Circle Stories

Sometime throughout the year, I have my Child Development students write a children’s book that they must read to the class as part of my literacy and reading to children unit. In the past, I’ve used Storybird as my platform.  However, with this particular group of artistically talented students, I wanted to have them write and illustrate their own stories.  Not just any type of story, but a “circle story”! In addition, I wanted them to apply the characteristics of reading aloud as well as incorporate technology. Continue to read to find out how all of this was accomplished…

Set

  • Ask students if they know what a sequence story or circle story is.  If they aren’t sure…
  • Read a circle story to the class. I chose “If You Give a Pig a Pancake” by Laura Numeroff and ask again. I explain that it is a story that begins and ends in the same place.  However, there are a lot events that occur in between.
  • Create a mini-book out of legal size copy paper. Instructions found here.

Materials

  • A Circle Story Book (Example)
  • Legal Size Copy Paper
  • Markers and/or Colored Pencils
  • Laptop or iPad
  • Envelopes (optional)

Activities

  • Students choose a title to work with…I created a list of animal and food related titles for students to select from and they begin creating their circle story. There is also a template for them to follow if they need some help.
  • We go over the guide sheet for the project and I explain that in addition to them creating their circle story mini-book, they must also create a set of sequence cards, similar to these, to go with their story.
  • After the books are completed and we’ve gone over the do’s & don’ts of reading aloud (found here), students practice reading their books.
  • When they are ready, they record themselves reading their books and showing the pictures using iMovie, creating an iStory.
  • Students then create QR Codes linking their iStory and share them with me.  I print off the codes and place them throughout the room.
  • Students must scan the codes, listen to the story being read and evaluate their peers using the provided form.  They may also refer to their do’s & don’ts notes if needed.
  • I will say that even my less than super talented students enjoyed this assignment, even though they did grumble a bit at the idea of having to do their own illustrations!  Many students donated their stories to our local day care center and that’s where the sequence card activity came in.  The sequence cards were placed in an envelope and sent with the book for children to use and practice their sequencing skills. The sequence part of this assignment could be completely optional if you don’t plan on donating the books.

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