Help Me Change The World **Updated**

If you follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook, you know that I am a HUGE fan of the work of Peter H. Reynolds. In August, the book "I'm Here" debuted and I am completely blown away by that book. (Starred review from Kirkus!) The message of the book, originally intended to be about autism, speaks volumes to every person who reads it. I truly believe it belongs in every single school library in the country (and world). Since I don't have the $1,073,696.52 it would take to make that happen, I came up with this idea.

If you want to help me change the world, buy a copy of "I'm Here" and donate it to a local school. Send me an email (tjshay@gmail.com) and let me know your name and address, along with the name of the school that received the donation, and you will be in a drawing for a signed print by Peter H. Reynolds. If there is a tremendous response (I am praying for that), I will offer multiple prints.

Of course your local bookstore probably has this book, but if you want to make a double difference, you could purchase it from FableVision Learning! FVL is the company that Peter H and Paul Reynolds started to change the world. Their mission is to help all learners 'reach their true potential'. I do 'work' part-time for FableVision Learning leading an educator group, but I do not make any money from sales. In fact, the print is going to be from my personal money, because I believe in the message of the book and want kids to have it in their libraries. Purchasing things from FableVision Learning (and there are LOTS of awesome products) will be put back into their mission to create more wonderous things.

Until 12/31/11, purchases of $20 or more at FableVision Learning are 20% off with the code FabFall20, so if you want to purchase several books, you can save some money. Buy one for yourself, who doesn't need a powerful message of 'you are not alone' in your library. "The Dot" and "Ish" are awesome for kids to have in their life arsenal. If you buy from FableVision, email nicole@fablevisionlearning.com with your order and she will have the books signed by Peter!!

The more schools you buy for, the more chances you have to win. The drawing for the print will be around 12/31/11, but continue to help change the world as long as you are able!

**After reading about what I am doing with this event, Peter H. Reynolds tweeted this:

Now one person will win an ORIGINAL piece of art and another (or more) will win a print. I am blown away and thrilled by the response so far, please keep it going!!

This video will give you an idea of the book!

Have Kids Create Templates for Stationery Studio!!! UPDATED!!

It was a snow day today...I took the time to try out something new. A while ago, I heard from an FableVision Learning Ambassador about a girl who was making a huge impact in the world. She was creating her own greeting cards and sending them to soldiers. The link to that is here. Thanks to Kevin for sharing it!!

The idea it gave me was that kids should be able to create their own borders for Stationery Studio and distribute them. The amazing Dr. Peggy Healy Stearns reminded me that it was already an option in Stationery Studio!!! It couldn't be easier!! Imagine how proud a student would be to see their own work integrated as part of a software program!! The amazing thing is that you keep all the amazing features of Stationery Studio while doing it.

Here are the directions:

Have students create a design using your favorite graphics program. I used "ArtRage Studio Pro" for the ones above. 8 1/2" by 11" and 72 dpi resolution. As is a strong concern with the designs in Stationery Studio, you need to be careful to only use the 'border' area for your design to avoid having design in the text area.

If you would like any of my creations as a Stationery Studio template, send me an email!

Select "New Stationery"

Choose any of the sets

At the bottom of the list of awesome designs
Select either horizontal or vertical border (whichever you have prepared.

Take the previously created image, open it in a program and copy it then just paste it in to the blank Stationery Studio Template!

Use the handles to stretch out the image

UPDATE: I received an email from the amazing Dr. Peggy Healy Stearns that explained the use of the  Margins Tool. It is the last option under layout and it allows you to change the size of the textbox so the words don't get in the way of the design! Thanks to Peggy for the suggestion!!!

Under the "file" menu, select "Save as Template" and you are ready.

Here is one created with a Photoshop project

Another Photoshop design

One last ArtRage example in Horizontal View:

Stationery Studio is the most amazing program. If you have read earlier blog posts, you know that it is how I found FableVision. There is a BRAND NEW set of ALL the Add-On packs available called "Stationery Studio Writing Collection" find it at: www.fablevisionlearning.com

O Ponto/The Dot ".. porque a imaginação não tem limites !"

A very strange thing happened the other night. I had some free time and I was surfing YouTube. I was hoping to find some cool FableVision things to put on the FableVision Learning Blog. I stumbled across this video from Portugal. I didn't even know the language that the YouTube description was written in, but the magic in the video transcends the language barrier.

