This week, we examined short stories in a variety of different formats. On Monday and Tuesday, we focused on the traditional, text-only style of short story from a wide range of cultural perspectives. We read short stories by Neil Gaiman, Sandra Cisneros, Joseoph Marshall, Cynthia Rylant, and Gary Soto.
We followed up with a day spent examining picture books. We noticed that picture books aren't just for little kids; the quality of writing is often excellent, and the use of images only enhances the understanding of the text. Jane Yolen's Encounter, S.D. Nelson's Gift Horse, and Eve Bunting's Going Home were among the selections for Wednesday's exploration.
Thursday was spent reading graphic novels (more commonly referred to as comics). Our selections were pulled from Trickster, a collection of Native American trickster tales from a wide range of tribes throughout North America told in graphic form.
Finally, Friday was spent creating a work plan for the upcoming short story project. Students will have the option of creating a text-only short story, or expanding an idea into a picture book or graphic story. We had a short demonstration on how to use the iPads to create images. It should be a fun project that showcases what students at TCMS can do.
We followed up with a day spent examining picture books. We noticed that picture books aren't just for little kids; the quality of writing is often excellent, and the use of images only enhances the understanding of the text. Jane Yolen's Encounter, S.D. Nelson's Gift Horse, and Eve Bunting's Going Home were among the selections for Wednesday's exploration.
Thursday was spent reading graphic novels (more commonly referred to as comics). Our selections were pulled from Trickster, a collection of Native American trickster tales from a wide range of tribes throughout North America told in graphic form.
Finally, Friday was spent creating a work plan for the upcoming short story project. Students will have the option of creating a text-only short story, or expanding an idea into a picture book or graphic story. We had a short demonstration on how to use the iPads to create images. It should be a fun project that showcases what students at TCMS can do.