In this book, Mira Campbell brings you project ideas, resources and lesson tips to make your Library Learning Commons the place where students want to be!

Book Creator for Teacher Librarians

Check out this series of Book Creator ebooks. These experienced educators share their tips, ideas and resources to help you supercharge your lessons!

Using Book Creator in the classroom

Kindergarten student is acting on the green screen 

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There are many ways to print your final books! Here are some suggestions, from the more commercial route to doing it yourself!

As we’re based in Toronto, we used a local printing company called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pikto.com/">Pikto</a>. They did an excellent job and were reasonably priced. Our average cost per book was $18.00 CAD, (including tax and shipping). On average, our books had 21 pages so your cost would differ depending on how long the books were. In the US you might try&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shutterfly.com/">shutterfly.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lulu.com/">lulu.com</a>&nbsp;for online printing.

It is not always possible to get it professionally printed and bound. Here is an alternative inexpensive idea from Jen Ceisel, an Illinois Educator (see video, left). Your school board might also have it's own print shop or you could also consider making a class book and print a single copy. Read how to <a href="https://intercom.help/bookcreator/en/articles/2398647-export-your-book-as-a-pdf-file">export your book as a PDF file</a> for printing View the<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eKY3WSJ7elWhWlQU4YNB2y9dZ1z5zeJp/view?usp=sharing"> Video Tutorial</a> or read the steps for printing in this<a href="https://bookcreator.com/2021/04/is-this-the-perfect-book-creator-project/"> blog post</a>.

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Quote from Rushton Hurley Regarding Authentic Audience

This quote from educator Rushton Hurley speaks to the motivation students have when they know there is an authentic audience. In many of our projects, students knew we would be sharing their work directly with an author through Twitter and also be <a href="https://intercom.help/bookcreator/en/articles/2398637-publishing-your-book-online-with-book-creator">publishing their books with Book Creator</a>.&nbsp;

Through this process students learn about the importance of editing and polishing their work. It requires time and perseverance, but the end result is a sense of accomplish- ment and pride in their work.&nbsp;Furthermore, by publishing online, class books are readily accessible and available to read online anytime. It doesn’t just go inside their desks collecting dust. Book Creator makes it easy to share.

You will get a link to a read-only version of the book. We love how the pages turn and you can play the audio, video and all the embedded content. If you update the book, changes are immediately reflected in the online version.&nbsp;With the latest update, you can now get <a href="https://intercom.help/bookcreator/en/articles/4165497-analytics-in-book-creator">analytics</a> on your published books! This is a game changer! It’s really incredible how students can now see how often and where in the world your books are being read!

Authentic Global Audience

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NEW - Voice search for images, maps and icons in Book Creator

If you don't find the image you need in Book Creator, you can also try websites such as unsplash, pexels When creating a book, the last thing you want is to have a white box around the image or drawing. An easy way to remove the background from images and drawings is the website <a href="https://www.remove.bg/">removebg</a> or the <a href="http://www.superimposeapp.com/">Superimpose app</a>.

Younger students can use <a href="https://intercom.help/bookcreator/en/articles/2398641-add-a-photo-from-the-image-search">voice search</a>. You can also <a href="https://intercom.help/bookcreator/en/articles/5259136-block-images-from-the-image-search">instantly block</a> an image from appearing in any of your libraries ( and for students working in them)

You can safely search for images directly in Book Creator. <a href="http://www.pixabay.com/">Pixabay</a> is the main search engine used. Another advantage is that you can source those images easily. Click on the Inspector and then click the Add attribution to page link and it will add the relevant credit below your image.&nbsp;

The<a href="https://llsop.canadianschoollibraries.ca/library-learning-commons/"> Library Learning Commons (LLC)</a> is an exciting place to be and often called “The Heart of the School.” As educators, we need to deliver a variety of content to groups of learners with different needs and learning styles, while also engaging and motivating them to achieve their best. The goal is to make the LLC a place students want to be! Teacher-Librarians (TL’s) are instructional leaders whose role encompasses much more than signing out books. We support the school and the community in a variety of ways including co-teaching, arranging author visits, resource selection, technology integration, professional development, school-wide initiatives, hosting parent nights and more! Library Partnership time is when a Teacher-Librarian and Classroom Teacher collaborate and co-teach. It is an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience for both the students and the teachers. Through this we have done many multidisciplinary library projects over the years that include drama, art, creative writing, media literacy, math, science, coding and even an escape challenge! We have transformed the library into a Book Café and hosted many book fairs! By doing so, we maximize the short period of time we have with students in the LLC. TL’s are always looking for tools that are versatile, can be used for any subject or grade and can support a diverse range of learners. My go-to tool is Book Creator. From the first time I used it, I instantly loved it! Over the years all of our best projects have incorporated Book Creator. It’s extraordinary to watch how students begin with a blank page and very quickly you see their personality, imagination and creativity emerge. Book Creator has evolved over the years to meet the needs of schools. Input from teachers and students always drives these changes.&nbsp;Throughout this book you will see all the creative ways our students have used Book Creator and really pushed the limits of what it can do! I hope it inspires you and gives you new ideas to try with your students!

