I just scanned some of my older posts and realized that my topics are turning into reflections. Reflections of my week, how students respond, and my Pitt projects. I like to have an outlet to step back and see what I accomplished and struggled with throughout the week. Additionally, all of those things are a big part of my life right now!
That being said... I reflect. I decided to incorporate my students into my podcast project. I planned on completing my own podcast project on "Holes" as it is a book I love and currently teach in my 6th grade reading class. However, we are working towards incorporating these technologies into our own classrooms- so why not give it a shot, right?!
I spoke with my principal to get the okay, sent permission slips home, and wrote a script. Each day my students were getting more and more excited. They wanted to know who got what part, what the script was like, etc. This class is made up of 13 kids, there are several students with multiple diagnosis who need additional support, and they have been traditionally judged by other teachers in the school as being "difficult to teach". I love them. I see them once a day and their enthusiasm and energy is infectious. They want to be in reading class and I love having them there.
When recording day arrived they couldn't contain themselves. They were so excited and mature about the process. I had them for three periods that day instead of one. Is my podcast perfect? No. Did everyone speak as well as they did during practices? Absolutely not. However, we all learned something from this experience. I don't have the best podcast. I probably would have a "better" project if I worked on my own, but I incorporated the tool in my room. I took the commonality of school that I share with my students and created an experience for all of us to share. Nothing beats the excitement of a child willing to learn.
Applause, applause! What a great idea! I'm so curious to hear this now :) I wondered when reading last week's materials how to successfully incorporate this into the classroom. So how did it go? How many class periods did it take? Did you have leaders or tech-savvy kids who took the reigns? Cool idea!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, it went really well! The recording process took 3 periods (only because I am crazy!). The kids were well behaved and focused the entire time. They all took their parts very seriously. Each child had a specific part and I directed- I also wrote a script.
ReplyDeleteThe activity allowed us to have a discussion about the text, characters, setting, etc. I had the students write which parts they would be comfortable with and shaped the script around the students wants and needs. For the most part I was able to accommodate everyone. I did the editing on my own (however, I had a student, who is not even in that class, offer to stay in for recess to help!).
All in all my biggest challenge was giving up control for my own school project. However, we covered so much ground as a class and my kids loved it! Most of all, it was a learning process for everyone involved!
Jen, you are inspiring! I love your positive attitude toward that class period. Those kids are really lucky to have you as their teacher because you have not labeled them, and you turn their rambunctious behaviors into something class driven. I also really like how you incorporated them into your podcast. In doing so, you put trust in them, which I am sure made them feel important. To some of those kids, you may be the only person who has ever made them feel important. And, in using them in your podcast, you not only taught them about a new form of media, but you modeled a way to use it so that you can actually use podcasting with that class in the future!
ReplyDelete