May+5-6

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Bellwork:

 * What was your favorite children's book growing up? Why was it your favorite? Discuss differences and similarities within the books.
 * Divide into groups 3 groups. As a group, look through the Dr. Seuss children's books. Take turns reading 1 page from each book aloud to your group. **NOTE:** Pay attention to rhyme, alliteration, and stanzas.

Read Aloud:

 * Read the Dr. Seuss book, "Horton Hatches an Egg" to the class. As a class, review poetry elements, sound devices, and rhyme and rhythm of the books with the class.

Discuss:

 * Discuss common themes in children's stories. Example:
 * Acceptance of others
 * Concern of family dynamics
 * Physical growth (especially size)
 * Fear of the unknown
 * How might these themes might resonate with young children?

Explain the Project:

 * You all will be working in groups to create a children's storybook. Check out the tips for writing a storybook. Also, review the rubric to see how you will be graded.
 * Overview the steps that students will follow: gathering details about their stories, developing plots, storyboarding, writing and illustrating, and then publishing the book.

Brainstorming:
> Complete the setting handout. When and where do you want your story to take place. >
 * Your book will need to have a developed characters. Complete the handout and discuss characters with your group. Decide on a main character and secondary characters. Maybe you like one group member's character the best? Maybe you want to combine your ideas?
 * Now lets think about theme. What do you want for children to learn from your story? Do you want to teach them something (nutrition, ABCs, numbers, etc.), or do you want to have a moral (don't judge people on appearance, stand up to your fears, etc)?
 * Now your story needs to have a conflict. Discuss with you group whether you want the conflict to be internal, external, or both. Complete the handout. You should have at least 3 actions and 3 complications.
 * Now start on the plot. What events are going to happen in your story? Look at the plot pitch template.

Homework:
Before next class, have your main characters, conflicts, setting, theme, and plot. Be ready to start writing!!