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Feedback should happen throughout the project. It should be specific, timely and provide students with an opportunity to revise.&nbsp;Reflecting on their learning is an important skill that our students need to learn. We often scaffold the process with prompts.

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Kindergarten student Nicolas using acrylic paint to recreate artwork from The Very Hungry Caterpillar book

Extend the partnership into the classroom

It’s not always possible to complete a project in the Library alone. This is an opportunity to connect the learning back to the classroom which helps students view it as a continuous learning experience.

For example, prior to the start of our Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) project in the library, students learned about the characteristics of adventure stories and used a graphic organizer to capture their thinking.&nbsp; Following the first day of that project in the Library, students continued the work back in their classroom creating a new anchor chart specifically about the characteristics of a CYOA story. On another occasion, Kindergarten teacher, Elizabeth Coelho, devised a spontaneous art activity for her students on a snowy day. She shared their artwork with me and a library green screen project was born! Students completed all the artwork in the classroom ahead of time.&nbsp; When the kindergarten students came to the library, we used the green screen and they acted out scenes from the book. We documented the entire project in Book Creator. Read about it <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/loqSCTB6FecMKzPLrJ5i29el8E53/WGbTMRddQgWghgJytZJ7uA">here</a>.

Final page from the class retell after we combined the green screen photo with Nicolas' artwork.

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Kindergarten student using acrylic paint to create artwork of The Very Hungry Caterpillar

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Recently, for some of these bigger projects, we have started printing a class set of the students’ books and surprising them! There have been some memorable moments and we try to capture it all on a video to share with the families.

It is not always possible to get your books professionally printed and bound. Here is an alternative inexpensive idea from Jen Ceisel, an Illinois Educator. Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/jenloves2learn/status/1425083708244123654?s=21">Jen’s teacher hack here</a>!

"When our books were published and printed, It was like a dream!"

Book reveal from the inclusive Grade 4/5/6 classroom of Chris Nock (teacher) &amp; Mira Campbell (Special Education Teacher)

&nbsp;– &nbsp;Tiago, Grade 4

What is this? My book! Oh my! It's really cool!

I want everyone to say about how they are

feeling about their books, just one word to describe your feeling

surprising, happy, surprised, speechless speechless. Ah that's a good one!

They're just such an amazing nice thing you did for us!

Students are able to app smash with Book Creator! My favourite combination is using Do Ink’s Green Screen &amp; Animation apps.&nbsp; It gives students unlimited options to bring their imagination to life!&nbsp;

With the freedom to choose, you are also giving students the opportunity to select the digital tools according to their purpose. We want our students to be able to communicate effectively in virtual environments with a range of digital tools (see <a href="https://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards-for-students">ISTE Student Standards</a> and <a href="https://sites.google.com/tdsb.on.ca/globalcompetencies/global-competencies/quick-guide-checklist?authuser=0">TDSB Communication Global Competencies</a>). Watch <a href="https://youtu.be/g0allLh1-UM">Book Creator’s Video on App Smashing</a> by Dr. Monica Burns.

Video of Green Screen and Animation Scene From <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LTvfdeq_hgYPLcaEn_4/book/rybi-hviTEusxqULcsgm7Q">The Competition</a>

make Amber sing horrible now rise my blue bottle.

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Another great source of inspiration comes from amazing educators on Twitter (a great place to build your Professional Learning Network).

I remember seeing a post about a Book Tasting by Madeline Schnurr (@maddieschnurr), a Librarian from Dallas. I searched the hashtag #booktasting and saw many variations. I shared the idea with my colleague, Shelly Narayan and we were immediately excited about the concept and decided to try it during Library Partnership.

Tweet by @Lisa Rosenfeld about Book Café

Tweet by @Madeline Schnurr about Book Café

Tweet by @TriciaFuglestad about Book Café

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Video demonstration of hyperlinks in <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LTvfdeq_hgYPLcaEn_4/book/nDE4GrI_T7uw90ub35QfYA">CYOA</a> story

A great way to add an interactive component to student stories is by <a href="https://intercom.help/bookcreator/en/articles/3508474-how-to-add-hyperlinks">hyperlinking</a>. You can hyperlink to an external web page address or to pages within Book Creator. We have used this feature for a 'Choose Your Own Adventure' story, and for other interactive content like a table of contents.

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Grade 5 student reading a classmate’s story 

Overview of Pages of Class Book Inspired By The Incredible Freedom Machines

One of my favourite ways to use the collaborative feature is to create a class book that documents a project.

In this project, junior teacher Chris Nock and I were inspired by the book, <a href="https://classroomessentials.scholastic.ca/en/the-incredible-freedom-machines-/3352739-cec-ca.html">The Incredible Freedom Machines</a>, written by Kirli Saunders and illustrated by Matt Ottley. We discussed the themes of the book and wondered what our own freedom machines would allow us to experience? We included evidence from the learning process (e.g., initial sketches, watercolour paint lessons &amp; final artwork with descriptions).

