep concentration. My advice this week is to spend as much time as possible getting your illustrations completed and start to think about what different aspects you are going to include on each and every page.
Remember not to overcrowd your pages with too much detail! Less is More!
Ongoing Follow-Up Activities
Weekly Comprehension
(Discussion)
Let’s start our journey into the world of picture books together. Each week we will be reading a few pages of this book, ‘Are These Your Glasses?’ to see how picture books are written and what we can learn from books like this.
Let’s Start by reading pages (2-5) together and then we will discuss what we have see inside the pages of this book.
After we explore pages 2 to 5, I have some questions for you to think about and answer:
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What material was used to build Sergio’s house?
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Can you tell me the color of Sergio’s trousers?
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Why do you think there was smoke coming out of the chimney?
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Was Sergio excited to see his father? How can you tell?
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Imagine being by yourself every lunchtime. How would that make you feel, and why?
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If you noticed someone else sitting alone, what would you do? Why is that your choice?
As we discuss these questions, we’re not just talking about the story. We’re also learning how to understand different kinds of comprehension questions and figuring out strategies to find the answers.
Extension Activity - Buddy Program Week 7
During this week’s buddy session, students will need to provide clear, step-by-step instructions on using Canva, demonstrating not only their comprehensive understanding of the system but also their ability to convey this knowledge to a younger student succinctly and clearly.
Additionally, the session will involve students showcasing their grasp of persuasive techniques and emotive language.
The aim of continuing such work is to enable students to impart this knowledge to younger peers, thereby promoting their work and discussing the reasons behind its completion. This week focuses on leadership and mentorship.
As the saying goes, “Teaching is the best way to master something.”
This week, in your buddy session, you will need to collaborate closely with your partner to ensure they gain a comprehensive understanding of the Canva system.
For younger children who might not yet feel confident or comfortable with Canva, you can also assist them in illustrating their book using traditional materials like pencil, paper, paint, or crayons.
The focus this week is on creativity and design. You’ll have the opportunity to guide your buddy through using Canva for their story illustrations, as well as creating a poster to celebrate and share the incredible work you’re both undertaking.
Keep up the fantastic work!
Extension Activity #2 - Planning a Book Launch
This book launch activity empowers students to engage with the community, showcasing their work while honing executive functioning skills such as planning, organizing, and executing an event.
By deciding on aspects like date, venue, and activities, students learn to manage tasks and time effectively. This project fosters community engagement by inviting local members to celebrate the students’ achievements, enhancing their sense of accomplishment and belonging.
Ask the children to work together to complete the checklist in preparation for their upcoming book launch. Their poster from last week will certainly come in handy!!
It’s an excellent opportunity for practical application of classroom learning in a real-world context.
As excitement builds around the book you’re creating, we’re thrilled alongside you. Now, you have the opportunity to share your story with others. You’re tasked with organizing a book launch at your school or within your community, inviting everyone to celebrate your work.
Key Aspects to Consider for Your Book Launch:
Date and Time: Select a suitable date and time that allows maximum attendance.
Venue: Decide whether the event will be held at your school or another community space.
Invitations: Design and distribute invitations to your classmates, teachers, family, and community members.
Presentation: Plan how you will present your book. Will you read excerpts, explain your inspiration, or discuss your writing process?
Decorations: Consider decorations that reflect the theme of your book or add a festive touch to the event.
Refreshments: Decide if you’ll offer snacks or drinks to your guests.
Activities: Think about including activities related to your book, such as themed games or a Q&A session.
Promotion: Determine how you will promote your book launch, perhaps through school announcements, posters, or social media.
It’s time to tell the world about your incredible work!
