In Pictures and in Words: Chapter 8 asks us to think about the precision and details we use in our writing and illustrations.
Katie talks about the Bob Graham book, Let’s Get a Pup! Said Kate.
Here is a good look at that tattoo and nose ring!
Techniques 14: Character details
Techniques 15: Revealing character with background details
Katie quotes Lee Gutkind and says, ” To make scenes seem authentic.. writers attempt to include memorable small or unusual details that readers would not necessarily know or even imagine.” p 132
Katie goes on to say, “Studying decisions about detail will help children compose far more meaningful illustrations, and at the same time help them develop very important understands that will serve them well as writers long into the future.” p 136
So to talk about detail, I wanted to share some more illustrations from
My class would literally spend hours look at the illustrations in this book.
Technique #22 Using Details as an element of surprise.
In this book the dad was … well… depressed. So he went to the park with his daughter, Smudge. You can see how the walk to the park looked very different than his walk home.
The entrance to the park looked very different to the mom than it did to Smudge.
Forest Bright, Forest Night is another book that my class BEGGED me to read to them over and over.
The structure of this book is different… the first half shows the forest in the daytime, then you flip the book over to see the same scenes in the nighttime. Additionally, this is a counting book. My students loved looking for the sleeping animals and the matching hidden numbers. This is also a great book when you are studying nocturnal animals.
These pages show quite a few things!
Technique 19: Object specific details
Technique 16: Details from the World of Nature
Technique 22: The element of surprise!
Thank you Kathleen for hosting this chapter.
If you are needing print and teach lessons for writers workshop, we have you covered. Just click on the image below.
15 Responses
I loved this chapter! I can't wait to get Forest Night Forest Bright! The pileated woodpecker on the cover sold me! I'm going to be so broke after this study!!
Jenny
Owl Things First
I know the feeling! I have always loved books, now I have a little obsession going on!
I second that! I loved this chapter and I want to buy every book that's been mentioned. I can't wait to go through my classroom books with new "eyes".
I've given you an award! Come by my blog to get it! 🙂
Lindsey
Lovin’ Kindergarten
I love the details in the book Forest Bright Forest Night. Thank you for sharing the books. I love sharing online.
Sue
The Very Busy Kindergarten
I have given you an award! Please go to my blog & read the post "My First Blog Award" to see how to claim it. Excellent blog! http://kindergartenfunn.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-first-blog-award.html
This is a copy and paste from my reply to Growing Kinders, but just wanted to include one more thing here: I LOVE YOUR BOOK CHOICES and can't wait to pick up copies of my own!!
I LOVED this chapter! Maybe because I feel like details is my specialty when helping my students make illustration decisions! So many of Katie's techniques I already do, but now I can make them more deliberate. I think the deliberateness will help the students! I also LOVED everyone's (other blogs) ideas for book choices.
I love using Piggie and Gerald (Mo Willems) books for techniques 13 (detail of expression), 14 (physical detail of characters), and 20 (illusion of motion). We also love to look for pigeon on the inside back cover of these books (he is always hiding somewhere on the inside back cover) which is a prime example of technique 22 (element of surprise)!
We also love the Pete the Cat which I think is great for many techniques but really stands out as an example of technique 21 (illusion of sound)!
I use another book during my spider unit called Aaaaaggghhhhh Spider! We love this book. Its at school, but I'm sure uses many of Katie's techniques and I just had to include it! 🙂
This book study is great and I thank Mrs. Wills and all the participating hostesses 🙂 Thank you!
Thank you Sara! I am glad you are enjoying it. It is liberating to know there is value in teaching writing at this level… how fun!!!!
Man… I will have to add your spider book to my list… Love it!
Congrats Deedee! The Goonie Gals have nominated your blog for the Versatile Blogger award.
Stop by, read our post and grab the award!!!
Holy Guacamole-your centers that you share are out of this world!
There is no doubt about it; you deserve this award! We are just speechless in the amount of thought, planning and sharing you do!!!
LOL
The Kindergarten Goonies XOXO
http://www.kindergartengoonies.blogspot.com
love your book choices =) im your newest follower..drop by =)
Just Wild About Teaching
I stumbled upon your blog via the 3AM Teacher and I am in awe. There is so much to discover here! A lot of this can be adopted in my classroom and I teach grade 3. Trying to keep kids interested in books with all the technology that is out there can be a daunting task but your blog has renewed my faith. I have downloaded your book recommendation list and can't wait to read through your blog and see how I can adapt it to my class. Thank you so much for sharing!
Michelle
Goodness Michelle, I just saw your comment! How kind you are! I am updating to book list today and should have more books for you to browse soon!
Thank you!
I just awarded you a new award…Please come check it out!
Jenny
Owl Things First
I have been a stalker,now I am an official follower. Excited about all your great ideas. Thanks for sharing.