Studio Slides Studio Secrets
Cracking the Code of Storytelling
Main Idea
Sequencing
Inference
What's the Big Picture?
The Main Idea
The "Main Idea" is the heart of the story. It's the one thing the author wants you to remember most.
"Think of it like the title of a movie or the chorus of a song."
Supporting Details
These are the building blocks . They provide evidence, examples, and descriptions to support the heart.
Who is involved?
Where are they?
What is happening?
The Storyboard Strategy
Stories happen in a specific order. We use Sequencing to keep track!
1
The Setup
Meet the characters and see the world.
2
The Conflict
Something goes wrong! A demon appears.
3
The Resolution
The problem is fixed and the day is saved.
Reading Between the Lines
Inference
Using clues from the story + what you already know to figure out what the author isn't saying out loud.
Prediction
Guessing what will happen next based on the evidence.
The Equation:
Text Clues
My Brain (Schema)
=
INFERENCE!
Mission Start!
You are now a Story Scout . Your goal is to analyze the "Glint Hunters" mission. Use your skills to track the main idea, sequence the battle, and predict the future!
Grab your Storyboard Quest Worksheet!
Storyboard Quest Worksheet Storyboard Quest
Mission: Glint Hunters • Neon Strike
Agent:
Date:
The Mission Briefing
Read the passage below carefully. Think about the heart of the story and the order of the action.
The members of GLINT adjusted their earpieces as the neon lights of Neo-Seoul flickered above the stadium. By day, they were the world's biggest K-pop stars, but by night, they were the city's only defense against the Shadow Wraiths. Just as the lead singer, Min-ho, hit a powerful high note during soundcheck, the stage floor cracked. A massive, purple-eyed Wraith emerged, its roar shaking the very ground. Without missing a beat, GLINT grabbed their glowing spirit-sabers. They moved in perfect synchronization, dancing around the monster's heavy strikes as if performing a music video. With one final, harmonized blast of light from their microphones, the Wraith dissolved into shimmering stardust. Exhausted but triumphant, Min-ho looked at the dark horizon where more shadows were slowly gathering.
1. The Storyboard (Sequencing)
What happened first, next, and last? Write a short sentence for each.
FIRST
NEXT
LAST
2. The Core Mission (Main Idea)
What is the "Main Idea" of this story?
Provide one "Supporting Detail" about the weapons GLINT used:
3. Detective Notes (Inferences)
INFERENCE: Why do you think GLINT moved in "perfect synchronization"?
(Clue: Think about what they do during the day!)
PREDICTION: Based on the last sentence, what will GLINT do next?
End of Scene 1
Glint Hunters Answer Key Teacher Key
Mission: Glint Hunters • Answer Guide
Resource Type: Instructional Support
1. The Storyboard (Sequencing)
FIRST:
The members of GLINT were doing a soundcheck in a stadium in Neo-Seoul.
NEXT:
A massive Wraith monster emerged from a crack in the stage floor.
LAST:
GLINT defeated the monster with their spirit-sabers and harmonized microphones.
2. The Core Mission (Main Idea)
Main Idea Guide:
"The group GLINT must balance their lives as K-pop stars with their secret mission to protect the city from Shadow Wraiths."
Note: Accept any answer that mentions both their music career and their monster-hunting role.
Supporting Detail (Weapons):
Glowing spirit-sabers
Microphones that blast harmonized light
3. Detective Notes (Inferences)
INFERENCE: Why did they move in synchronization?
They move in synchronization because they are professional dancers and performers. They practice choreographed dance routines for their music videos, which helps them fight as a team.
PREDICTION: What will GLINT do next?
They will likely prepare for a bigger battle or investigate the horizon, because the story mentions that more shadows are gathering in the distance.
Teacher Tips for High School Freshman (Autism Focus)
Visual Cues: The worksheet uses distinct colors for different skills (Orange = Sequencing, Indigo = Main Idea, Purple = Inference) to help with transitions.
