My goal for this project was to allow my students to reconnect with some of the favourite childhood picture books that had an impact on them, as well as foster a love of the many sophisticated picture books that are available now. I wanted them to rediscover the genre of the illustrated picture book ’reading with new eyes’ so that they could produce their own illustrated picture books. Suzy Brisson
Susan Brisson developed this inquiry project for her Cycle 3 students around the question, "What makes a great illustrated picture book?" Over the course of approximately six weeks students weree immersed in picture books as they worked together to establis criteria and produce their own books for students in K and Cycle 1. Having a real audience for their books was a powerful motivator and helped the students craft their own writing and illustrations.
During this stage of the project, the students develop an understanding about the author’s /illustrator’s craft by reading and discussing a variety of picture books. This is essential knowledge for creating their own books. By studying the role of illustrations students learn about visual language, narrative structures and features, and picture book design.
It is important to give students the time to play with colour, page layout and drawing in order for them to make the connections between the visual information they are producing and the meaning they are hoping to convey.
As the students developed their visual literacy, they began to understand that every choice the illustrator makes, every detail regarding subject and color and composition, conveys information that informs the reader. Suzy Brisson
Listen to the students discuss some of the decisions they made with colour, page layout, composition and and continuity. They definitely see themselves as authors.
Students chose a close-up to emphasize the interruption of being called to the office. | Students made use of many visual details to capture the dynamics of the classroom. | Students chose to use a two-page spread to convey the mood of the moment. |
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