Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

Storyboarding

Bradly Cusack | Published: September 16th, 2020 by K20 Center

Card

Cover Image

Storyboarding

The Storyboarding strategy allows students to keep track of information presented in a narrative or informational text—such as the sequence of events, main ideas, and supporting details—through the use of illustrations. Storyboarding can be used when texts are read aloud or when students read independently. By checking the thoroughness and accuracy of students' understanding‚ storyboards are an effective way for teachers to evaluate reading comprehension before moving on to more analytic tasks.

Storyboarding

Summary

While reading (or listening to a reading), students note specific or important points to illustrate later. Then, students visually sequence the events from the text in panels or frames, creating a storyboard. This strategy can be used with any genre, fiction or nonfiction. 

Procedure

  1. Invite students to read or listen to a passage of text. Have them take notes over specific or important information. Students can use sticky notes, graphic organizers, highlighters, pencils, and whatever other note-taking materials they choose.

  2. When students have completed the reading, have them divide a blank piece of paper into four sections. (You may have them divide the paper into more sections depending on the depth of the topic.)

  3. Invite students to create a storyboard of major events from the reading in sequential order. This should look similar to a comic strip when finished.

  4. Once students have completed their storyboards, have them share and explain their storyboards with a partner.

  5. Ask partners to compare and contrast the important events and ideas they believe to be the most pivotal.

Facing History and Ourselves. (n.d.). Storyboard. Teaching Strategies. Retrieved from https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/teaching-strategies/storyboard