Children's Books & Other Creative Works by Author-Illustrator Christina Rodriguez-Unalt
Professional Development
Invite Christina to present to your teachers! As a professor in illustration who also runs the BFA illustration program at Montclair State University, she will bring in her interdisciplinary expertise that will integrate illustration with curriculum lesson planning. Options for a single presentation, half day presentation with group drawing exercises, or a full day of presentations and multiple small group workshops are available. Book Christina to learn how to incorporate cultural enriching activities into your lesson planning that will spark children with inspiration, imagination and have them eager to learn !​​
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Contact How Now Booking to discuss price packages for a school for in person or remote visits:
​IN-PERSON + VIRTUAL OPTIONS
K-5th Teacher Professional Development Workshop
“Creative Cultural Inclusion in the Classroom” : 5-6 hours
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A presentation on exploring various artistic practices from a range of cultures and demonstrations on how they can be integrated into various lesson planning
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Materials to be provided by the school for each teacher: at least 5 pieces of various colored construction paper, pencils, erasers, scissors, plain white paper, glue sticks
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Mini group breakout workshop activities:
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Creating alebrijes inspired by Mexican folk art
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Printmaking inspired by Japanese woodblock prints
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Creating 3-D masks with home made paper-mache and paper plates inspired by African culture
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Making mosaic tile art using paper collage inspired by Morocco and Turkey
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Drawing storytelling pictographs inspired by indigenous petroglyphs and stone carvings
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K-5th Teacher Professional Development Workshop
“Drawing Across the Curriculum” : 3-4 hours
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A confidence building session to support educators who don’t “feel like artists” on how they can use illustration as a tool to support K-5 subjects.
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Materials needed for each teacher: pencils, erasers, plain white paper and optional colored pencils or crayons
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Group exercises will entail:
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Making mini comic zines to engage reluctant readers in literacy
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Character design for young artists to support social emotional learning and story ideas
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Introduction to storyboards in animation movies and learning how to create their own storyboards to support reading comprehension
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Visual diary through daily prompts to support observation, experiences, emotional learning, scientific predictions, and imagination
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K-5th Teacher Professional Development Workshop
“Drawing Enhances Learning” : 40-60 minutes
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A presentation on the forms of illustration including: cartooning for comic strips, storyboarding, and creating non fiction picture books that can be integrated into classroom learning
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Activity examples with corresponding picture books will be discussed that support literacy and cultural enrichment in the classroom