Start the Story
4
Issue 1 , June 201 2
Each month, self-confessed comic-book
geek, Barry Hutchison, hand picks three
graphic novels he thinks will appeal to
primary aged pupils.
The Amazing Spider-Man:
Spider Island
OCCASIONALLY,
WHEN VISITING SCHOOLS TO RUN CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS , WE
GET ASKED TO SPEAK TO AGE GROUPS MUCH YOUNGER THAN THOSE OUR BOOKS ARE
AIMED AT. F OR AUTHORS USED TO TALKING TO UPPER PRIMARY STAGES , THERE ' S
LITTLE MORE TERRIFYING THAN A ROOM FULL OF EXCITED FIVE -YEAR-OLDS .
Thankfully, we have our "story treasure maps" to rely on. This technique can
teach even those youngest pupils the basics of story-telling in such a way they
don't even realise they're learning. Be warned, though - it can get a bit noisy...
What you will need:
Blackboard or whiteboard
Coloured chalks or pens
1.
Lessons Learned:
• Character creation
• Plot points
• Escalating drama
Draw a large X at the bottom right corner of
the board. Explain that this represents the end
of the story you are going to map out together.
Draw a flag at the top left corner to show where the story starts.
2.
Explain that every story needs a hero and invite pupils to suggest ideas.
Prompt if needed - will the character be male, female, human, animal, alien,
monster, robot, or something else entirely? Try to get 2 or 3 good suggestions
then let pupils vote on their favourite. Draw your character (a stick figure will
do) next to your starting flag.
3.
Decide what's at the end of the story. A place? A person? A music/sporting
event? Whatever it is, this is your character's goal and will drive the story.
4.
Draw a dotted line across to the top right corner showing the character
setting out towards his or her goal. We now need an obstacle of some kind in
the character's path. It could be a literal obstacle like a mountain or river, or it
could be a villain, or a problem that needs solved. Again, get a few
suggestions, then hold a vote and get drawing.
5.
How does the character overcome the obstacle? Discuss possibilities, then
vote and draw again. Repeat this obstacle/solution pattern 2-3 more times,
making each problem bigger than the one before and every solution different.
The final obstacle before reaching the X should be the biggest of all.
6.
Recite the finished story aloud. Have the pupils add sound effects or act
out the scenes. Encourage the children to give themselves a round of
applause for all their hard work.
Very young children may struggle when it comes to voting for their favourite
option. If this is the case, or if the story is veering wildly off track, the teacher
is free to choose from the children's suggested story ideas instead.
Dan Slott/Humberto Ramos
Publisher: Panini UK/Marvel
ISBN: 978-1 84653501 7
RRP: £1 6.99
Reading age: 9+
When everyone in New York starts to develop
the same powers as Spider-Man, poor Spidey
is forced to fight an entire city. Fast-paced and
fun, plenty of acrobatic battles and crammed
with more superheroes than you can shoot a
web at. With the new movie hitting cinemas in
July, this is a sure-fire hit.
Batman:
The Brave & The Bold
Matt Wayne/J. Torres
Publisher: Titan Books
ISBN: 978-1 848567207
RRP: £9.99
Reading age: 7+
Everyone loves Batman, but the Dark Knight's
adventures aren't always suitable for younger
readers. The "Brave & The Bold" series based
on the hit cartoon series of the same name is
the perfect solution. Action packed and with
laugh-out-loud moments, there's a surprising
amount of intelligence going on in every panel.
Baker Street Irregulars:
The Missing Detective
Tony Lee/Dan Boultwood
Publisher: Franklin Watts
ISBN: 978-1 4451 03426
RRP: £5.99
Reading age: 7+
Published by Franklin Watts, this is a book
designed to appeal to the reluctant reader.
Although it lacks the obvious hook of a superpowered hero, Tony Lee's story packs a lot
into its 46 pages, and the artwork by Dan
Boultwood is superbly atmospheric.
Got a favourite graphic novel or comic
book to tell me about? Drop me a line:
[email protected]