The Build Your Own Hero Kit:: Language Arts Gr.7-9

THE BUILD YOUR OWN HERO (BYOH) KIT

Language Arts Gr. 7-9

Created by: Megan Anderson

Outcomes:

Read the BYOH kit first to get a better sense of the many skills and outcomes that this project

involves. Also note that the Assessment Guide is built-in. Students will:

Recognize personal goals and strengths

Brainstorm and plan a project before completing it

Discuss and share ideas as a group

Be exposed to new visual elements: colour choices & stereotypes

Be exposed to new literary devices: hyperbole & onomatopoeia

Be exposed to symbolism and how it works

Learn how to combine many elements of characterization

Experiment with persuasive writing in a basic advertisement

Use rubrics and marking guides to inform their work

Time Required:

Varies depending on ability level. This was a 2.5 week major assignment for my Grade 7 class

(factoring in silent reading time and other minor assignments). If you plan on letting students

colour their heroes, and build their packages in class, add extra time. I assigned these tasks as

homework.

Supplies: Blank Cubeecraft Template: http://1madhatter.deviantart.com/art/cubeecraft-template-83751909

Cubeecraft Superman: http://www.cubeecraft.com/cubee/superman

I printed the BYOH packages on 11x17” paper using the booklet setting on the copier

I printed the blank template and superman template on double sided 8.5x11

The coloured templates can be copied onto medium weight photo paper/card stock

o cubeecraft.com recommends 110lb paper

o colour copying on heavier paper might be easier at a copy shop

Artist/Drafter’s knife for cutting the slots (you may have to do this for younger students)

Introduction:

I had a Hero Show-n-Tell with my students. They brought in heroes that they found in comic

books, movie and video game cases, posters, action figures, etc. We discussed the objectives

and super powers of these characters, how they were portrayed visually, and why we liked

them. The students set up a display of hero paraphernalia to inspire their work. I also loaded

cubeecraft.com on the Smartboard and navigated the site with my class so that they could see

some exemplars for what we were working toward.

http://1madhatter.deviantart.com/art/cubeecraft-template-83751909

http://www.cubeecraft.com/cubee/superman

Share Ferociously! 2011 Megan Anderson http://textbookslayer.tumblr.com/ 2

Using The BYOH Kit:

We worked through each section of the booklet as a class. The most important thing to do is

provide lots of examples. I had students share their ideas out loud constantly to help get my

less creative students started.

For STEP 3 I sent students home to find definitions for the literary and visual devices. The next

day we shared and discussed our definitions and came up with a class-friendly answer to write

in the booklets.

***My students used pencil to fill in their booklets so that they could erase and revise their

answers. I provided formative feedback after STEPS 1-4 because they heavily affect the rest of

the project.

Using The Blank Template:

FIRST: Print, cut, and assemble one of the characters on cubeecraft.com so that you know what

you are getting yourself into!

I INSISTED (over and over x3) that my students lightly sketch their heroes onto the templates

using pencil. This way I could catch an upside-down face or backwards body before they were

coloured so. Some students will really struggle with thinking in 3D. I addressed this by labelling

a template in front of the class my matching each part up to an already assembled Cubeecraft

character. They labelled all of the facets on the template and added directional arrows. They

also had a printed out Superman template to refer to. This is the worst part, but trust me, the

outcome is worth it!

I photocopied the coloured templates onto cardstock and had work experience students cut all

the slots using artist’s knives. The rest of the template was cut out in class as a step-by-step

process. Emphasize the importance of NOT cutting off any of the little tabs! If a disaster should

occur, you will still have the original coloured template to copy again.

Students can use a ruler to help them fold their template along all of the lines. After that,

assembly gets a bit tedious. Have them try their best but expect to provide LOTS of help. Glue

or tape isn’t necessary to hold the heroes together so long as the slots and tabs are all in good

shape and the folds are made carefully.

Hope You Enjoy!

Megan Anderson

http://textbookslayer.tumblr.com/

http://textbookslayer.tumblr.com/



INTRO A MYSTERIOUS PACKAGE ARRIVES IN THE MAIL...

Well! If you haven’t heard already, custom heroes are THE rage this season! After all, how are we all supposed to agree on what makes a true hero?

There’s hero potential in you, too. Yes, YOU! (No, not that guy sitting behind you... YOU). And what good is a hero without a corresponding action figure? That’s why we created the:

BUILD YOUR OWN HERO KIT!

Here’s what we’re going to do:

BRAINSTORM A HERO IDENTITY Create an AWESOME 3D cut-and-fold model for your future action figure Design a FLASHY package to advertise your heroic qualities

Well? What are you just sitting there for?! GET TO IT!!!