Interest-Led Learning: The K-pop and demon-hunter themes are designed to bypass "demand avoidance" by connecting tasks to preferred topics.
Literal vs. Inferential: Encourage the student to highlight the "Text Clues" in the passage that lead to their inferences.
Task Breakdown: If the student feels overwhelmed, focus on one "Storyboard" section (color) at a time.
Script Doctor Slides Script Doctor
The Grammar Revision Studio
FIX THE SCRIPT
SAVE THE MOVIE
Your Tools for Today
Capitalization
Start every line and character name with a BIG letter.
Punctuation
Give the actors cues: Is it a question (?), a shout (!), or a pause (...)?
"If the script is messy, the actors won't know how to perform!"
REVIVE IT!
Dialogue Formatting
The Tag
NAME in all caps tells the reader WHO is talking.
The Parenthetical
(action) tells the reader HOW they are talking.
DRAGON PRINCE
(whispering softly)
"i think the treasure is under the castle floorboards do you have the key"
Bad Script Needs Doctoring!
Action Description
Good writing shows the animator exactly what's happening. Use Vivid Verbs and Specific Adjectives .
Instead of "Walks"
Struts, Creeps, Sprints
Instead of "Big"
Colossal, Towering, Massive
Instead of "Happy"
Radiant, Ecstatic, Gleeful
Emergency Surgery!
The new movie "Castle of Clouds" has a broken script. No capitals, no punctuation, and boring words. We need a Script Doctor immediately.
Open your Script Repair Worksheet!
Script Repair Worksheet Script Repair
Project: Castle of Clouds • Emergency Revision
Script Doctor:
Date:
Director's Emergency Note:
"The lead writer forgot their punctuation and capitals! Our animators are confused. Fix these lines so the movie can move forward!"
1. Dialogue Emergency
Rewrite each line. Add a Capital Letter at the start and a Punctuation Mark (. ! ?) at the end.
the dragon is coming for us
can you see the castle through the clouds
stop before you step on the magic bridge
2. The Word Upgrade
The "Boring Verbs" are making the movie dull! Replace them with a "Vivid Verb" from the box below.
GLIDES
TREMBLES
SPRINTS
SOARS
1. The hero runs across the bridge.
2. The baby dragon flies through the sky.
3. The mountain shakes under the giant's feet.
3. Sketch with Words
Write two full sentences to describe a "Cloud Castle." What does it look like? Use at least two adjectives (like shiny , fluffy , or ancient ).
Script Approved for Production
Script Doctor Answer Key Script Doctor Key
Project: Castle of Clouds • Revision Guide
Teacher Reference
1. Dialogue Emergency (Answers)
Original: the dragon is coming for us
The dragon is coming for us!
Original: can you see the castle through the clouds
Can you see the castle through the clouds?
Original: stop before you step on the magic bridge
Stop before you step on the magic bridge.
2. The Word Upgrade (Suggested Verbs)
Sentence 1: The hero SPRINTS across the bridge.
Sentence 2: The baby dragon SOARS or GLIDES through the sky.
Sentence 3: The mountain TREMBLES under the giant's feet.
3. Sketch with Words (Rubric)
A "Pass" for this section should include:
At least 2 full sentences.
Correct capitalization and end punctuation.
Use of at least 2 adjectives (e.g., glistening, massive, swirling ).
Facilitation Notes
For Punctuation:
If the student struggles to choose the mark, have them read the line aloud in three different ways: as a question, as a shout, and as a normal statement. Let them choose which "version" of the character they want to create.
For Vocabulary:
Use visual aids (YouTube clips from Dreamworks or Disney) of characters running vs. sprinting. Showing the visual difference helps autistic students understand why the specific word choice matters for the "animator."
Character Creator Slides Character Creator
From Sketch to Hero
Design the Look
Build the Soul
The Two Sides of a Hero
Physical Traits
What the audience SEES.
Glowing Blue Eyes
A Metallic Suit
Sharp Dragon Wings
Personality Traits
How the character FEELS.