I like how you can see other people’s books and learn from other people’s books

The final class book was printed for our Library and the digital book became a treasured keepsake of the project that students can access any time or place. Read the Class Book <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LTvi19Mq-wdw1I-oYeH/book/e6tw9F2MS0ST7beBs-0SSw">here</a>. We also created an art installation in the Lunchroom with their original framed artwork (see video above).

All of our projects are done during Library Partnership time or by partnering with a Classroom Teacher, but where do the project ideas come from?

Author Debbie Ridpath Ohi came to visit&nbsp;the FH Miller Library in 2017. We have continued to collaborate with Debbie over the years and she has always been generous with her time and a source of inspiration for our students.&nbsp; As a result, when we were looking for a way to support and engage students in our Creative Writing unit, we chose this drawing prompt by Debbie from The Creativity Project to spark ideas. Drawing prompts are a great way to scaffold writing and provide a starting point rather than staring at a blank page.

Author Debbie Ridpath Ohi visits the FH Miller Library

Click to read Debbie's blog post

Blog Post by Debbie Ridpath Ohi about the FH Miller Book Café

Author Photo: Annie Truvvert; Main photo: Jeff Walker

I like to include a mentor text in all of our library projects. Picture books are a great way to introduce a topic and/or spark ideas, leading to rich discussion. You could explore concepts such as retelling fairy tales, "Choose Your Own Adventure" stories, using rhyming in prose, story starters and drawing prompts. We have used all of these ideas in our projects, using the books displayed opposite.

&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;

The Incredible Freedom Machines, by Kirli Saunders &amp; illustrated by Matt Ottley It's Not about the Apple! by Veronika Martenova Charles &amp; illustrated by David Parkins Your Very Own Robot by R.A. Montgomery &amp; illustrated by Keith Newton Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Schwartz &amp; illustrated by Dan Santat The Color Monster written and illustrated by Anna Llenas

Working together to identify and find examples of characteristics of an Adventure Story, Stick & Stone by Beth Ferry

Above: Mayor &amp; Mason working together to identify characteristics of an Adventure Story, <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Stick-Stone-Illus-Tom-Lichtenheld/dp/054403256X">Stick &amp; Stone</a> by Beth Ferry

Prior to creating their own <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LTvfdeq_hgYPLcaEn_4/book/nDE4GrI_T7uw90ub35QfYA">Choose Your Own Adventure Story</a>, students examined different genres (e.g. fantasy, adventure, mystery, realistic fiction &amp; humorous). They worked in pairs to co-create a genre characteristics book using the <a href="https://bookcreator.com/2018/03/real-time-collaboration-comes-book-creator-chrome/">real-time collaboration feature</a> in Book Creator. They selected pictures to match each genre characteristics.

Students were given the choice to write in pairs or individually. They wrote one section at a time. The students in this special education program all found writing challenging and it took them a significantly longer time than their peers. A CYOA story can get quite complicated and there will be many different sections. You can use <a href="https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1Vd1PhOFvlkiidUre9qLVFeStdjZQbWNp7KXApwwk9ho/copy">Google Draw</a> to create a graphic organizer to keep track of the overall story. Students can refer to it when writing their sections.

Nickesha Palmer's Kindergarten class in the FH Miller Library

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Teacher-Librarians and classroom teachers each bring their own expertise and experience to Library Partnership time. This type of collaboration can be very powerful and extend a student’s learning when it is successful. However, there can be some challenges.

TLs need to be able to deliver a variety of content, across the grades, to groups of learners with different needs and learning styles. We want to engage and motivate them to achieve their best so that the LLC becomes an exciting place students want to be! In the library, we often have limited time with the students which can make it more challenging to complete projects and to build relationships. It's helpful to find ways to extend the learning back into the classroom. It can also be challenging to plan rich learning experiences with the classroom teacher during a busy school day. Sometimes, we need to get creative and think differently about what collaboration looks like. It doesn't have to be side-by-side planning at school. Collaboration can be done asynchronously through a shared document. Above all, for the teacher partnership to be meaningful and successful, it is very important to have mutual respect and to honour each others’ strengths and experiences, just as we do for our students.

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Student voice is always an important aspect of the projects our students complete. When you <a href="https://intercom.help/bookcreator/en/articles/2398637-publishing-your-book-online-with-book-creator">publish a book</a> on Book Creator it has the potential to reach a global audience! When students realize that they can share their voice and reach people worldwide, it is very motivating and powerful.

An opportunity for students to give feedback An opportunity to share their voice with audience beyond the classroom&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Share ideas with professionals in the field

Student voice was encouraged during our Book Tasting project. We asked for feedback after each book tasting and made changes accordingly. The student feedback cards were modeled after the Ontario Learning Skills. Students were surprisingly honest with their comments which ranged from their favourite genre, cafe ambience, book selection and/or engagement.&nbsp;

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What makes a project successful?

What makes Book Creator such a powerful tool is that it’s simple to use, but has the ability to create sophisticated, interactive multimedia books.

Brooklyn and Keona use the green screen to bring a scene to life from The Competition

You can also <a href="https://bookcreator.com/2018/08/you-can-now-embed-content-in-book-creator/">embed content </a>directly into your books! It is what sets Book Creator apart and brings stories to life! Students are able to express their creative ideas and even immerse themselves in their characters and what they feel. It’s also what makes the projects especially fun!

