- Hook: Interactive activity – a short historical mystery where participants need to piece together events chronologically.
- Was Jamestown, VA the first English settlement or was there a prior settlement attempt? – i.e. What was the Lost Colony of Roanoke?
- Take a moment to think about this mystery, then find a partner at your table for discussion, and be prepared to share how you might answer and visually represent a solution to this historical mystery.
- Introduce the Problem: Briefly discuss the challenges of teaching historical events, like ensuring clarity, engagement, and catering to different learning styles.
- Canva Demo: Showcase Canva’s user-friendly interface with a quick live demonstration. Highlight features: pre-made templates, diverse image/video library, text editing tools.
- Opening Canva (https://www.canva.com/)
- Choosing a Template (Click on “Storyboards” under the “Create a design” section. Select a template.)
- Exploring the Interface (Toolbar with various tools and features.)
- Adding Images and Text (Click on the “Elements”)
- Editing Text (Click on the pre-existing text box on your template and then type the new text.)
- Adding More Panels (Click the “+” button next to the existing panel.)
- Downloading and Sharing (Click the “Download” button on the top right corner. Share your storyboard through social media or embed it on a website.)
- Benefits: Emphasize how Canva storyboards can:
- Visualize key events: Images and graphics enhance understanding and recall.
- Facilitate story comprehension: Sequential panels help students grasp the flow of history.
- Differentiate instruction: Cater to visual learners and provide scaffolds for struggling students.
- Boost engagement: Interactive and creative format fosters active learning.
- Divide participants: Group educators based on grade level/roles (elementary, middle, high school, or other).
- Scenario selection: Provide each group with historical scenarios relevant to their grade level (e.g., New World Settlements, Cultural Heritage of Native Americans, US Constitution, American Revolution, Nationhood).
- Canva Creation: Guide groups to set up Canva accounts (if needed) and choose suitable storyboard templates. Encourage them to explore the platform and add images, text, and elements to represent their chosen historical event.
- Collaboration: Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing within each group.
- Presentations: Each group briefly presents their Canva storyboard, explaining their chosen scenario and how it benefits their particular grade level.
- Q&A: Facilitate a discussion, addressing concerns and answering questions about implementation, adapting to diverse learning styles, and potential challenges.
- Resources: Share additional resources, such as pre-made American History storyboard templates on Canva, tutorials, and online communities for educators using Canva.