You will be working on your proposals for your children's books.
When your proposals are complete, its time to start thinking about your “pitch”.
You will now begin to outline the most basic elements of the book you intend to pitch. However, you can take this a step further.
We are going to focus on developing the characteristics of effective plots, characterization, and illustrations (as appropriate).
During today’s class, I would encourage you to collaborate and share your ideas as you develop them. During this time, I will be circulating to answer any questions you might have. I will also be available to provide feedback if you have anything you want me to read.
Remember – the basic plot of a children’s book is no different than any other work of fiction. The only difference is the audience and their reading level. You still have to have the basic elements of an effective plot.
Those elements are:
Exposition (beginning) – Rising Action – Climax (middle) – Falling Action – Resolution (end)
Without these elements, your plot will not really help a child improve their reading comprehension skills.
If you would like, you can use the following online tutorial. It basically offers a visual for your plot diagram. It also offers tips to developing that plot if you find yourself struggling to find that elusive passage that will bring your story to a successful resolution.
http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/plot-diagram/
In the days ahead, you will be storyboarding your ideas.
Then, its time to get down to the business of writing your stories.
