Storybook Help

Be sure to look at the bottom of this page for useful hints (things are added as problems come up).

• Need another storybook assignment or grading rubric?
• What type of cover do I need?
  • There are only two possibilities for your storybook cover, anything else will not be accepted.
  • Your best choice (and the only way you will get the10 cover points) is to have the front and back covers laminated then put your storybook together and have it spiral bound at Kinkos (total cost is about usually under $10).
  • If you do not want to put your storybook together the best way then you can buy one of the three approved type of report cover.  Get either the "Avery Clear Front Durable Report Cover" Item # 20758477 (black, blue or red), the "Oxford Clear-Front Report Cover" Item #898355 (black but they also come in other colors), or the "Office Depot" brand; item #631174 (also in colors).  You can find them at Office Max, Staples or Office Depot (price around $1.50 ea. but some come in packs of 10 for around $6).

• What kind of paper do I need?
  • Any high quality white paper (paper does come in different shades of white).
  • You want it thick enough that colored ink will not bleed through.
  • Any questions, see me and I will show you examples of what to use.

• Title Page
  • The first thing you should see when you open the cover is the title page.  This is where your name (first then last), date and period goes.

• Table of Contents (second page of the book) and page numbers.
  • Left justify this and put the page numbers to the right.  Usually page one is on the right side.  Because the storybook has pictures on the left page, make that page number 1 (introduction would be pages 1&2)

• Introduction: (make all headings larger, at least 18 point)
  • Introduce the characters you have chosen to tell the story of democracy (actually, let them introduce themselves). 
    • You need to have their pictures (in color) with names.
    • "Hello kitty" and "Spongbob" are now banned (terrible graphics)
    • Have enough quality pictures of your characters so you don't have to use the same one over and over through out the book.
    • No hand drawn pictures
    • Make them say something intelligent (not just "That's interesting" or "wow")

    Through these characters you will explain why people first moved from the forest into villages to live together (the rise of civilization).  Remember, we went over in class the four main reasons this took place (look them up).  Explain why governments became necessary and define the two main types, autocracy and democracy.  The last thing to do is transition into the next section which will be Ancient Origins.

    • This will take 3 or 4 paragraphs.  In the first paragraph you have the characters introduce themselves.  Paragraph 2 talks about the rise of civilization.  In the 3rd paragraph, explain why we need governments and define the two main types.  In the last paragraph, preview what the next section will be about.
    • DO NOT COPY ANYTHING FROM YOUR TEXT BOOK.
    • Be sure to include a statement if this was a step toward or away from democracy and why (use a text box for this).

     

• Chapter 1 - Ancient Origins: 
  • In this section you will probably write 3 paragraphs covering the Greeks, Romans and the Juedo/Christian tradition.  Check over your notes, homework assignment and if necessary re-read the book (prologue, section 2) to find the answers.  Explain how each of these groups helped in the development of democracy. 
    • Be sure to include a statement if this was a step toward or reversed the rise of democracy (use a text box for this).
    • Pictures are good and if you can find any that pertain to any of these groups, you want to include them.  Put them opposite the written story.
    • Your characters can then discuss what the pictures show.
    • In all sections,  Highlight  or underline and bold the terms you used from the book in writing your story (at least 4 but there should be more in case one doesn't count).

• Chapter 2 - Feudalism/Monarchy:
  • What would life have been like under an Absolute Monarch?  How much control would the people have had over their lives? 
    • Explain both a Monarchy and Feudal society and how they differ.
    • story must include how it worked.  King gave land to people in exchange for their loyalty.  You might have to do a little more research to fully understand this.
    • Reference:  To read more about this, click on the links above which will take you to wikipedia (more on Feudalism)  DO NOT COPY
    • Be sure to include a statement if this was a step toward or reversed the rise of democracy (use a text box for this).
    • Be sure to  highlight  at least four terms.

• Chapter 3 - Transition to Constitutionalism:
  • This section is really the story of how the Kings of England lost power to the Lords at first and then to the people.  Be sure to include a brief history of the Magna Carta, the Glorious Revolution, the English Civil War and the part Parliament played in all of it.  This information can be found in your notes, homework and in your textbook (carefully re-read the prologue, section 3 which covers this period in history as well as chapter 5, section 5). 
    • Be sure to include a statement if this was a step toward or reversed the rise of democracy (use a text box for this).
    • Be sure to  highlight  the terms.

• Chapter 4 - Renaissance/Enlightenment:
  • You need to discuss the important role both the Renaissance and Enlightenment played in the development of democracy.  Be sure to briefly explain what life was like before these took place.  These will be 2 of your 4 vocabulary words in this section so be sure to include a definition in your discussion.  Use your text book to look up these words especially Chapter 6, section 1.
    • Remember, the Renaissance came first.
    • It wouldn't hurt to include the Reformation and maybe even something about Johannes Gutenberg and his printing press.
    • This is where the contributions of the philosophers we discussed in class goes.
    •  Be sure to include a statement if this was a step toward or reversed the rise of democracy (use a text box for this).
    • Be sure to  highlight  the terms.

• Chapter 5 - American Revolution/French Revolution:
  • Write a paragraph on each explaining how they influenced the development of democracy.  Remember, they did not both end the same way so don't throw them together and arrive at the same conclusion.  You might want to put them on 2 different pages with your characters under each.
    • Your story should be less about the fight and more about how these revolutions did or did not contribute to Democracy.
    • Be sure to include a statement if this was a step toward or reversed the rise of democracy for each of the revolutions (use two text boxes for this).
    • Be sure to  highlight  the terms.

• Conclusion:
  • Start your conclusion with these words:

    "So, looking back at these five events, you can see that people have a tendency to choose democracy over autocracy because..."

    • List at least 3 separate reasons people, if given the chance,  choose democracy over autocracy. 
    • You need a big ending here.  Take your time and do not make it too short.  Remember, you have been telling a story and this is your chance to tie it all together and show why democracy is so important to people of the world even today.

• Use a 12 or at the most, 14 point font (except for headings).  Stick with the easy to read fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial or Comic Sans.  Remember, all other homework and  term papers will use 12 point Times New Roman font.  Usually teachers (especially in English) want papers double spaced and never single spaced.  I like them to be one and a half space.  This assignment is a children's book so there is a little leeway on style of font you use.

• Because it is a children's book, make sure it is PG.  Don't cuss or talk about drugs, beer, ditching school or anything else that's bad.

• The book can be as long as you like.  Most run between 15 to 18 pages.  There will be 5 sections or chapters each will include a heading so it is easily identified.

• With the book open, the text will be to the right and the illustrations will be on the left.  You may also choose to separate information and put illustration on both pages.  For example, you might put the American Revolution on the left side and the French Revolution on the right.  Under both stories you would put illustrations with voice callouts.  If you still need help with this, see me.

• If you plan to use a clear front report cover, make sure you have at least a 1.25" left margin.  If you don't, some of the words will disappear when you put it in the folder and you will lose points.  Always have margins, never write to the edge of the paper.

• Make sure you proof read your work (also have a friend or parent check it).  You should leave no obvious mistakes in your book.  It's the reason computers are so popular, mistakes are easy to correct so if you leave them it shows you are lazy and don't care.  This lack of effort will be reflected in your grade.

• You may use pictures in the text of your story but don't make them too large, put them in a text box.  Also,  don't take any pictures off my web page.  They are easy to find on the internet.

• For those of you using open office, you might have a problem when saving files to use on other computers (like a friends or the schools).  You must save the file in a format they can read.  Choose Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP (.doc) and that should take care of it.  See me if you don't understand this or have had a problem.