The source of the video was this blog www.palavrasmenores.blogspot.com. The kids in the video making the dots with paint, hands, bodies was a heartwarming lift. All inspired by the book "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds. I HAD to know what this was about...So, I went to BabelFish and translated the page from Portuguese to English. I learned that the school had won a contest sponsored by the book publisher. The scene in the end, with the hands sticking through the dots was the winning photo.

I was moved so much by this video. I emailed everyone at FableVision that I could think of. I marveled at the creativity and the passion. "The Dot" was my first favorite Peter H. Reynolds. Watching this video unfold was magical.

My favorite quote from the blog......

".. porque a imaginação não tem limites !"

"Because the imagination does not have limits."

NECC-- Feeling Lucky?

In nine days I will fly to Washington, D.C. to be with some of the greatest minds and hearts in the country. To say I am looking forward to the trip would be an understatement. Where else can you be around so much energy, excitement, and hope?

Here will be some highlights for me:

I get to hang out with my FableVision friends! I have spent a great deal of time on the phone with my FableVision friends and I will get to be in the same room with them!! I get to meet Nicole, Paulette, Ryan, and hang out with Julia and Bill.... Lucky me!

On Sunday, I will be at the Constructivist Consortium. What a fun day and one that represents every teacher's dream...Great ideas and time to check them out! Perfect! Add a bunch of great friends, you have a dream day. Lucky me!

On Monday, I will make a guest appearance in the session of my dear friend, Dr. Peggy Healy Stearns. Glen Bull will also make an appearance

Get Real! Personal Connections Make Learning Motivating, Meaningful, and Memorable

Add to Planner
[Formal Session: Lecture]
Peggy Healy Stearns, Independent
Monday, 6/29/2009, 12:30pm–1:30pm WWCC 145 B

Explore cross-curricular projects that link learning to students’ past and present while promoting the skills of the future.

Probably one of the best stories from the last few years, which I have told many times, is that I got to know FableVision through a great piece of software called, "Stationery Studio," I never dreamed at that time I would know the person whose name appears on the front cover. In D.C. I will be making my second appearance as a guest in Dr. Peggy's session and the third year I have been able to spend time with her... I also have been on the early preview team of some of the new Stationery Studio add-ins. But, best of all, I am so fortunate to call Peggy a friend. With the exception of my wife, Peggy might very well be my biggest cheerleader. . . Lucky lucky me.

Through out the time I am in DC, I will be meeting with FableVision Ambassadors....SUPER amazing educators who inspire me daily!!! You can't imagine the joy I get hearing stories from around the country about people who are impacting kids and education and moving the world to a MUCH better place. Very soon, you will see exactly what I am talking about.... Details soon! Inspired and Lucky and I.

Another great experience for me will be spending more time with the amazing and inspirational, Peter H. Reynolds and his twin brother Paul. Both men are a wonder to me. So giving and kind...So supportive... So on a two hundred year journey to help all kids reach their true potential....And, I also believe, helping a music teacher from Iowa reach his true potential. Double lucky.

Best of all after the long days of standing and talking and being moved and inspired...I get to hang out with my lovely wife...Who is also an amazing person.

It's All About the Journey

This blog post has been rattling around in my mind for a while and I am hoping it makes sense...

Have you ever noticed when a word is brought into your radar in meaningful way you hear it everywhere? For example, last night, in the college class I teach for future educators, someone remarked, "Ever since you told us about Twitter, it's everywhere!"  I smiled to myself because Twitter has been there for a long time and it has been everywhere....but it wasn't connected to meaning and grounded in reality for those students.  I have been on Twitter for almost a year and I think I was late to jump on the bandwagon.  So, what brought that strange word Twitter to life for the college students is that I talked about it and demonstrated the power it held in education.

Another example is the word, "Journey."  Sure, I had heard it my entire life....perhaps hundreds of times.  But, when I read the book, "The North Star" by Peter H. Reynolds, it was life changing. I realized that the book had a very deep meaning in my life and we truly were all on a Journey.  It impacted me so much, that I named this blog TJ on a Journey! So, what's the point here??  Well, after reading that book, which contained all words I had heard and read a million times, the word Journey was forever changed.  The word contained a deeper meaning for me and I started noticing it EVERYWHERE!  It is used in books, commercials, TV shows, movies and 'real' life. Now, the word jumps off the page if I am reading.  The word held a significant and powerful meaning for me and I noticed it a lot more.

