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| The Boy Who Met Aliens by Sabrina, Caitlyn and Michael |
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| Planet Wheeee by Paige, Rachel, Jordyn, and Elisalyn |
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| Ultimate Cheer by Chloe, Kacie and Taylee |
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| The Butler Gets Fired |
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| Party at Pig's House by Alyssa, Kassidy and Tatumn |
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| Planet Wheeee |
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| Jenny's Flute Lesson by Julia, Kileigh and Tori |
All of my fifth grade students worked to create an illustrated children's book this past school year. Out of the approximately 25 books being written, only about four were successfully completed. I had taken a course on writing children's books last summer and thought it would be a wonderful project idea for my oldest students when school began last fall. In many ways, it was a wonderful project idea. Students studied the work of published authors and illustrators, learned about writing manuscripts and how to create a storyboard. They worked in collaborative groups of their own choosing to write the manuscripts and to create the illustrations. The downfall, it took all but about eight weeks of the school year and as I previously mentioned, only a small percentage of the books were completed. If I were forced to measure growth for this project; I would have several measurements to qualify the learning that was taking place. I was most impressed by the engagement in the project. The last month had many groups "checking out" their work so they could add illustrations at home and during rainy recess times. I think this was a success and good project but I am disappointed that I wasn't able to cover some of the other projects that I normally complete with 5th graders. So, my take away, I will do this project in a much more concise way next fall. I'm thinking I will make the books smaller, they had concentrated on a standard 32 page book. I'm also thinking books will be an individual project instead of collaborative group work. I loved the enthusiasm my students showed for this project so I am sharing some of the successful illustration with you here.
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| The Butler Gets Fired by Jeremy, Jacob and Jeffry |
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| Niecko by Amira |
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| The Butler Gets Fired |
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| The Butler Gets Fired |
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| The Butler Gets Fired |
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| Rex and the Rainbow Mountain by Oliva, Sadie & Jenna |
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| Rex and the Rainbow Mountain |
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| Rex and the Rainbow Mountain |
Jen Arnayi was the perfect choice for a one day project the week before holiday break. Her illustrative style offered simplicity and yet a very colorful mini painting. Fourth grade students painted on a round format using 4 x 4 scraps of watercolor paper that were left over from a previous project making this a win-win. I saved some small pieces of paper avoiding waste. The lesson began as a directed draw with instruction to draw a line of pointed mountains across the center area of the circle. A horizon line was drawn under the mountains curving downward to the bottom area of the circle. Based on personal interpretations, all of the projects began to develop their own style at this point. Later discussions included adding a 3D dimension and texture to the mountains. Students then shared previous knowledge as to what the cool colors are as they began to paint the area above the mountains. Everyone was excited to tape a mat on these and take them home to share with family for the holidays. 