STEP 1 EVERY HERO HAS A MISSION

Uh, NO! Think Superman here: His mission is to protect all mankind. Heroes might fight criminals, solve mysteries, or set records but underneath it all is a mission:

SOMETHING HE WANTS TO PROVE TO HIMSELF SOMETHING SHE WANTS OFFER THE WORLD

That’s a good mission for the comic books but this is YOU we’re talking about! What do YOU want to prove to yourself? What would YOU like to do for the world?

USE THE PLANNER ON THE NEXT PAGE TO COME UP WITH 2 REAL LIFE MISSIONS...

HMMM... WHAT IS A BYOH

KIT ANYWAY?

HOW DOES IT WORK?

OKAY!

LIKE EATING A RECORD NUMBER

OF GRILLED CHEESE SAMMIES?

OH! LIKE FIGHTING ALIENS??


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STEP 2 ADDING SOME “SPECIAL” TO YOUR POWERS

The heroes we see in comics and movies often have superhuman powers that give them courage under pressure. However, the writers and artists that create these powers often base them to real human qualities so that we can relate to our heroes.

USE THE HERO-METER TO TURN YOUR PERSONAL QUALITIES INTO SPECIAL POWERS THAT WILL HELP YOU

COMPLETE YOUR HEROIC MISSIONS.

“I’m strong” “I’M A MAN OF STEEL”

“I LIKE TO BUILD” “I’M A GENIUS INVENTOR”

SOMETHING THAT I WANT TO PROVE TO MYSELF: ie) A lifetime achievement, overcoming a fear, finding a new way to

believe in yourself, learning something new...

SOMETHING THAT I WANT TO OFFER THE WORLD: ie) Protecting the environment, helping those in need, sharing a talent,

fixing a problem in your community...

THE MAIN INGREDIENT

IS COURAGE!

2 MARKS EACH 1 = Complete Sentence

1 = Realistic Choice

I’LL NEED SPECIAL POWERS,

TOO!


2 MARKS EACH 1 = Each Personal Quality Super Power 1 = Each Power Supports Your Mission

Your super powers should help you achieve the heroic missions that you outlined in STEP 1. Try not to choose super powers that are already belong to a well known super-hero like Superman.

HERO .

METER

MY PERSONAL QUALITY

SUPER POWER

I am good at solving problems. I am a quiet person.

I am a super detective! I have incredible stealth!

STEP 3 TOOL TIME

Now that you’ve identified your heroic mission and special powers it’s time to infuse them into your action figure...

Those don’t sound very reliable and we don’t want you coming out with tentacles. (Unless of course you DO want tentacles... no offense meant!)

Let’s use some of the same strategies that WRITERS & COMIC book artists use to characterize their heroes.

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WITH A MAGIC POTION! OR A HIGH

VOLTAGE SWITCH!


2 MARKS PER DEFINITION

Writers and artists use lots of different tools to create the heroes that we love as comic books, movies, and even action figures. Here are some VERY useful tools...

THE ARTIST

The Writer

COLOUR CHOICES We link colours to certain feelings or ideas.

Batman wears black because dark colours make us think of the night, darkness, and fear. He puts fear in the hearts of criminals!

HYPERBOLE DEFINITION:________________________

________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ Superman is faster than a speeding bullet!

STEREOTYPES DEFINITION:________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________

ONOMATOPOEIA

DEFINITION:___________________ ______________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________

Clark Kent wears glasses to hide his identity as Superman. Secretly he has x-ray eyes but people stereotype glasses as being nerdy!

*SOCK* *POW* *WHAMEE* *HISS* *BAM* Sound effects can be used to animate action in a comic OR accessorize an action figure!

SYMBOLISM

DEFINITION:___________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Captain America has red, white, and blue star on his shield as a symbol of America. He is very patriotic and serves his country. Artists and writers both use symbolism.

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STEP 4 ACTION FIGURE (IT OUT) Use this section of the planner to help other people understand your heroic mission and special powers from STEPS 1-2.

USE AT LEAST ONE COLOUR CHOICE, STEREOTYPE, SYMBOL IN THE PLANNER BELOW.

THESE DETAILS SHOULD RELATE TO YOUR HEROIC MISSIONS AND SPECIAL POWERS.

ARTIST’S TOOL WHAT THIS SAYS ABOUT ME

PHYSICAL FEATURES (2)

ie) Hot pink hair Colour Choice I am proud to be unique. Hot pink hair really stands out.

COSTUME & ACCESSORIES (2)

ie) Lion pendant Symbol Lions are a symbol of courage. I want the courage to stand up against bullying in my school.

ie) Thick framed glasses Stereotype I want my character to be a genius. Thick framed glasses are a stereotype for nerdy people.

2 MARKS EACH

½ = Describe character trait ½ = Identify artist’s tool

1 = Character Trait relates to your heroic mission or special powers

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Now plan some other features that you will add to your action figure to help other people

learn more about who you are in real life.

