The Story and The Child

THE CREATURES By: Caleb

STORYBIRD

Great tool for Vocab List

Think About It: "In just a moment I will tell you a story that may change your life forever..." These timeless words are magical to every age. They represent a creative effort to educate, illustrate for effect, entertain, pass on knowledge, or to get out of an 
uncomfortable situation. Effective story telling is a skill learned best in the elementary years when imagination is a safe place to explore all things possible. Creative writing, whimsical poems, and play writing, allow students to share all the colors of their thoughts.

In The Classroom:  When we grow up, we begin to believe that we 'know' a lot and hence have a good idea of what is possible and what is not. This kind of a mindset makes us 'presumptive' rather than 'imaginative'. Imagination takes a back seat to reality. We begin to create stories that support good grades. Creating a good story becomes a tedious lesson of grammar, fluency, word count and keen awareness of the value of authoritarian writing over a voice that speaks outside the box. Story Bird is a great tool to bridge the distance presumptive and imaginative .  I can't help but think about the Rorschach ink blob when I look at the artwork.

To My Surprise: My student's loved the humor in the story The Creatures written by Caleb (Grade 3). I shared Caleb's work with most of the K-8 classes I taught during the week. In each class   students applauded the way his final frame was written. This interactive activity was a great launching point for a more detailed story line. The artwork found on Story Bird proves that a good  picture is worth a thousand words. Brainstorming and inspiration was a snap while using this interactive writing tool. I highly recommend Story Bird for grades K-12                               
   Rating:     5/5