Page 2 - Spotlight Issue 35

Kang Chiao Picture Book Award
2 Kang Chiao Picture Book Award 2021 Winner Kang Chiao Spotlight Qingshan Campus‧Issue 35 / September 2021 2021 Winner
Kang Chiao Picture Book Award
2021 Winner

From Passive to Active Readers;
From Passive to Active Readers;
From Passive to Active Readers;
From Passive to Active Readers;
eyond
from Readers to Authors
from Readers to Authors
the Book from Readers to Authorsfrom Readers to Authors

~ Zachary Warmke Kang Chiao Picture Book Award 2021 Winner
Curriculum Coordinator, International Department
By the time Kang Chiao students reach fifth grade, they will have read dozens, and possibly
hundreds of English books. Whether it’s for class work, Hooked on Books, or just for fun, our students
love to read. In our recent fifth grade project, we guided our fifth graders to turn their love of reading
into creative energy. They designed, wrote, and illustrated picture books for the school library!

Motivated Authors
The project began with a simple request from the library. They asked our students to make
books that would be perfect for young readers, such as second graders. The students got to work by
examining the picture books that are already in the library to get some ideas. They learned that such
books are written in basic English, contain beautiful artwork, and generally teach a theme or moral.

The fifth graders worked in groups to develop characters and plots for their books.
They collaborated in writers’ workshops, where they shared ideas and gave advice about
Kang Chiao Picture Book Award
2021 Winner suiting their writing to their audience or designing better art. After many rounds of revising
and collaborating, each group had a good story theme to teach their young readers.
With the plots and themes decided, the groups began designing their characters and
backgrounds. Once again, they researched popular children’s picture books for inspiration.
They also learned aspects of designing characters to appeal to younger readers, such
as using simple shapes and bright colors. The students made their artwork on paper first,
then scanned it and cleaned it up digitally.

Finally, the students composed their picture books using their Chromebooks.
The results were interactive digital picture books that could be accessed online.
They even added narrations and sound effects! They weren’t done yet, though.
Each author group shared their picture book with a test audience of second
graders through online video chat. They gauged the second graders’ reactions 2021 Winner
Kang Chiao Picture Book Award
to their books and then asked for specific opinions about the art and plot.
They once again revised their books based on that feedback. In summary, this
project was no simple task. It was a long and detailed process that required
dedication and teamwork.

Real Outcomes
This process taught our fifth graders the
importance of thorough planning and editing.
They learned how complex the writing
process really is through their experience.
Creating these picture books provided the
authentic experience of being a children’s
picture book author.

Perhaps the most exciting part of this project came at the very end. A committee from the school’s
administration evaluated all of the picture books our students made. From this wide selection, the committee
chose ten to be professionally published as hardcovers. These will enter our library’s selection as part of a
special section for student authors. Future generations of students will enjoy these books for years to come.
The fifth graders may even use them as part of their research during their own picture book project next year.
Please take a look at some of the selected work displayed here. Our young authors worked hard on these
charming, thoughtful books. They hope you enjoy reading them as much as they enjoyed making them.

Quiz Contest
win From our “Quick Picks” on Page 4, why must the young fish, What’s New?
What’s New?
What’s New?
What’s New?
prizes
Finny, learn how to swim?
Kang Chiao Picture Book Award
(A) Finny must learn how to swim, so that he can take part in a Every month, your CETs will
2021 Winner
swimming competition. recommend books for you to read.
(B) Finny must learn how to swim, so that he can swim to the They will be in the projects folder of
other side of the ocean. the myON library. Read them to get
(C) Finny must learn to swim so that he can play tag with his ideas for your own writing and earn
friends. AR points at the same time.
Use the QR Code to submit your answer before 10/06 (Wed.)