All of this led me to look at the big picture in education.... What words are we leading kids to connect to outside of our classrooms???  It can be a heady or scary thought....  What concepts could we teach better if we could get kids to connect on an emotional level? What dreams could we lift up or shut down? What JOURNEY could we send them on?

I certainly don't have the answers to any of those questions.... but I am going to spend the rest of my days trying to find ways to help my students see the big, beautiful world that being passionate about learning and creativity can open. I might just read "The North Star" to them again to help launch them on a wonderful Journey.  Maybe they will start looking at their own journey and perhaps make choices that lead them on an a more rewarding path.

This blog post is not meant as a commercial, but, by the way, "The North Star" is being rereleased on its tenth anniversary. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. It was life changing for me and it just might be for you.  After all, it's all about the journey....     

If you get motivated to purchase the book, use code  AMBSHAY at www.fablevision.com for 10% off.  

I'm on Facebook??

Well, as an example of the phrase 'never say never,' I am on Facebook. When mentor and pal, Peter H. Reynolds, suggested that I get a Facebook account, I have to admit I was a little skeptical. But, he has never led me astray before, so I jumped in.

After a few days, this is what has happened. I have friend and been friended by over one hundred people. Nice! I have started a group called "Educator Fans of FableVision." Currently, I am the Lead Ambassador for my favorite company, FableVision! How great is that? I started out loving the company and the software they create...then blogging like crazy about programs that inspire me and my students, and I end up with a job about two weeks ago... Best of all, my new part-time job is not in sales....it is talking to other educators who LOVE FableVision and are inspired by what great books and programs can do for their students. But, I am off topic.

My friend, the amazing Maribeth whom I blogged about a few days ago, started the "Educator Fans of Stationery Studio" which is one of my all-time favorite software programs. "Stationery Studio" was written by one of my all-time favorite people, Dr. Peggy Healy Stearns (who is also on Facebook). I was the first person to join that group!!!

So, where does that get us? If you are on Facebook, look me up! If you haven't already, join the two groups above. And if, like me, you thought that Facebook was for sixteen year olds....think again! There are a lot of us there now who are.....well, let's just say a few years over sixteen!

Wings of Epoh is a Winner!!!

Wings of Epoh, which I have blogged about before, has won "The Rights of the Child Award" at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival! If you haven't checked it out, you must. It is a beautiful story and a beautiful film. It was cooperative project with SARRC (Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center). The book was written by Gerda Weissmann Klein, famed Holocaust survivor and author. It was lovingly illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds.

The film was produced by FableVision.

All About Animation-Ish

Tomorrow, Monday, October 20, I will be presenting the amazing program Animation-Ish at the Iowa Technology and Education Connection Conference. I was very lucky to be on the Beta-testing team for this program last year. In addition, I wrote fifteen of the lessons that are included in the Activity Guide as part of the Educational Edition.

This blog post is going to attempt to answer some questions. Windows and Mac!
Wacom tablet or not? Actually, as it says in the system requirements, a drawing table is not required. Most of my students prefer to use a mouse. I LOVE to use the Promethean Board!!! You can draw on the board and it is "what you see is what you get." Currently, there is an issue with Macs and Promethean board, but they are working on it. It works great on the PC.

I use it in my classroom, if you go here, here, here, or here, you can see things my students have done with the program.

Wait....There is more! When you are done creating your amazing animation, it can be saved in a variety of formats, like Flash or QuickTime.

Here are some screenshots and notes so you can get an idea of what the program looks like. The program comes with AWESOME video tutorials by Peter H. Reynolds and the animators at FableVision.


Hey, do you think I am the only person who thinks the program is the best? Nope! Here are the awards the program has won so far.

Give it a try! Free 15 day download.
Make my day and send me your animation!!!

If we met at ITEC, please send a comment!

Big Dreams

This beautiful artwork is my favorite from "The North Star" by Peter H. Reynolds. The message is an inspirational card on the FableVision website. I don't know about you, but I really needed this message today.

Promethean Friday!!!

The first time I touched an Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) was at NECC Atlanta, 2007. From that first moment, I knew I wanted one in my classroom. It was a shiny new Promethean board and I immediately could see the 'draw' of it for kids (A little Monday pun). I immediately imagined the kids manipulating music notes and staves on that beauty!

