Storybird

Storybird is a tool that, as its name indicates, lets people create stories. Not only can this tool be used for fun, but it can also be implemented in English classes. Teachers can take advantage of this tool to reinforce and improve students' writing skill. Most importantly, Storybird permits students to use their creativity as they are writing. 

Possible Activities to Implement in English Classes Using Storybird

1. A Creative Story:

     In this activity, the teacher asks the students to create a story using artwork associated with the topic of the class. For instance, if learners are studying something about food or traveling, it is better if they look for artwork using keywords. In this way, it will be easier for them to find images. For this activity, students have to choose the option "picture book" and have to create a story of whatever genre they like. It depends on each student. The number of pages of the story may vary according to the students' level. To check, the students can share the story's link with the teacher through e-mail. 

2. A Collaborative Poem:
     In class, students work in pairs to create a poem. For this activity, the teacher shows a video to the students in the class. After watching the video, students come up with ideas which can help them to write a short poem. If the teacher wants students to write only words related to the topic, he/she can create an assignment to work in class in which he/she creates a custom word set for students to work on. Finally, learners upload their assignment to Storybird, and then the teacher can decide if the students have to present it in front of the class or not.

3. A Story with Chapters:
     The teacher asks the students to work individually. For 3 weeks, students will be working on a long-form book on Storybird; each class, they write a different chapter of the story they are creating. To implement this activity, the teacher has to think if the topic that pupils are studying is suitable to create a story. When the long-form book is ready, students have to share the link with the teacher through e-mail so that he/she can check it later.

Tips for Teachers

If you are thinking about using this tool in your English class, it is important that you take a look at these recommendations.

1. Watch a tutorial on how to use Storybird before using it in your class. In that way, if your students have a doubt, you can clarify it.
2. If you want your students to create a poem, you can create an assignment on Storybird. This helps you in that you can choose the words you want them to write, so they can use whatever artwork they want without worrying about the words.
3. Consider the level of your students to assign a task. For example, a long-form book will be better assigned to high-level students rather than low-level students.

Protocol 3: A Tool to Tell Stories

Storybird is a useful tool if the teacher wants to develop students' writing skill. This tool serves as a way for them to develop their creativity; in it, learners will have the possibility to enhance their way of writing and creativity. Storybird also provides teachers with the possibility of creating a class where he/she can upload assignments for students to work either in class or at home.