PAPER LIGHTNING

Prewriting with PICK AND DRAW

In teacher professional development classes this summer, I demonstrated using Rich Davis' PICK AND DRAW card game as a prewriting activity. The game has sets of images to help kids draw faces: face shape, eyes, ears, hair, mouth. Here's an example of how I use it: Kids are divided into sections with about 1/5 of the kids in each section. This could be kids seated at one large table, one (or more rows), or other logical division. Each group is given one of the cards from a set to work with.

Using Pick and Draw to Create a Character

1. Face Shape. Give each section one of the face shape cards. They must draw the shape large enough to cover at least 1/2 of a page, preferably about 75% of the page. They'll need a second sheet of paper to write on. After drawing the face shape, ask students to give their character a name. It must be a specific name with a beginning, middle and last name.
   Optional: if you're doing fairy/folk tales, a character might be a fantasy character such as a giant, ogre, magical frog, princess, etc.
2. Eyes. Each group receives an eye shape to add to their drawings. Ask students to write 3 things about the character's family.
3. Nose. Each group receives a nose shape to add to their drawings. Ask students to write 3 things the character hates or fears.
4. Mouth. Each group receives a mouth shape to add to their drawings. Ask students to write 3 things the character loves.
   Optional: Oral Storytelling – Ask students to find a partner. Each student will have one minute to tell a story about their character. The story must include something about the character facing something s/he hates or fears. This will make sure the story has conflict.
5. Hair. Each group receives a hair shape to add to their drawings. Ask students to write 3 things about where the character lives.
   Optional: Oral Storytelling – Ask students to find a partner. Expand the time allowed to one and a half minutes to tell a story about their character. With the longer time, the story must add more details about the conflict. Try to include something about the setting and make sure the story has conflict.
6. Write. Tell students they've had a lot of fun drawing and talking. But now it's time for quiet and writing. Give them 20-30 minutes (depending on grade level) to write. Explain that during this time, they must move their pencils across the page, no stopping. There's always a few students who want to write a couple sentences, then fill up the rest of the page with a huge, "The End." This is not allowed! They must write for the full time span.

CONGRATULATIONS! You have quickly and easily created a character, a setting and a story! Find more information on Pick and Draw card pack here.

Keys to making this work:

1. Specifics. Students must make a commitment to something specific at every point. No blanks. When they make these small commitments at each stage, they become interested and invested in the character they are creating. Push students to be as specific as possible at every point of the creation.
   • For example, push them to be specific about a character's fears.
     • Not: scared of dogs.
     • Instead: scared of German Shepherds.
   • Or about what a character loves.
     • Not: loves to eat.
     • Instead: Loves chili dogs with everything.
2. Speed. The whole activity should take about 20-30 minutes for the drawing and character creation and 20-30 minutes for writing.

Order the Pick and Draw card pack here.