Young Authors and Illustrators

This project is the culmination of a weeks-long study of animals using non-fiction texts and internet resources. It was originally designed for a study of whales by a second grade class, but could be adapted to any non-fiction topic. The project incorporates skills from reading, writing, and art.
1. Students generate a list of facts about the topic, taken from their reading.
2. Each student chooses one fact to further research (for example, "The blue whale is the largest whale.")
3. The students gather more information about their chosen facts, then write a brief (3 to 5 sentence) paragraph.
4. Paragraphs are edited and revised, using peer and teacher assistance.
4. Students practice drawing various types of whales, following guided instruction from the teacher.
5. Each student draws a whale on 12X18 art paper, adding details such as seaweed and rocks. These are colored using oil pastels.
6. The students then cover their drawing with a watercolor wash of blue and green.
7. The teacher photographs each painting. Using the online publishing site, the teacher creates the book with student text and illustrations. Author/illustrator information is added.
8. The published book is celebrated and becomes a part of the school library.