I got to know Kathleen, from Promethean, who was a great champion of learning in general and Promethean boards. The most amazing thing to me was the curricular possibilities that were included with the software. Kathleen took some time out of the crazy-busy NECC to show me the application for music....The dreaming began!

For 2008 San Antonio NECC, I prepared FlipCharts for my friends at FableVision and ended up actually presenting at the Promethean booth, which was a thrill. So much activity and energy...

Now, like a dream come true, I will have a board in my room on Friday!!!! I can't wait. I have my first lessons in mind for Friday afternoon. The kids will be up at that new board and will be learning in a completely new way. This will be a very exciting week for me. Wait until you see the awesome animations my kids will create with this giant board!!!

Today I am very grateful for the great people I have met from Promethean: Kathleen, Alex, and Scott...and the Promethean gang that I have been emailing but don't know in person: Joelle and Jake (from Haddock). Of course, I also need to thank the FableVision gang for introducing me to this technology and these people!

Hope One Mile Ahead

I have always been propelled by hope. But I never relied as much on hope as I have this year.

This sign is on the way to Minneapolis on Interstate 35. What a great thought..."Hope One Mile Ahead." So, if you lose your way on the journey...if things didn't seem to turn out how you wanted them to...if all seems lost... Hope comes in and saves the day.

So where do you find hope? That's the thing, it's is everywhere.

The laughter of a child.....the promise that in the darkest time, you will laugh again. There is something about being around children and listening to their gleeful laugh. I spent Friday night with me great nephew....I left filled with hope.

The random email from a friend.....brings back a memory a smile and something to hold on to.

The smile from someone who loves you...you know you are not on the journey alone, even if it feels like it.

A book, blog, video, tv show.... yep, hope can be found in the strangest places....if you look for it.

The sweet note or text message from a new friend.

Inside you.....even when you can't feel it or see it, lurking in you is a strong hope. A guiding light. Hope is one mile ahead...if not closer!

And if you have abundant hope, pass it around! Share something you have seen or read that inspired you. Take care of your friends or even a stranger. Share what you have learned and share hope!

"Together, we will journey beyond the darkness. The star of hope will guide the way." Gerda Weissmann Klein. The quote appears on one of the last scenes in the video of "Wings of Epoh"
If you haven't read "Wings of Epoh," I guarantee you will love it. I have spoken of it a lot on this blog...I framed the story before on this blog with its true intention, it's about a boy who is autism. But, this week, it was about me and it was about hope. You will understand when you watch it or read it. "Epoh" is hope spelled backwards!

You can buy the book and video from my friends at FableVision. Use AMBSHAY for 10 % off..... and while you are there, maybe you want to pick up "The North Star" "The Dot" and "Ish".... Make it an inspirational school year!

Might as well make a disclaimer here for skeptical people. I don't work for FableVision.....I just love what they do and the people they are.

Badge Fever -- Fable Love

I am going to depart from my usual blog-about-my-class-projects style today...

I feel truly fortunate to have met and hung out with super-illustrator, Peter H. Reynolds, Peggy Healy Stearns, and the FableVision crew at NECC. As opposed to most people in the world, I met the company (FableVision) before I met Peter. Both blow me away! Above are my name badges from the last two NECC's with Peter Reynolds' artwork.

In a strange set of circumstances, my trip to NECC was a completion of a full circle. Readers know that I am a huge fan of FableVision, Stationery Studio, Peter Reynolds, and Dr. Peggy Healy Stearns. You might wonder what the company and these people did to earn such affection.

A few years ago, I was at the Iowa Technology and Education Connection Conference in Des Moines. I went to a session from Alpha Smart that was led by a very energetic woman by the name of Arlene. I was impressed by the AlphaSmart, but BLOWN AWAY by the program she used to demonstrate the ease of copying the text you had entered on the AlphaSmart to the computer. She showed a program called, "Stationery Studio." Just from looking it at it, I could tell that someone had spent a lot of time working with educators and had thoughtfully developed a great tool. One tool, the black & white button, made me want it all the more. By clicking one button, you remove the color for printing. You are no longer forced to look at poor gray-scale imitations of art.

I stalked Arlene at ITEC. I went to her booth....I followed her around. I had to find out how to get the program. I ended up calling FableVision and getting a copy. I went home and showed the software to the elementary where I work and they bought it. Wow!

