Finish the Pictures

When this activity came to my attention, I was curious to try it out. Although the explanation stated that the process and the product would surprise me due to its complexity and demand for higher level thinking, I was skeptical. The task seemed very simple. Regardless, I put my skepticism aside and gave in to curiosity. And boy, am I glad I did! 

Upon first glance, the incomplete picture board looks random and primitive. There are 9 boxes, each with a basic line drawing which could be interpreted in many different ways. The students are tasked with completing the simple pictures and turning them into more complex drawings. Easy, right? Time to elevate the process. 

I used this activity as an extension of our recent novel study of Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. The students enjoyed the story and we worked on summarizing and plot analysis throughout the story. However, I wanted them to really contemplate the theme, or message, of the incredible evolution the main character, Esperanza, underwent as a result of her circumstances. 

The assignment was to complete the pictures in a way that would demonstrate her change from the beginning of the story to the end. In order to ensure a comprehensive and accurate depiction, planning time was mandatory before they put anything down on paper. In order to provide choice, the students were allowed flexibility to determine the order of the boxes. They could use color, or just pencil. They could work alone or collaborate with classmates. They were also reminded to include specific details for each picture. In order to provide a challenge, the students were then required to provide a writing component that described the pictures while explaining the character's change. 

Overall, the students were quite engaged and I was super impressed with everyone's final product! I am already planning some other writing assignments to complete with this innovative, fun, creative activity. 

Click  HERE for a PDF version of the blank "Finish the Picture". 

Thanks to On The Same Page ELT for the idea!

Collaborating to come up with lots of ideas!

Thinking about how to add specific details.

Choosing color or pencil only.

Describing the scene for each picture.