This is a sample page from Gompo’s (Grade 6) creative writing story with audio embedded to capture the mood and feel what the character would be experiencing (part of the <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LTvfdeq_hgYPLcaEn_4/book/NgOuzP9lQby_cAWpnirRCg">creative writing class book</a>). As he said in his project reflection, "I think it is this idea of being in the story or bringing the story to life that resonates with many students."

“I can add what the main character is hearing like I’m in the story.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;– &nbsp;Gompo, Grade 6

Photo grid collage of student & author Flipgrid videos

Make an interactive table of contents for a class book using student book covers. This will appeal to your visual learners!

In the digital fairy tale, <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LTvfdeq_hgYPLcaEn_4/book/rybi-hviTEusxqULcsgm7Q">The Competition</a>, students wrote from their character’s point of view. Throughout the story, there are opportunities to jump between characters to read the story from a different point of view. Watch as Brooklyn, one of the authors of The Competition explains how to read the book.

During our Book Tasting project, students collaborated throughout, learning from each other and co-creating.

We had students work together to make book trailers using the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/imovie/id377298193">iMovie app</a>. They planned the storyboard with their partner. During the task, they had to listen to different ideas, problem solve and voice their opinions and advocate for their ideas. For the final project of the Book Tasting, students worked in pairs to choose their favourite genre and make a book trailer. This final task was a creative way for students to demonstrate their understanding of the genre. It gave the students an authentic purpose because they knew their trailers would be shared with other students and the authors of the books through Twitter. Once completed, students were able to add their trailer to the class <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/loqSCTB6FecMKzPLrJ5i29el8E53/z7NDQve7RVitL2VCpgBuDg">Book Tasting Book</a>.

Mason &amp; Nayeli co-creating a book trailer

Student Trailer for <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Creepy-Pair-Underwear-Aaron-Reynolds/dp/1442402989/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WBBZVI8AHPSO&amp;dchild=1&amp;keywords=creepy+pair+of+underwear&amp;qid=1631040850&amp;sprefix=creepy+pair+of+%2Caps%2C162&amp;sr=8-1">Creepy Pair of </a> <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Creepy-Pair-Underwear-Aaron-Reynolds/dp/1442402989/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WBBZVI8AHPSO&amp;dchild=1&amp;keywords=creepy+pair+of+underwear&amp;qid=1631040850&amp;sprefix=creepy+pair+of+%2Caps%2C162&amp;sr=8-1">Underwear</a> by Aaron Reynolds

Students worked collaboratively with peers &amp; teachers to create a Fractured Fairytale. This was a partnership project with Grade 1/2 Teacher, Anna-May King and myself (Teacher-Librarian).

Beginner Book Creator Project (remote learning) Creative Writing: Fractured Fairy Tales &amp; Stories Multidisciplinary: Literacy, Visual Arts &amp; Digital Drawing Technology Used: Book Creator, Flipgrid &amp; Zoom Student Book Creator Experts&nbsp; Features: Real-Time Collaboration for Feedback &amp; Shared Book Creator Class Library Print Finished Stories Book Reveal Grade 1 and 2 Students

Book: <a href="https://shop.scholastic.com/teachers-ecommerce/teacher/books/ninja-red-riding-hood-9780545880893.html">Ninja Red Riding Hood</a> by Corey Rosen Schwartz <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rqMQP1WgEH-XlhZEOMhsaF39_z9FLfDx/view?usp=sharing">Rubric Fractured Fairy Tale</a> (ReadWriteThink.org) <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GLdfwOliPHulQ7yrYJ2GqWLMEbGek0ra9r3kBRRVixU/copy">Fractured Fairy Tale Reflection Questions</a> Easily remove background from drawings or images: <a href="https://www.remove.bg/">remove.bg</a> or <a href="http://www.superimposeapp.com/">Superimpose App</a> Drawings Hacks <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTb3tAKx94erQGK512OLiJrHsKqlPdgz2X6-Yuu2YwU/copy">Grade 1 Lucas: </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN7eJ6M2Qck">Using Icons to Draw</a> <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTb3tAKx94erQGK512OLiJrHsKqlPdgz2X6-Yuu2YwU/copy">Grade 4 Colwyn: </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OlJM5oCdyU">Combining Tools (Pen &amp; Emoji)</a> AND <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ibDjW9fMDw">Using Icons and Emoji</a> Adaptation for Older Students: <a href="https://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/fractured-fairy-tales?tab=3">Fractured Fairy Tale Interactive Tool</a> (ReadWriteThink.org) – Students can type their ideas directly into the online graphic organizer. Book Printing Steps: View<a href="https://youtu.be/JoBH8vwaVOc"> Video Tutorial</a> or read steps in<a href="https://bookcreator.com/2021/04/is-this-the-perfect-book-creator-project/"> blog post</a> from a different project. <a href="https://youtu.be/ULlVM8pTVnc">Watch the Book Preview of the Printed Fairy Tale</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHOucuCeOlw&amp;feature=youtu.be">Watch the Book Reveal video when students get their own copies!</a>

Descriptive feedback is crucial to the success of our projects Co-teaching allows for instant documentation of oral feedback Feedback from authors reinforced many of our lessons Students’ reflections gives us insight into their experience

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A great way to start the school year is with Scholastic Book Skits to promote reading! This is one of the ways in which we advertise our Scholastic Book Fair each year.

