A storyboard is a graphic organizer that uses images to tell a story. Originally, drawings on separate pieces of paper that told a story were pinned to a board to serve as reference for animators, filmmakers, and more. Walt Disney and Howard Hughes were some of the first to use this process. Check out this Wikipedia article for more information on the evolution of the storyboard! The traditional storyboard is a perfect start for digital storytelling, creating graphic organizers, and helping students visually reinforce their learning.
When you open the Storyboard Creator for a new storyboard, the layout is our traditional storyboard layout. The linear direction of the cells is perfect for storytelling, explaining, and showing the passage of time.
All storyboard layouts can add an additional title and/or description. This gives the author a total of four different layout options and opens up new possibilities by adding another level of information. Check out the examples of all cell layouts in a traditional storyboard below!
There are many uses for storyboards in the entertainment industry, the business world, and education. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
| Entertainment Industry | Business World | Education |
(commercial, vlog, TV show, film, etc.) | ||
Storyboard That is an amazing tool for schools! The traditional storyboard layout is the original and most flexible layout. Below are examples across all subjects, and an additional section just for special education and IEPs.
ELA
History
Foreign Language
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ELA and Storyboard That work wonders together. There are many ways you can make a book come alive with various activities using the traditional storyboard. Plus, students love coming up with their own stories and making visual presentations with the Storyboard Creator!
With the combination of Photos For Class and the custom artwork from our artists, the traditional storyboard is an excellent medium for presenting historical information, important people, and current affairs.
Images are the same across languages! Integrating visual images with learning a new language can help reinforce vocabulary and syntax.
Create your own comics to engage your students, or have your students make storyboards to explain concepts to other students.
For more ideas on how to use storyboards in your classroom, look through some of our lesson plans for activities, template storyboards, and more!
Storyboard That is a fun tool for everyone in the classroom, but may be particularly useful for students on IEPs and 504 plans. Graphic organizers serve as a way to structure or guide a student's thinking. The traditional storyboard makes scaffolding instruction easy and engaging!
Storyboard That allows the creators to incorporate pictures, colors, and text into their graphic organizers. Not all students have stellar handwriting or drawing abilities. Incorporating a storyboard-style format into digital storytelling allows handwriting abilities and drawing talents to become irrelevant. All students end up with a graphic organizer they can look back on later and still be able to understand it.
Educators can use Storyboard That to create their own customized digital assignments or print-outs. Here are a few additional ideas on when to use a traditional storyboard for special education:
Traditional storyboards can be used in a variety of settings, such as in marketing campaigns, educational presentations, and even in personal projects such as home renovation planning. They can be adapted to fit any project that requires careful planning and visualization.
A traditional storyboard typically includes a series of panels that depict the action and dialogue of the project. Each panel is accompanied by a brief description of the shot, camera angle, and any important details, such as lighting or props.
Some best practices for creating a traditional storyboard include starting with a clear project outline, using simple and clear drawings, incorporating accurate shot descriptions, and collaborating with the creative team to ensure that the storyboard accurately reflects the project vision.