Brave and Loyal
Extremely Grumpy
Shy but Curious
The Pro Secret: Show, Don't Tell
Instead of just naming a feeling, show the ACTION or IMAGE that proves it.
Telling (Weak)
"The character was scared of the storm."
Animators don't know what to draw here!
Showing (Powerful)
"As the thunder roared, Jax dove under his bed and covered his ears."
Now the animators have a scene!
Adjective Power-Up
Common Words (Boring)
Good Bad Big Smart
Power Words (Exciting!)
HEROIC NEFARIOUS TITANIC BRILLIANT
"Specific words create specific pictures in the mind."
Workshop is Open!
It's time to create your own animated character. You decide their look, their personality, and their story.
Start the Character Profile Sheet!
Character Profile Worksheet Character Profile
Studio: Concept Art • Hero Creation Lab
Lead Designer:
Release Date:
Hero Name:
Doodle your hero here!
Outer Appearance (Physical Traits)
Use 3 descriptive adjectives (e.g., metallic, neon, ancient).
Inner Soul (Personality Traits)
What are they like on the inside? Choose two "Power Words."
Trait 1:
Trait 2:
Show, Don't Tell Challenge
Choose one personality trait from above.
Example: If they are BRAVE, they might "stand in front of a giant dragon."
The Screenplay Intro
Write a 3-sentence introduction for your hero in their first scene.
Concept Design Phase: Complete
Character Creator Key Character Lab Guide
Teacher Resource • Assessment & Support
Instructional Guide
Creation Rubric
Category Target Goal Outer Appearance Includes at least 3 descriptive adjectives. Look for specific, non-generic words (e.g., "shimmering scale armor" instead of "shiny suit"). Personality Traits Identifies 2 distinct traits. Encourage "Power Words" like steadfast , mischievous , or melancholy . Show, Don't Tell The sentence describes an action or a sensory detail that proves the trait without naming the trait itself. Screenplay Intro 3 complete sentences that establish the setting and the hero's first action. Correct grammar and punctuation required.
Model Character Profile
Name: Captain Nova-Pulse
Physical: Vibrant neon-blue circuitry on skin, sleek obsidian flight helmet, glowing ion-boots.
Personality: Impatient and Fearless.
Show, Don't Tell: Instead of waitng for the bridge to lower, Nova-Pulse leaped into the canyon, her boots sparking as she hit the floor before anyone else could react.
Autism Support Strategies
Visual Anchors:
Use the "Doodle" section as a prerequisite. Many autistic students process character concepts visually first. If they draw the character first, they can "label" the drawing to find adjectives.
Literal to Abstract:
"Show, Don't Tell" is an abstract social concept. Frame it as "What would the camera see?" This makes the writing task more concrete and logical.
Interest Integration:
If the student is stuck, suggest they create a "crossover" character that would fit into a Dreamworks movie like How to Train Your Dragon or Spider-Verse .
Choice Boards:
If the student has "blank page anxiety," provide a list of 10-15 character archetypes they can choose from as a starting point.
World Builder Slides World Builder
The Art of Background Design
Setting
Mood
Sensory Details
Building the Stage
Setting
Setting is the TIME and PLACE where your story happens.
Mood
Mood is the FEELING the setting gives the audience.
// Studio Prompt:
"Is it a dark, spooky castle or a bright, happy park?"
Rainy / Gloomy
Sunny / Radiant
Painting with Senses
Don't just say the world is "nice." Describe what the character...
Sees
Colors, shapes, light
Hears
Noises, silence, music
Smells
Scent of rain, ozone, cookies
Feels
Texture, heat, cold
Tastes
Dust, salt, sweet air
Environment Concept
"The deep blue ocean glowed with bioluminescent jellyfish."
See Glow
Mission Objective
Design a background for the next Disney or Dreamworks film. What makes the world unique? What do we feel when we see it?
GO!
