Communication iBlock Topics

Building Literacy: Create a Short Story

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Despite the natural fast-paced read element to short stories, this type of literature typically contains the same components of a standard novel including characters, conflict, plot, and a theme. In this Building Literacy: Create a Short Story PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will develop a short story using their knowledge of literary elements and work through the process of writing a story: character development, narrative arc, developing visuals, reviewing one another’s work, and presenting their final product.

Grade Band: 6-8
Primary Focus: ELA, Writing
Secondary Focus: Art
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: Mobile App Development, Video Game Creation/Gamification, AR/VR
Teq Product Alignment: ClassVR, Breakout EDU, Gif-O-Graf
Academic Alignment: ELA, Literacy
CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

In literary texts, analyze how elements of plot are related, affect one another, and contribute to meaning. (6-8R3; RL)

Building Literacy: Design a Comic Book

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

From images, to text, to color palette, there is a lot to consider when designing a comic book. How are comics similar to a short story? How are they different? In this Building Literacy: Design a Comic Book PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will investigate the history of comics and various comic texts before creating their own masterpiece. With attention to how established comic artists perfect their craft, these modules will help unleash creativity and provide a new means of expression. Finally, students will bring all of their hard work together as they create their very own comic convention.

Grade Bands: 6-8, 9-12
Primary Focus: ELA, Art
Secondary Focus: Communication, Visual Design
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Mobile App Development
Teq Product Alignment: Cricut
Academic Alignment: ELA, Art & Design, Literacy
CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.(NYS Next Gen. ELA: 7W3b)

Building Literacy: Develop a Play

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

How does a story change when it’s developed into a play? In this Building Literacy: Develop a Play PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, that’s exactly what students will explore as they become playwrights. Before writing their play, students will take a closer look at the history of theatre and play structure, then they will write and perform an original one-act play. Considerations will be made to set design, costuming, sound, lighting, casting, and blocking. Students can even consider how they could convert their play into a movie. It’s time to “break a leg!”

Grade Band: 9-12
Primary Focus: ELA, Performing Arts
Secondary Focus: Communication
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), AR/VR
Teq Product Alignment: ClassVR, Cricut, Formlabs, Makerbot, Shaper, Ultimaker, xTool
Academic Alignment: ELA, Art & Design, Literacy
CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Develop and synthesize original ideas in a drama/theatre work utilizing critical analysis, historical and cultural context, research, and western or nonwestern theatre traditions. (National Core Arts Standards: HS AdvancedTH.Cr2-III.a)

Communication