Picturing Writing Research-Based Animal Trifold Workshop

Learn how to expand the ways students read and write informational text through this condensed, skills-packed Picturing Writing Research-Based Animal Trifold Unit. During this hands-on virtual after-school workshop, teachers will conduct visual as well as text-based research on an animal of their choice. They will learn how to embed facts into their crayon resist paintings as well as their written text. They will also be introduced to compelling, more engaging ways to write informational text beyond traditional straight expository writing. As teachers craft their own “Who Am I?” guessing trifolds, they consider their audience, saving their “give-away clue” to the end.

No previous art experience necessary!

Picturing Writing is an innovative, evidence-based approach to teaching writing that has been proven effective for a wide range of learners. Through the use of simple crayon resist art techniques, the study of quality picture books, and an on-going Artist/Writers Workshop, this multimodal approach to literacy learning gives students access to the dual languages of pictures and words to develop and record their ideas. It allows students to enter the reading/writing process from a position of personal strength and enthusiasm. Because pictures serve as a universal language, Picturing Writing provides an enticing alternative pathway into reading and writing for English Learners and other students who struggle with the written word.

Supported by best practices and three decades of independent research, this highly scaffolded, creative approach can be used to address your English Language Arts Standards in Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, and Language as well as your Science Standards. This unit will make a great spring project or will enrich your summer school program. It can be easily adapted kindergarten – 5th grade.

Research-based animal trifolds

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