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We have studied the fundamental, core democratic ideals of America. We have reviewed documents and determined if these ideals: life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, truth, justice, equality, common good, diversity, popular sovereignty and patriotism were displayed. Now that you have a grasp on the democratic ideals it is time for you to teach a young American about their country’s ideals.

Assignment: Create a children’s book that teaches the 10 core democratic ideals of America.Picture storybooks are very visual with limited text (max. 30 words per page). The picture that is on the page reinforces the text that is on the page.

Assignment Details

Page Requirements:

  1. Book Cover- Title, Author & Illustration
  2. Inside Cover- One quote that “speaks” democracy to you & your justification
  3. Title Page – Book Title & Author/Illustrator Information
  4. Story – at least 10 pages of text & illustrations
  5. Choose a simple plot line & simple characters
  6. Write a beginning, middle & end for your story
  7. “Teach” the reader about the democratic ideals
  8. Back Cover – 30 word GIST to summarize your story. This can be a teaser!

Other Requirements:

  1. Create your illustrations, but not stick people! – Browse your sources for ideas!
  2. Use color! – Children enjoy vibrant images as they read.
  3. Create a STORYBOARD. – This is your rough draft. No need to color.
  4. Due date MONDAY, JAN. 27TH at the end of class.

Grading Rubric is on the back of this sheet

CATEGORY / 6 POINTS / 5 POINTS / 4 POINTS / 3 POINTS
Democratic Ideals / 10 ideals are accurately depicted in the text and illustrations of the book. / 6-9 ideals are accurately depicted in the text and illustrations of the book. / 2-5 ideals are accurately depicted in the text and illustrations of the book. / 1 ideal is accurately depicted in the text and illustrations of the book.
Story Development / The story uses words that are extremely clear, visual, exciting, and imaginative. The story is in terms that would be easily understood by a young reader. / The story is clear, but the words are not appropriate for a children’s book. There are words that need to be simplified for a young reader to comprehend. / The word choice is confusing and/or the story is too difficult for a young reader. Too much information and/or confusing words are used. / The story is not for a young reader and/or the story does not make sense.
Democracy Quote & Explanation / Democracy quote and explanation is written in the book. The quote is related to democratic ideals and the explanation clearly justifies how the quote “speaks” democracy. / Democracy quote and explanation is written in the book. The quote is related to democratic ideals and the explanation justifies how the quote “speaks” democracy. / Democracy quote and explanation is written in the book. The quote is related to democratic ideals, but the explanation is not a clear justification of how the quote “speaks” democracy. / A quote and explanation is written in the book. The quote may be related to democratic ideals, but the explanation does not show justification of how the quote “speaks” democracy.
Illustrations & Color / The illustrations are your own & help present the plot throughout all areas in the work. Vivid colors are used to enhance the book. / The illustrations are your own & help present the plot in a majority of areas throughout the work. Colors are used to enhance the book. / The illustrations may or may not be your own. They help present the plot in only a minority of areas throughout the work. Color is used, but without purpose. / Illustrations are present, but are not related to the work and/or color is not used.
Conventions (grammar/spelling) / There are no grammar or spelling errors in the work. / 1-2 grammatical or spelling errors in the work. / 3 or more grammatical or spelling errors. / Numerous errors cause interrupted reading.
Summary GIST / A 30-word GIST is written. The gist summarizes the children’s story and provides excitement towards reading the story. / A 30-word GIST is written. The gist summarized the children’s story. / A summary is written to tell readers about the children’s book. / Information is written, but it is unclear if it summarizes the story.

Total Points Earned ______/36 = ______

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