Later, I learned about more of their products. Eventually, I was asked to be an Ambassador which was a new group that would review and promote software programs. I suggested that they come to the Iowa Conference and that happened!!! Peter Reynolds was the keynote and Bill Norris came and set up a booth. I was so excited. I read everything on the FableVision website and everything on Peter Reynolds' website. My first thought on reading the website is that no one could be THAT sincere. I was SO wrong. After the Iowa conference and two NECC trips, I can tell you that everyone at FableVision follows the company mission. Everyone loves kids and wants educators to be successful.

Now, for the full circle..... I was privileged to be asked to be a guest presenter in Peggy Healy Stearns' NECC session. Peggy Healy Stearns designed Stationery Studio and is one of my heroes! After the presentation, I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people from Tom Snyder Productions. One of those people was Arlene--- from the Iowa conference where I first found Stationery Studio! I could hardly contain myself. I had just hung out with FableVision friends, presented with my hero, Peggy Healy Stearns, and I was meeting the person who helped set it all in motion!

The North Star, a Peter Reynolds story about journeys and following stars really had extra strong meaning for me! My journey as a teacher/professional/person has been impacted by meeting all of these amazing people.

My First Animations

Feeling like the most fortunate man around, I was asked to Beta-test a new software program from FableVision called Animation-Ish. I had never done that before and was honored to be asked. Immediately, I opened the files and started playing. I was not given instructions, just the program. I had played around a little with Flash, so I had an idea what a few of the buttons did, but I was amazed how user friendly and easy the program was to use.

I have shown many examples from my students, but I have decided to show two of my first animations from back in November. The first was a tribute to my wife featuring two of her favorite things....purse and shoes! The second is a music note that starts racing.

World famous illustrator, Peter H. Reynolds, believes everyone can be an artist....I hope he feels the same way after he sees my first attempts! :+) Just kidding, I know he would say that my drawings are good....I admire that about him--He sees the potential in everyone.

In December, I was asked to collaborate on the educator guide for the program by providing some lesson plans. I had a lot of opportunity to draw a lot and I got a lot more comfortable sharing.

I have decided to subscribe to Peter's way of thinking. Everyone is an artist or at the very least, artist-ish. Check out the program and you can join me in the artist-ish world!

Inspire Me

My favorite new program, Animation-Ish, from my friends at FableVision, has a great feature...
A button called, "Inspire Me." When a person is working in the program, they can click on the winged lightbulb and a video featuring Peter H. Reynolds pops up with a short clip with inspiring words or an idea for an animation. This morning, as I am packing away my office and room away for the summer, I am wishing that I had a button like that. It's hard to pack up everything that makes my office feel a little like home and shove it away for two months. Maybe Peter could pop up on a screen in my office and give me the motivation I need to finish the school year (tomorrow at 10 a.m.) and then I could take some time off to get recharged for next year.

So many great things have happened in this last year....along with some struggles. My students were asked to sing the National Anthem at the Iowa Girls State Volleyball Tournament, I was asked to create some lesson plans for Animation-Ish, and at the same time, I had one of the least respectful high school choruses during the first semester. After twenty-two years in the classroom, I understand that everything is cyclical. Good classes come and go. That special kid that makes every day worth teaching will graduate and another will morph into his or her place.

Although this year has been a difficult one for me, I know that in the fall a great group of inspirations will walk through the door of my classroom and start challenging me, inspiring me, and demanding me to be a great teacher. Although I have NO control over what happens outside of room 108, what happens inside is part of my Journey and I control that. SUre, some of the things that happen are still not under my control, but at the very least, I control the way I handle the things that happen. Like the little boy in the North Star book by Peter H. Reynolds, I will follow my path toward my own personal star. I will try to help the kids in my room along their path with as much love and gentle pushing as is necessary.

So, I must find my own inspirations for packing up today... I must get things put away and start the anticipation, the dreaming, and get a firm grasp on hope for next year. This summer I can look forward to personal inspiration with Peter H. Reynolds at NECC and hanging out with my pals in San Antonio. Best of all, I can spend a lot of time imagining new ways to use Animation-Ish and I can hit that "Inspire me" button as many times as I like!

More Fifth Grade Song Animations

To me, nothing is more satisfying as a teacher than to just get out of the way and let kids demonstrate their vast amount of creativity. I have a tiny lab just off my classroom with four computers. I let students choose a partner and then take turns using lab computers to create animations of songs we sing in class. The students were completely on their own as I led the rest of the class in the main room. Today, I went in to watch their creations. In a very short amount of time, they came up with some that make me smile.


