Want to better engage your K-12 classrooms in the storytelling process? We all know that engagement is vital to our students learning and doing the same thing over and over can get tiring. As educators, what are some ways we can as some POP to storytelling?
Digital storytelling tools are an easy and FUN way for students to take ownership of their work. Below is a list of tools teachers and students can use to create anything - from incredible video projects to an actual book - to tell their stories! No matter if you are an elementary educator, teaching high school, or even an online educator, many of the resources provided will fit your need. Take a look...
1. Pic Lits
A simple and quick to use tool for a variety of student learners that uses images to match with keywords and helps to improve literacy skills through writing.
Grade Level: 1-12
Price: Free
Learn more: piclits.com
2. OK Play App
Students can create digital and interactive stories to share with their peers. It includes tools for drawing, design, sound effects, and much more - students can even star in their own stories! Great for narrative storytelling!
Grade Level: K+ - though more suited for primary, elementary, and middle school students
Price: Free
Learn more: okplay.co
3. Comic Master
A web-based platform that allows students to create their own digital comic book or graphic novel.
Grade Level: Elementary through High School
Price: Free
Learn more: comicmaster.org.uk
4. Draw and Tell
The name says it all - DRAW using any of the creation tools (colors, stickers, etc), then TELL about your story! Students have the option to move stickers as they speak and to record them for sharing!
Grade Level: K+, though more suited for primary and elementary students (also great for speech and special needs!)
Price: Free
Learn more: duckduckmoose.com
5. Animato
Animato is a great web-based platform for all students - with templates, styling, and drag and drop options, music, and stick library - it’s easy for anyone to create beautiful stories!
Grade Level: 5-12
Price: Free with Animoto branding; price plans available
Learn more: animoto.com
6. Toontastic
A digital story app created by Google where students can create 3D stories. Includes a variety of digital storytelling options - history videos, science reports, fiction, book reports, and more!
Grade Level: K+
Price: Free
Learn more: toontastic.withgoogle.com
7. Little Bird Tales
A web-based platform that is easy to use for all academic levels. In 3 steps, students can create and share their digital content.
Grade Level: K+
Price: Free for a trial period
Learn more: littlebirdtales.com
8. Xtranormal
Easy to use desktop tool for creating animated videos. Students can choose characters, sets, and dialogue.
Grade Level: K+
Price: Free trial; 3 months for $15
Learn more: xtranormal.com
9. Storybird
Create digital comic strips, picture books, poetry, and more! Storybird allows users to use a curated collection of art to tell their stories.
Grade Level: K+ (age 13+ to create individual accounts)
Price: Free to create; different pricing for printing/downloading
Learn more: storybird.com
10. My Story Book Creator School Edition
Students can tell their story with an easy-to-use build-a-book platform - add drawing, pictures, and text!
Grade Level: K+, though more suited for primary, elementary, and middle school students
Price: Free; $5 for printing
Learn more: mystorybook.com
11. ACMI Generator
Teach students how to create a short film, create storyboards, add visual effects, as well as edit their films. Fosters critical thinking skills and problem-solving.
Grade Level: High School
Price: Free
Learn more: acmi.net.au
12. Puppet Pals HD
Simple “drag and drop” that is accessible to all students. Use the different characters and backdrops, then add audio and character movements.
Grade Level: K+
Price: Free
Learn more: apps.apple.com
13. Microsoft Sway
An online platform for digital storytelling - create beautiful-looking stories, interactive reports, and presentations in minutes!
Grade Level: 6-12
Price: Sway is free to use for anyone with a Microsoft Account
Learn more: sway.office.com
14. Make Beliefs Comix
Students can use the platform to create a comic strip using pre-made displays and characters. There’s also a built-in story starters section and one for English Language Learners.
Grade Level: 3-8
Price: Free
Learn more: makebeliefscomix.com
15. Adobe Express
Save time using the customizable templates to tell art-inspired stories via the web or mobile device app.
Grade Level: 7-12
Price: Free; premium plan for more options - $9.99/month
Learn more: adobe.com
16. Storyboard That
Digital storytelling allows students to be creative without having artistic skills. It also includes great tools for educators to make customizable content to share with students.
Grade Level: 3+
Price: Two storyboards per week for free; $9.99/month
Learn more: storyboardthat.com
17. Powtoon
Create a clean, well-produced video, with animation, custom characters, and doodling on this web-based platform. Teachers can also use it as a classroom display to creatively share content.
Grade Level: K+
Price: Free trial; $10/month for classroom
Learn more: powtoon.com
18. 826 Digital
A digital storytelling tool that supports teachers and students through the writing and sharing process.
Grade Level: K+
Price: Free
Learn more: 826digital.com
19. Moovly
Easy to use interface to create interactive videos for digital storytelling. Offers custom videos and adds effects to stories such as audio, images, or videos.
Grade Level: K+
Price: Free; has advanced subscriptions for varying prices
Learn more: moovly.com
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the resources, get out there and try them in your class! I hope that the tools provided become an asset to your classroom and help to add some excitement to your lessons and student engagement!
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