Last year we started the Book Talks series, the idea was to help every student to become book reviewers. Giving them an audience and purpose helped them craft their message and practice comprehension and communication skills. It worked, students worked hard, enjoyed it and were proud of the results. This year, with more experience in hand we went for round two.
Students selected picture books from our Hispanic Heritage Month selection, they read them and draft their scripts. They used a graphic organizer as a guide, we conferenced throughout the process about the genre, literary elements, and summary. Once they were ready, we went into production. I filmed the first couple of kids, and then a couple of volunteers filmed the other ones. We haven't finished the editing yet, but so far the students are excited to share their videos and to do more reviews.
This project not only reinforces comprehension but goes well with the new ELAR TEKS that emphasize response to reading and communication skills. The challenge is to make this activity self-guided, especially the editing part, and to incorporate a rubric to self-evaluate. Both the students and I are looking forward to the second round.
TEKS: 7.E