Junior students all participate in the Book Skits and Book talks. They have the opportunity to assume many different roles (e.g., actor, director, narrator, writer, costume designer, props department &amp; sound effects).

We met Luke Flowers, author of the <a href="http://www.lukeflowerscreative.com/moby-shinobi">Moby Shinobi</a> series, on Twitter and he has been incredibly generous with his time! He offered to do a virtual visit after seeing&nbsp;our Book Skit based on his book series and always sends a creative and fun response to our students!

Photo Caption: Book Cover of Moby Shinobi Ninja at the Pet Shop by Luke Flowers (Scholastic)

Moby Shinobi ninja, the Pet Shop. Hiyah Yo, it's time to go I ninja train so I can grow. Look, spin snag.

I'm ninja Brave. Whoa, my eggo jog leap reach. Ninjas love to save. Hop pull Stop I'm

super strong. Oh, no, pup! Where do you belong? This little pup got away. Could your shop use my help today?  Yes,

we are busy with Pet Fest. You extra help will be the best. Please wash the dogs in this big tub. Use lots of bubbles as you scrub. Moby thinks of big twists and bounds. He grabs

a brush to wash the hounds. Scrub spin bump Sploosh. Yikes, wet dogs and a mad cat, too. Let's find

a different job for you. Every pet has its own treat bag. Make sure you look at every tag. Leap. Throw !Yuck! Growl! Stop mixed up treats

What did you do? Let's find a different job for you. Josh plays with each group, one by one. Other pets wait for playtime fun. So many pets. I need to

rest your ninja strength should stand the test. If you want to find out the rest, it would be best to put your reading skills to the test. Don't say how just come to the library

now to sign out your copy of Moby Shinobi Ninja at the Pet Shop

It is important that students understand copyright and attribution when selecting photos for projects. Students often go straight to Google to find images. There are ways to <a href="https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/29508?hl=en&amp;co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&amp;oco=0">filter for reusable photos on Google</a>, but students need to be taught. It’s a good idea to review how to properly source photos at the start of every project.

Read More: <a href="https://intercom.help/bookcreator/en/articles/4163730-understanding-copyright-licensing-and-attribution-for-photos-and-images">Understanding copyright, licensing and attribution for photos and images</a> by the Book Creator Team

Frappuccino's Adventure

Incredible Freedom Machines: The Journey

Miller Colour Monsters - Digital Copy

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

A great feature in Flipgrid is the ability to make “MixTapes.”&nbsp;You decide which videos to put on your MixTape and set the order in which you want the responses to play. They are arranged in a grid format. MixTapes are view-only and can be shared anywhere.

For our <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LTvfdeq_hgYPLcaEn_4/book/NgOuzP9lQby_cAWpnirRCg">Creative Writing</a> Project we added the students' videos next to author Debbie Ohi's response back to them. We then shared with their parents. <a href="https://flipgrid.com/+millerglowingbook">View the MixTape here</a>. Through reflection you gain insight into the student experience. These quotes illustrate the reluctance to write at the start of the project. By the end of the project, the students had completely changed their minds. Their engagement grew. The ability to add media into Book Creator is very appealing to students. Furthermore, they all had a great sense of accomplishment after creating their own books.

I didn't like the writing in the beginning but then I started liking it once my story started becoming better. Book Creator was fun because you can switch the backgrounds, add sound effects and you can also add drawings and images into it.

Feedback &amp; Reflection

Mira Campbell (TL) and Shelly Narayan (Teacher) in front of Book Tasting bulletin board display

Working with colleagues pushes you further as each of you brings your own experiences and expertise to a project. Throughout the collaboration process, you may find that your partner is stronger in one area. You can use those skills to achieve a balance and learn from each other, as you address the different needs of your students.

Learning experience encourages professional growth Easier to document learning &amp; provide instant feedback Opportunity to model collaboration&nbsp; It’s fun! Excitement transfers to students

Further reading: <a href="https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/a-plan-to-book-in-hand/">Partnering in the Classroom: From a Plan to Book in Hand</a> <a href="https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/partnering-in-the-library-learning-commons-hosting-a-modern-book-tasting-in-the-elementary-classroom/">Partnering in the Library Learning Commons: Hosting a Modern Book Tasting in the Elementary Classroom</a>

Mira Campbell, Teacher-Librarian with Shelly Narayan, Special Education Teacher in front of the Bulletin board display of Book Tasting Project

Teachers standing in front of book tasting bulletin

Map Showing where in the world The CYOA story has been read

In Book Creator, you can see how many people have read your book, and even in which countries.