DESCRIBE EACH DETAIL AND EXPLAIN WHAT IT TELLS OTHERS ABOUT THE REAL YOU.

PHYSICAL FEATURES , FACIAL EXPRESSION, COSTUME & ACCESSORIES (3)

ie) Dental braces In real life I have braces. This is how people will tell that my action figure is me!

ie) Pair of drumsticks I want people to know that I am a great drummer.

FINALLY! THE BEST PART:TURNING YOURSELF INTO A 3D ACTION FIGURE!

Making 3D characters out of paper is called CUBEECRAFT (kee-oob-ee craft). Chris Beaumont started creating 3D video game,

television, and other popular characters in 2007. Chris shares his “cubees” for free online and has fans worldwide. The template we are using is based on the one that Chris shares for free on his site.

http://www.cubeecraft.com/

Spider man (MARVEL COMICS) designed here by chris beaumont >

WHERE DID THIS AWESOME IDEA COME FROM?!

2 MARKS EACH 1 = Feature 1 = Feature tells others something about the REAL you

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STEP 5 Dream, draw, fold!

This is the best part but it is also tricky! Thinking in 3D means really paying attention to details and where they go on your template.

5.0 - READ THE RUBRIC ALERT (BELOW) FIRST! THIS WILL TELL YOU WHAT IS EXPECTED.

5.1 - Look at SOME FINISHED TEMPLATES ON CUBEECRAFT BEFORE YOU GET STARTED

o Superman, batman, captain America, buffy the vampire slayer

o Print SUPERMAN OUT TO FOLLOW ALONG AS YOU DRAW YOUR HERO

5.2 - LOOK at the blank template and read each of the labels carefully

5.3 - USE A PENCIL TO DRAW YOUR CHARACTER DETAILS ON

5.4 - have a teacher double check that you’ve drawn the details in the right places

5.5 - DECORATE YOUR HERO HOWEVER YOU WANT:

o Colour or paint

o Add stickers or paste on some cut-outs

5.6 - Photocopy the template onto cardstock or photo paper

5.7 - cut out the template and Be careful not to cut the tabs off

5.8 - get a teacher to help cut the slots using an artist’s knife

5.7 - fold along all of the fold marks on your template and then Fold the tabs

into their corresponding slots

ACK! I don’t want a foot

where the head belongs!

RUBRIC ALERT!!!

The rubric for evaluating your completed action figure can be found

PAGE 11 of this package. READ IT CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU START!


STEP 6 THE FULL PACKAGE DEAL

You’re probably patting yourself on the back right now, aren’t you? Well... YOU AREN’T FINISHED YET! Get rid of that grin and let’s create packaging for this 3D pocket hero of yours... It doesn’t matter whether you create a poster, box, or pedestal! Create an advertisement that would convince other people want to buy your action figure because of his/her special powers and heroic missions! Be creative!

SUPPLIES YOU MIGHT WANT TO USE:

Shoe box plastic container freezer bag

wide mouth jar poster board milk carton

SOME TYPES OF PACKAGING: box or container Stage or pedestal Comic book page Advertising poster

Sealable bag with a fold-over paper top Jar or bag with stickers on it Postcard advertisement Magazine/CATALOGUE advertisement

Here is a checklist of the items that you must include in your packaging. Remember, your goal is to create a PERSUASIVE advertisement that convinces other people to buy your action figure!

1 PARAGRAPH: That introduces your hero name Identifies your 2 heroic missions Explains your super powers In 4-8 complete sentences Check for spelling and punctuation

2 Writer’s tools: (Explained in STEP 3) Use a hyperbole to describe your hero Use an example of onomatopoeia

You could include a photo of your assembled action figure! 3 visuals: Use colour choices that reflect your

hero’s costume Use bold text or art to make your hero

name stand out Include at least 1 image or symbol

related to your hero

I’ll CHECK OUT A TOY STORE OR CATALOGUE TO

GET SOME IDEAS!

RUBRIC ALERT!!!

The rubric for evaluating your packaging is on Pg. 12

PAGE12. READ IT CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU START!


CONCLUSION A hero is born!

That wasn’t so bad was it? Especially considering that you were tricked into completing a school assignment at the same time! Don’t be mad! Think of everything you’ve learned from this!

Some personal goals that you have

Some real-life strengths you have

New visual tools: colour choices & stereotypes

New literary devices: hyperbole & onomatopoeia

How symbolism works

How to combine many elements of characterization

How to persuade people through an advertisement

How to plan a project before you start it

WHAT?! THIS WAS SCHOOL WORK? I’VE BEEN DUPED!

Hmmm...

What I learned...

ie) New things that I learned about myself. Skills I used. What I liked and didn’t like about this.

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

I guess you’re right! This was a lot of fun AND now I have my own personalized

action figure! Thanks!