Setting Sketch Worksheet Background Design
Studio: World Builder • Environment Workshop
Lead Artist:
Project ID:
Objective:
"Design a world for a new animated movie. What do we see, hear, and feel when we arrive?"
1. Environment Thumbnail
Sketch your setting here!
(Forest, City, Space, etc.)
Visual Elements
List 2 colors and 2 objects we see.
Soundscape
What noises are in the air? (e.g., chirps, hums)
2. The Background Pitch
Establish the Mood:
Choose a mood (e.g., Exciting, Mysterious, Peaceful, Scary ) and write a paragraph (3-4 sentences) describing your world using your sensory details.
Checklist:
Capitalized start?
Used at least 2 adjectives?
End punctuation?
Sensory details included?
Map Rendering... 100%
World Builder Key World Builder Key
Teacher Guide • Environment Support
Instructional Guide
Facilitation Notes
This activity helps students connect Sensory Language to a concrete setting. By framing it as "Background Design," students are encouraged to think about what the camera captures.
Model Response: "The Neon Reef"
Visuals:
Colors: Electric Blue, Hot Pink. Objects: Glowing coral, silver bubbles.
Sounds:
The hum of the current, the soft pop of bubbles.
The Paragraph Pitch:
"The Neon Reef was a mysterious world deep under the waves. Electric blue coral reached up toward the surface like glowing fingers. A soft, constant hum vibrated through the salt air. Shimmering pink fish darted between the silver bubbles."
Scaffolding Strategies
Concrete Visuals:
Provide a "Menu" of sensory words (Colors: crimson, azure ; Sounds: crackling, roaring ). Autistic students often struggle with open-ended generation but excel at selection and categorization.
The "Logic" of Mood:
Explain why certain colors create certain moods (e.g., Red = Danger/Excitement, Blue = Calm/Sadness). This provides a logical framework for an emotional concept.
Plot Pilot Slides Plot Pilot
Mastering the Story Arc
CONFLICT
CLIMAX
RESOLUTION
The Plot Arc
1
Setup
2
Inciting Incident
3
CLIMAX!
4
Resolution
The Conflict Engine
Without Conflict , there is no story. It's the problem the hero must solve.
External Conflict
A monster attacks, a storm hits, or a villain steals the key.
"Man vs. World"
Internal Conflict
The hero is scared, lonely, or unsure of themselves.
"Man vs. Self"
The Big Payoff
The Climax
The most exciting part! The hero faces the problem head-on. The highest point of the plot mountain.
"This is the battle, the big reveal, or the final race."
The Resolution
The problem is solved. The world changes. We see the hero at the finish line.
"This is the happily ever after (or the sequel setup!)."
Scene Start!
You are now the Lead Storyboard Artist. You need to map out the action arc for a 2-minute movie sequence. Make it intense!
Grab the Action Arc Worksheet!
Action Arc Worksheet Action Arc
Studio: Plot Pilot • Narrative Strategy
Storyboarder:
Production:
The Plot Mountain (Mapping)
Map out your story arc for a 2-minute animation scene. Who is the hero? What is the problem?
1
The Setup (Meeting the Hero):
2
The Conflict (Something goes wrong!):
3
The Climax (The Big Battle/Moment):
4
The Resolution (Problem Solved):
Identify the Engine
What kind of conflict did your story have? (Check one or both!)
External Man vs. World (Monster, Storm, Villain)
Internal Man vs. Self (Scared, Lonely, Shy)
Audience Review
Why was the Climax the most exciting part of your scene? Describe what the audience saw on screen.
Plot Mission: Authorized for Storyboarding
Plot Pilot Key Plot Pilot Key
Teacher Resource • Narrative Arc Support
Instructional Guide
Learning Objectives
Students will identify and construct a Narrative Arc. The focus is on the logical progression of cause and effect (Conflict → Climax → Resolution).
Model Plot: "The Glitch Thief"
1. Setup
A robot named Pip works in a quiet museum of ancient gadgets.
2. Conflict
A shadowy "Glitch Virus" breaks in and starts erasing the artifacts.
