#4 Word and Thought 'Balloons'
Note- I originally did this activity to boost the use of powerful verbs.... started with a story, listed all the verbs that COULD be used... then created scenes.
Time: Up to 7 hours, spread out over as long as desired.... including afterschool, breaks, etc. Much work can certainly be homework, as long as the teams are well-organized.
#1 Picture this:
Time:1-2 periods of 40 minutes
Purpose: To 'cast the vision'= show what their finished products can be like, AND for the students to form working groups, brainstorm concepts, and get the ideas on paper.. both with words, and a few sketches.
#2 Storyboard 2:
Time: 1-2 periods of 40 minutes, with variability as different teams work through at different paces.
Purpose: To block out or 'cartoon' the scenes and progress of the short story they will be showing in photo comic form. Scratch paper is fine, but 11 X 17 with divisions makes it an official storyboard. This includes stick figure character staging, and first draft of the words that will tell the story.
#3 Lights, Camera, Action:
Time: Variable!
Purpose: This is the management part, where storyboards are approved, cameras sent out (or staging done in class). Break times, lunch, afterschool are best. Luckily, some students have digital cameras at home. They stage their (dramatic) photo scenes, and hoepfully capture enough good shots the first try.
#4 Word and Thought Balloons:
Time: Again, variable. Much depends on how rigorous their preparation was on storyboard, and availability of a computer. Also, this is the creative process, where much discussion goes back and forth.... team members, & teacher! Expect at least one hour per team..... even 3 hours for ambitious or challenging projects.
Purpose: To select and layout photos, add the language of words and 'thought balloons' that make comics fun..... so that ALL the language is useful to dynamically tell the story.
#5 Presentation and Publication:
Time: 1-2 hours ideally
Purpose: To let all students enjoy each other's work. Can be used also for critical analysis, as skill building in oral presentations (either team acts out the print as students read along, or via projection on the big screen instead) or even shared with families at after school events or as take home.
