I write a lot of class books with my children in addition to the ones that they write alone during Writing Workshop. Some books are modeled after authors. (eg. Jerry Pallotta's ABC Books) Others are book adaptations or written about various topics.

Materials:

Macintosh Computer, scanner, ClarisWorks/AppleWorks,VCR

Procedures:

Each student creates a page to be part of the class book. Often pictures are drawn on the final printed page or we scan in their original drawings. Scanning does take time. I have often found it easier to have them draw on the original page for the class book. The final product is sent to our copy center so each child has a copy. They are sent home for the children to read and share with their families.

When using the ClarisWorks/AppleWorks word processing program you are able to use the Slide Show option. With this, you can set each page to turn automatically on the screen. You are able to simultaneously copy this onto a blank VCR tape. It is just another way to present the information that the children created.