Number of Reads For Choose Your Own Adventure Story 

https://api.bookcreator.com/users/v2/aWAhdfUWXPQR1UPW7fJOHnfObsb2/books/UGbFnKi9R4iiwwo6o-czcA/assets/JoFvPQcJRZ6Ixm51emWAjQ.jpeg?width=1096&height=619

Final green screen photo from the Competition that was edited in iMovie

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For the fairy tale, <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LTvfdeq_hgYPLcaEn_4/book/rybi-hviTEusxqULcsgm7Q">The Competition</a>,&nbsp;students worked with an author who gave them an opportunity to write a story differently in a way that met their learning needs and was different from the traditional method.

Students were encouraged to act out scenes to help them feel the character and support their writing. They could also draw the scenes, sing or dance. They brought in and created things from their world (e.g. photographs, colours, music) to bring depth to their character. The author also had students watch the scenes they filmed to help write about their character. For many students writing can be challenging. However, after watching a scene, they were able to generate more ideas for their writing.&nbsp;This freedom of expression brought out their creativity and allowed them to reach their potential. On the left is a still shot from a video clip in the story. In the students’ own words, the acting supported her writing because she could “feel it.”&nbsp;

https://api.bookcreator.com/users/v2/aWAhdfUWXPQR1UPW7fJOHnfObsb2/books/UGbFnKi9R4iiwwo6o-czcA/assets/b8ye6z-ZSGCb8HOqCYkIwA.png?width=1669&height=833

https://api.bookcreator.com/users/v2/aWAhdfUWXPQR1UPW7fJOHnfObsb2/books/UGbFnKi9R4iiwwo6o-czcA/assets/G2hLKxLsSd2sYr-q-3155Q.png?width=1502&height=1276

Sharing work beyond the classroom is a powerful motivator. Book reveals or viewing parties are a fun way to celebrate your students' accomplishments and increase their confidence.

FH Miller Student Made Book Creator books

Primary students listen to CYOA in the library

Clockwise (from top-left): Printed copies of Book Creator books in Library; Students read 'The Competition' during Library time; Primary students listening to a reading of the CYOA in the library; Jaida reading the print copy of her story.

Students reading the fairytale The Competition

Grade 5 student, Xavier, uploaded his own drawings and incorporated a car sound effect. This is a great way to extend a project for students who may finish early. It also helps the reader to experience the story and feel like it's coming to life!

This colour monster project was created by an incredible Art Educator, Tricia Fuglestad (Twitter: @TriciaFuglestad). Primary teacher Nori Miwa and I were inspired by the work of her students at Dryden Elementary School Arlington Heights, Illinois. It is based on the book, <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Color-Monster-Story-About-Emotions/dp/0316450014">Color Monster by Anna Llenas.</a> Our grade 2/3 students embarked on the same learning journey that integrated literacy, drama, art and technology! The final component of the project was using stop motion to animate their colour monsters. We used Book Creator to document the whole process.&nbsp; Find the full lesson here: <a href="https://bit.ly/fuglefuncolor">https://bit.ly/fuglefuncolor</a>

But I'll be nice to you color monster and your anger will disappear

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Kirli Saunders sent us a postcode from Tokyo, and even recorded a video of herself sending it!

We often share our student books on social media and tag authors whose books have inspired us! It’s always great to get a response back from them.

We shared our <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LTvi19Mq-wdw1I-oYeH/book/e6tw9F2MS0ST7beBs-0SSw">Incredible Freedom Machines</a> book with author Kirli Saunders on Instagram. She <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B89_vrSBoB-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">created a post</a> selecting some pages of student work from our book! She even sent us a little video mailing a postcard to our students from Tokyo! It is very powerful when the students know an author has seen their work. It is validating, builds confidence and oftentimes reinforces ideas and the lessons that we are teaching them.

Once students have selected background photos, you can film scenes and take photographs on the green screen. You don't need a fancy set up.

We started with using green shower curtains. Then progressed to green panels of fabric and finally bought a green screen kit (similar<a href="https://limostudio.com/collections/studio-kits/products/10-x-9-4-feet-backdrop-support-system-kit-white-photo-umbrella-lighting-complete-kit"> Green Screen Kit</a>). You don’t need to have professional lighting, but you will get better results when your background and subjects are well lit. Reminder: Make sure when you are taking a photo or video that no part of the student goes off the green screen.

https://api.bookcreator.com/users/v2/aWAhdfUWXPQR1UPW7fJOHnfObsb2/books/UGbFnKi9R4iiwwo6o-czcA/assets/RyPWr-n0Q7uWpGOQDYIk6w.JPG?width=496&height=397

https://api.bookcreator.com/users/v2/aWAhdfUWXPQR1UPW7fJOHnfObsb2/books/UGbFnKi9R4iiwwo6o-czcA/assets/-BL7wyDQSFOMgfB35mhY_A.PNG?width=377&height=472

Building strong relationships and partnerships with families is very important and it also supports our students’ learning and well-being. A positive relationship between home and the school can have a lasting impact.