2 marks 1 = At least 2 new things learned 1 = Complete sentences

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BYOH 3d ACTION FIGURE RUBRIC

4 HEROIC

3 SUPER

2 OKAY

1 NEEDS WORK

ARTIST’S TOOLS

Colour Choice, Stereotypes, &

Symbols (STEP 4)

4+ features have been added from the planner. Each clearly reflects the Hero’s mission, powers, or personality: -Colour Choices -Stereotype(s) -Symbol(s)

4+ features have been added from the planner. Each somewhat reflects the Hero’s mission, powers, or personality: -Colour Choices -Stereotype(s) -Symbol(s)

3-4 features have been added. Some reflect the Hero’s mission, powers, or personality: -Colour Choices -Stereotype(s) -Symbol(s)

An Artist’s Tool may have been forgotten.

<3 features have been added and weakly reflect the Hero’s mission, powers, or personality: -Colour Choices -Stereotype(s) -Symbol(s)

Artist’s Tools have been forgotten.

Supporting Details

(STEP 4)

3+ extra details have been added to strongly reflect the student in real life, or enhance the hero.

3+ extra details have been added to reflect the student in real life, or relate to the hero.

2-3 extra details have been added but some do not reflect the student in real life or relate to the hero.

<2 extra details have been added or details do not follow the expectations of the assignment.

Quality & Care

(STEP 5) All features are drawn in the correct place.

Cut and folded precisely.

All features are drawn in the correct place.

Cut and folded properly.

Most features are drawn in the correct place.

Cut and folded properly.

Sloppy colouring or design.

Some features are drawn in the correct place.

Not cut and folded properly.

Overall

Impression

The planning process was followed carefully to create a truly unique hero with meaningful missions and powers.

A strong connection is made between the hero’s mission and powers and the student’s real-life goals and talents.

The planning process was followed carefully to create a mostly unique hero with related missions and powers.

Some connection is made between the hero’s mission and powers and the student’s real life goals and talents.

The planning process was followed to create a hero with somewhat related missions and powers. May be based on an existing character.

A slight connection is made between the hero’s mission and powers and the student’s real life goals and talents.

Missions and powers are not related (or) are strongly based on an existing character.

The hero is violent or breaks expectations of the assignment.

A weak connection is made between the hero and the student’s real life goals and talents.


BYOH ACTION FIGURE PACKAGING RUBRIC

4 HEROIC

3 SUPER

2 OKAY

1 NEEDS WORK

PARAGRAPH

(STEP 6)

4-8 complete sentences: -Identify the hero -Thoroughly explain both heroic missions -Powerfully describe main super powers -Ideas are organized

4-8 complete sentences: -Identify the hero -Generally explain both heroic missions -Describe main super powers -Ideas are mostly organized

4-8 complete sentences: -Identify the hero -1-2 details might be missing from the missions or powers -Ideas are somewhat organized

Lacks complete sentence or paragraph format

Missing 2 or more details from the missions or powers

Ideas are disorganized or lack development

WRITER’S TOOLS

Hyperbole & Onomatopoeia

(STEPS 3, 6)

Both Hyperbole and Onomatopoeia have been used properly and emphasize the hero.

Both Hyperbole and Onomatopoeia have been used properly and relate to the hero.

Either Hyperbole or Onomatopoeia has not been used properly and/or one does not relate to the hero.

Neither Hyperbole nor Onomatopoeia has been used properly and neither relate to the hero.

VISUALS (STEP 6)

Colour, text art, images, and symbols are present and: -Create a unique and eye-catching display -Meaningfully reflect the hero’s qualities -The package is well organized and carefully assembled

Colour, text art, images, and symbols are present and: -Create an attractive display -Mostly reflect the hero’s qualities -The package is mostly organized and carefully assembled

Colour, text art, images, and symbols are present and: -Create an effective display -Somewhat reflect the hero’s qualities -The package is somewhat organized and carefully assembled

-An element might be missing

Display is sloppy or disorganized

A weak connection is made between the hero and the packaging

2 or more elements are missing

Violent or inappropriate content is used

Overall

Impression

Both written and visual elements create a unique and very persuasive advertisement that meaningfully reflects the hero.

Both written and visual elements create a persuasive advertisement that reflects the hero.

Some written and visual elements create a mildly persuasive advertisement somewhat reflects the hero.

Written and visual elements do not meet expectations or lack care.

Advertisement is not persuasive and does not reflect the hero.


PLANNING EXERCISES RUBRICS Heroic Missions (p.3)

Hero Meter (p.4)

Tool Definitions (p.6)

Artist’s Tools (p.6)

Extra Detail Planner (p.7)

What I Learned (p.10)

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ACTION FIGURE

PACKAGING

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TOTAL: /66

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The Build Your Own Hero Kit:: Language Arts Gr.7-9