Fifth grade students using Animation-Ish to animate songs from their textbook.

Catch a Falling Star



The Lion Sleeps Tonight


A Smile is a Frown Upside Down

The North Star and North Star Musical Journey

My friends at FableVision have an amazing company. Ever wonder why I am their biggest fan? Here is just one example. I love the story of The North Star by Peter H. Reynolds. I think it is an amazing book with a great lesson for kids (and adults too.) One of the first amazing things I learned was that you can read the North Star book on-line....for free! What author or company lets you do that? They sell the book and it is a beautiful book that I highly recommend, but you can read it online for free. The reason they do that is that the company believes in its mission and the potential of children and the educators that guide them.

The North Star Musical Journey, which is the musical based on the book, was performed during my elementary school's Winter Concert on December 19, 2007. As a small, rural school, the North Tama Winter Concert is typically filled with traditional Christmas music. Since the story of Christmas uses a star as a main symbol, it seemed like a good fit to feature the North Star’s story about a journey toward a star.

The show began with all 225 students in grades one through six singing “Journey,” followed by combinations of fourth through sixth grade classes performing the remaining songs. Five sixth grade students played the main characters and the narrating duties were divided between three different students.

Before beginning to learn the music, I read each class The North Star. The students’ reactions to the story were extremely positive. With every class, after I read the story I asked, “What kind of story ends with the words ‘the beginning’?” The classes immediately understood the concept of life as a journey and that although the book had ended, life was just beginning. When they began learning songs, it was unlike any previous concert preparation experiences, the students were excited to sing the songs time and time again.

My blog title is a reference to The North Star as I am truly on a journey..."a remarkable journey." How are you traveling on your journey?

Big NECC News!

My friend and Stationery Studio creator Peggy Healy Stearns will be presenting at NECC in San Antonio! The big news is I will have the honor of making a brief appearance with Dr. Stearns, in my opinion the World's Greatest Software Designer, to demonstrate some of the projects I have created with my students.

Beyond Testing: Project-based Learning, 21st Century Skills, and ISTE Standards
Tuesday, July 1, 2008, 12:30pm–1:30pm

Please make plans to join us at the session and make an effort to stop by the FableVision booth and get acquainted with a great company and wonderful products.....and meet me while you are at it!

By the way, there is a demo of Stationery Studio online...Check it out!!! (Thanks for the idea, Scout)

My Favorite Stationery Studio Activity

Want a quick way to know if your students are learning during an activity? I use the "Message Center" activity in Stationery Studio (with slight modification) for use in my room. Below you will see the note I use. I have a few hundred of them printed and in my desk drawer at all times. Whenever I want a quick idea if students have grasped a concept, I hand each one of them a message sheet and have them send me a memo. A lot more real than giving a pop quiz and takes only a few seconds!
Also, when I have my high school kids listen to a recording of the choir sing, I sometimes give them these notes and have them send a message to their section or to the whole choir. Great feedback and the fact that it comes from their classmates is very effective.

Stationery Studio

I received an email from "World's Greatest Software Designer", Dr. Peggy Healy Stearns ,which made me realize I needed to blog about my favorite software ever, Stationery Studio. My first experience with FableVision was when I went to the Iowa Technology Education Connection conference and went to a session on the AlphaSmart. The speaker was demonstrating how the AlphaSmart could put text in any word processor, her example was Stationery Studio. I went away from that session without an immediate desire for the hardware....but I had to get my hands on the software!

It is immediately apparent that Stationery Studio is software from a developer and a company that thinks differently. One example of the many features in the program that captured my attention was that before you print, you have the option of changing the wonderful, Peter H. Reynolds, artwork to black and white. The original intent was so that kids could color the pictures, but it allows me to print great looking prints on my laser printer. The program also allows for the creation of half sheets and quarter sheets.

One of the ways I use the program is with second graders. I print out half sheet blank templates of different animals and then pass them out to students. On the back of the sheet, the student brainstorms everything they know about their animal. On the front side, the student writes two sentences that rhyme. The end products are then put together and a rap song is created. Below are some examples:When I met Dr. Healy Stearns, I learned that she worked with teachers for an entire year developing the Stationery Studio software. I think the results show that the time was well worth it!

Animation-Ish Part 2

More high school student political cartoons...