Quotes for Fractured Fairy Tale Blog_Book Creator

Above: Our published library; Left: Click to read comments from parents on the printed books

During remote learning, Grade 1 and 2 parents were able to see the process of creating a fairy tale from start to finish. At the end of the project, we <a href="https://intercom.help/bookcreator/en/articles/2659439-publishing-a-whole-library-of-books">shared a link to the Book Creator Library</a> with parents so they could read all the stories in the class. The teacher, Anna-May King wanted to have all the books printed. We even had a big book reveal in the summer! This was a rewarding experience for all. The comments from the parents highlight how Book Creator is an incredible tool that fosters student creativity and can even improve a student’s confidence!

https://api.bookcreator.com/users/v2/aWAhdfUWXPQR1UPW7fJOHnfObsb2/books/UGbFnKi9R4iiwwo6o-czcA/assets/CPXMonwkSGSnmJSIUR8WBQ.png?width=2196&height=1096

Read more about <a href="https://intercom.help/bookcreator/en/articles/2398648-embedding-a-book-on-a-website">embedding a book</a> on a website or blog

We shared our <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LTvfdeq_hgYPLcaEn_4/book/NgOuzP9lQby_cAWpnirRCg">Creative Writing</a> class book on Twitter and tagged author Debbie Ridpath Ohi (who created the drawing prompt we used). The students knew from the start of the project that we would be doing this.

Having an authentic audience motivates students to do their best work. It also gives a real purpose so that it’s not just a school assignment. Instead of handing in their writing to the teachers, they were handing their books to their peers and beyond.

Using created books as a teaching tool

An unexpected outcome of the collaborative fairy tale, <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LTvfdeq_hgYPLcaEn_4/book/rybi-hviTEusxqULcsgm7Q">The Competition</a> was the learning tool it became for other students.

It also provided an opportunity to practise retelling and build reading fluency and reading with expression. Several reluctant readers spent 25 minutes engaged in the story. We asked students who had never seen the book to read it and we interviewed them and asked questions about the story. Students had to synthesize all the pieces of information from all five of the stories they read to find out what really happened.

Student reading the digital book, The Competition

Frida reading the student-made fairy tale, The Competition

Mira is an Elementary Teacher-Librarian and Special Education Teacher at FH Miller Jr. PS in Toronto. She has 15 years of experience as an Educator. Mira loves being a Book Creator Ambassador and Digital Lead Mentor with the Toronto District School Board. Mira is passionate about using technology and trying new ideas with her students! She hopes they see her as a teacher who takes risks and that it encourages them to do the same! She loves how technology enables her to support all students, gives them a choice in how they demonstrate their learning and allows them to connect and share ideas globally. Book Creator is the perfect tool to achieve all of that! For more library projects, you can follow Mira on Twitter @CampbellMira&nbsp;

Inspiration . . . . . . . Collaboration . . . . . . Choice &amp; Voice . . . . . Bring to Life . . . . . . Feedback &amp; Reflection . . . . Authentic &amp; Global Audience . Resources . . . . . . . . . . Project Overviews . . . . . .

Don't forget to tag <a href="https://twitter.com/bookcreatorapp">@BookCreatorApp</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/CampbellMira">@CampbellMira</a> on Twitter with your projects!

Hi, my name is Mira Campbell and I'm an Elementary Teacher-Librarian with the Toronto District School Board. Thank you so much for checking out this eBook. This how-to guide will walk you through each

step, providing many examples from projects completed during Library partnership time at FH Miller Public School. Embedded in this eBook, are resources from many different projects,

including book lists, rubrics, step-by-step, instructions and more! The goal is to make it easy for you to try in your library or classroom.

These examples are of students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. However, they can be modified for older students and we have also included some examples from our special education program.

You do not need to be a Book Creator expert or a Teacher Librarian. There are tips and tricks that everyone can use. These projects are meant to inspire and hopefully spark creativity.

We recommend you start by trying one thing in your library or classroom.

If you do, please tag us on Twitter @BookCreatorApp and @CampbellMira. We would love to see what you create. Thanks so much.

This was a library partnership project with Special Education Teacher Shelly Narayan and myself (Teacher-Librarian). Students worked collaboratively with peers &amp; teachers co-constructing an interactive branching narrative book. This project was inspired by the popular series which came out in the 80’s. The stories are written from the 2nd person point of view which puts the reader in control of the story.

Interactive Branching Narrative Book

Create an interactive branching narrative book. Collaborative Writing Project from the 2nd person point of view Multidisciplinary Project: Literacy, Drama &amp; Visual Arts&nbsp; iPad Apps - Book Creator, Google Docs, DoInk Green Screen, Skitch, Superimpose &amp; iMovie Printed Hard Copy of Class Book Special Education Program (Grades 3-6)

<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RxgLhyJ2oGgnh0kYIALmE3ZFMTMELVSN9So9IxEjI98/copy">Detailed Lesson Plan</a> Book: Interactive branching narrative book e.g.,<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Your-Very-Own-Robot-Dragonlark/dp/1933390522"> Your Very Own Robot</a> <a href="https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1Vd1PhOFvlkiidUre9qLVFeStdjZQbWNp7KXApwwk9ho/copy">Adventure Story Graphic Organizer Made with Google Draw</a> <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hzSHD99jnjnHjbe9GKxnvhdqYJEtwQQJpquv84g_4-E/copy">Interactive Branching Narrative Book Rubric &amp; Success Criteria</a> Red Buttons Images modified from Pixabay for <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vivG6zzOIEzA5p6sVY3ShxtoNnYSL4qP/view">Choice 1</a> and<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1726CcAX1XuvwLfksGJJm5sNglGHAEwU1/view"> Choice 2</a> and used to add hyperlinks in the story. Read Blog Post: <a href="https://bookcreator.com/2017/07/created-interactive-choose-adventure-book/">How we created an interactive branching narrative book</a>