3. Climax
Pip corners the virus in the server room and uses an old analog radio to jam its frequency.
4. Resolution
The museum is safe, and Pip is promoted to Head of Security.
Executive Functioning Support
Linear Sequencing:
For students who struggle with the "middle" of a story, provide the Setup and Resolution first, and have them bridge the gap with the Conflict and Climax.
Visual Anchors:
Use a "First-Then" board style for the plot points to reduce the cognitive load of a complex narrative.
Conflict Categories:
Autistic students may prefer external conflicts (Man vs. World) as they are more visible and logical. Support Internal Conflict by linking it to a sensory sensitivity or specific character "rule."
Template Choice:
Allow the student to use bullet points instead of full paragraphs if writing stamina is an issue.
Pitch Deck Slides The Studio Pitch
From Concept to Screen
GREENLIGHT STATUS
What is a Pitch?
A Pitch is a short presentation of your movie idea. You are trying to convince the studio to make your film!
"It's like a trailer for a movie that doesn't exist yet."
Goal 1
Show off your amazing character and world.
Goal 2
Explain the exciting problem (conflict) in your story.
The Pitch Elements
HERO
Outer look and Inner personality.
WORLD
The setting, mood, and sensory details.
PLOT
The Conflict and the big Climax.
VIBE
Strong adjectives and "Show, Don't Tell."
Speak to the Studio
THE LOGLINE
"In a world where [World], one [Hero] must [Action] to stop [Conflict]."
Voice Power
Speak clearly and use excitement in your voice when you reach the Climax!
Visual Aid
Point to your drawings as you describe your hero and world.
Action!
It's time to compile your work. Use the Studio Pitch Packet to organize your final masterpiece.
Start Your Final Pitch!
Studio Pitch Packet Studio Pitch Packet
Official Production Bible
Movie Title:
Producer (Name):
The Logline
The "One Sentence" movie pitch. Use your best adjectives!
Phase 1: Concept Development
Part 1: The Hero
Hero's Profile
Traits (Inner & Outer):
"Show, Don't Tell"
Prove your hero's personality through one specific action scene:
Character Art
(The Final Look)
Part 2: The World
Environment Design
Mood
Sounds
Visuals
Describe the setting in 3 sensory sentences:
Environment Sketch
Part 3: The Plot
1
The Conflict (The Big Problem)
2
The Climax (The Intense Battle)
3
The Resolution (Ending Scene)
Ready for Presentation
Pitch Evaluation Guide Studio Evaluation Guide
Capstone: Studio Pitch Project • Assessment Rubric
Teacher Guide
Project Goal
This project assesses the student's ability to synthesize narrative elements (Character, Setting, Plot) into a cohesive and descriptive written pitch. The final presentation focuses on communication skills and the use of sensory language.
Final Pitch Rubric
Standard Successful Project Traits Character Design Uses distinct adjectives for physical traits. Successfully demonstrates "Show, Don't Tell" by describing a character action that reveals personality. World Building Establishes a clear Mood. Incorporates at least 3 distinct sensory details (Sees, Hears, Feels) into the written description. Narrative Logic Follows the Plot Mountain structure. The Climax is clearly the most intense part of the story, and the Conflict is well-defined. Presentation The Logline is clear and enticing. The student can explain their artistic choices and refer to their drawings during the pitch.
Accommodations for Autistic Students
Reducing Social Anxiety:
If a public presentation is too overwhelming, allow the student to "pitch" to a small group of 2-3 people, or record a video of their pitch at home/in a private space.
The "Scripted" Pitch:
Allow the student to read from their Studio Pitch Packet. Public speaking without a script can cause "word finding" issues. Having their own written words as a safety net improves confidence.
Visual Transitions:
Use a physical timer or visual countdown so the student knows exactly how long the presentation phase lasts. Predictability reduces stress.
Specific Feedback:
When giving feedback, avoid vague praise like "good job." Be specific: "I loved how you used the word 'Titan' to describe your giant character."
