Creating stories with Storybird

Hi readers, 

New day, new tool. Today I would like to introduce a new exciting teaching site called Storybird.com.

WHAT is Storybird?

Storybird is a tool which allow users to create stories using their imagination. It provides interesting themes  with colourful and fascinating pictures for users to use for their stories. Teachers could use this tool with beginner to intermediate learners in language class as it might attract them in creating short stories in their own ways. Additionally, this tool also allow students to work in pairs in creating stories. Hence, this would them further in language learning as working in pairs might create information/opinion gap which then lead to language acquisition.

HOW to use Storybird with students?

Firstly, students should sign up and create their account using their email addresses. This would be easier for them to collaborate with their partners later on.

To start a story, students could read few examples of stories that have been created by others to get inspired. Here, they might be exposed to different layouts and themes, thus generate ideas for their stories later on. 

Students could choose their favourite themes such as love, teacher, village or princess for their stories. In addition, teacher could also specify the theme so that the students are more focused in creating their stories. 

When the learners have decided or has been instructed to write on a specific theme, they could begin their stories. This could be done by dragging suitable pictures and crafting suitable story line for the intended story.

In addition, learners could invite their friends or a partner to collaborate with them during the process of creating the story. This allows them to share opinions and generate more ideas in creating exciting and interesting stories. Besides, they are also free to write as many pages as they want. When it is done, they could publish the story (where the story is public and could be read by anyone) or save it and share the story via email. 

ADVANTAGES

• This website is FREE and could be use anytime with any purpose
• Enhance students' creativity and cognitive skills
• One of the ways to encourage students to write
• Develops sense of ownership and motivate students to be more confident in language learning
• New teaching methods for teachers in teaching WRITING
• Incorporate Multiple Intelligence in learning  which cater students need. Different students learn differently.Thus, students with visual intelligent might gain benefit from this method of learning. 
• Promotes collaborative learning. This tool allows students to work with one or more students, hence, it develops 2 in 1 learning in which students write and communicate in meaningful context.
• Since students are free in creating the stories, this tools promotes autonomous learning in language classrooms.

DISADVANTAGES

• Internet connection is essential 24/7
• Some students might feel reluctant to start