This was a library partnership project between Chris Nock, (Classroom Teacher) and I (Teacher-Librarian). Both students and teachers were inspired by the book, <a href="https://www.scholastic.ca/books/view/the-incredible-freedom-machines">The Incredible Freedom Machines</a>, written by Kirli Saunders and illustrated by Matt Ottley. We discussed the themes of the book and wondered what would our own Freedom Machines allow us to experience?

Collaborative Class Book Multidisciplinary Project: Reading, Writing &amp; Visual Arts&nbsp; Technology Used: Book Creator for Chrome &amp; Google Docs Connected with author &amp; illustrator of the book Printed Hard Copy of Class Book for the Library and Classroom Grade 5 and 6 Students

Books: <a href="https://www.scholastic.ca/books/view/the-incredible-freedom-machines">Incredible Freedom Machines</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Beautiful-Oops-Barney-Saltzberg/dp/076115728X">Beautiful Oops</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Dot-Peter-H-Reynolds/dp/0763619612/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&amp;keywords=the+dot&amp;qid=1630026400&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-1">The Dot</a> <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-LTvi19Mq-wdw1I-oYeH/book/e6tw9F2MS0ST7beBs-0SSw">Read the Incredible Freedom Machines Class Book</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/SUGCbEIuAZM">Incredible Freedom Machine - Printed Book Preview</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/br7WMnOHjRQ">Lunchroom Art Display Reveal Video</a>

It inspired the students and they co-created artwork to include in this book. We photographed their plasticine art and uploaded it into Book Creator.

At the time of our fairy tale project, we just had a visit by Canadian author and illustrator, Barbara Reid. She is famous for her plasticine artwork. (Watch Barbara Reid's Tutorials <a href="https://barbarareid.ca/students-and-teachers/videos/">here</a>)

Final Page in book with plasticine artwork

Framed collage of student plasticine artwork

Students receive printed copies of their Fractured Fairy Tale books made in Book Creator. They are so excited and proud of writing their own books and sharing them with the world!

“I did it! I made my own book! It even says my name!!”

Summer book reveal from the Grade 1/2 classroom of Anna-May King (teacher) and Mira Campbell (Teacher-Librarian)

I made my own book! It even says my name!

Modern Book Tasting: Reading Experience Planned with Universal Design for Learning Framework Foster Communication &amp; Collaboration &amp; engage reluctant readers Multidisciplinary: Reading, Media Literacy &amp; Oral Communication&nbsp; Interactive and Authentic Cafe Experience Student Voice Technology: Book Creator, Green Screen, DoInk &amp; iMovie apps Reading Response Templates in a Collaborative Class Book&nbsp; Special Education Class (Grades 2-6)

<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTb3tAKx94erQGK512OLiJrHsKqlPdgz2X6-Yuu2YwU/copy">Complete Genre Book List</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/LghMybVsM-Y">Book Tasting Trailer</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/Q8sie8a8fm0">Book Tasting Movie</a> <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ezeBEIE-2_S4t3FzLCga6ak-O1s9zf_zDoWLXARvoHA/present#slide=id.g3629e1fb2b_0_59">Book Tasting Presentation</a> <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VEe6VeA2Z0Ij_sSySMV4OaEeQBh4h3lvHw5kF2GNSbA/copy">Book Trailer Learning Goals &amp; Success Criteria&nbsp;</a> Example Book Trailers: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6IrGrPZOI4&amp;disable_polymer=true">Bruce's Big Move</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jivOPxSaQeM">Creepy Carrots</a> to share with students Template for <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h_xrOSFt1C-uTVY4KpLXArxO86acgOme5V8tmXKkeNU/copy">Tips Feedback Card</a> (by Shelly Narayan) <a href="https://read.bookcreator.com/loqSCTB6FecMKzPLrJ5i29el8E53/FfmTwWZISrWgTFGAKwB9Bg">eBook of Reading Response Templates</a> Artwork for genre characteristics used with permission by Jeff Walker (Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gowalkergo/">@gowalkergo</a>). Clipart image from <a href="https://pixabay.com/">Pixabay.com</a> (royalty free stock photos) Read More: <a href="https://bookcreator.com/2018/06/hosting-a-modern-book-tasting-with-book-creator-for-chrome/">Hosting a Modern ‘Book Tasting’ with Book Creator for Chrome</a> with ideas provided on how to adapt &amp;/or re-create in the classroom. <a href="https://debbieohi.com/2018/10/how-mira-campbell-and-shelly-narayan-created-a-book-tasting-cafe-at-f-h-miller-jr/">Read Blog Post - Debbie Ridpath Ohi</a> wrote about our Modern Book Tasting with Book Creator