Author Activities on the Computer: Grades 1-3

Here is a wonderful way to integrate the work of some top writers and illustrators of children's books with your computer learning curriculum. The eight featured authors (Eric Carle, Lois Ehlert, Leo Lionni, Denise Fleming, Brian Pinkney, Ruth Heller, Donald Crews, and Allen Say) represent diversity in children's literature in terms of illustration style and fiction/nonfiction subject matters. Their work is sure to inspire students to examine and emulate the authors, as well as create their own stories and illustrations using the computer as their pen, palatte and brush. After reading a book by a particular author/illustrator, students use computer drawing and keyboarding tools to create a project reminiscent of that person's illustration style.
Additional resources include a biography of each author/illustrator intended for teacher background as well as a story-poster for students that can be posted by the computer or sent home with the completed computer projects for that author. The 15-page user manual covers such topics as computer etiquette, screen snapshots, creating templates, printing, saving student work, getting students started on the computer, and not letting the computer intimidate you or your students. You also get reproducible cards of practice terms and icons. Illustrated with simple, light-hearted line art, this 80-page resource is as friendly as it is effective.