Author:
Carrie Robledo
Subject:
English Language Arts
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Level:
Middle School
Tags:
License:
Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial
Language:
English

Education Standards

ELA - Wild About Teaching

ELA - Wild About Teaching

Overview

 

Small groups  students will select a picture book containing an academic standard taught to elementary age students. The students will research the central idea to collect important points of the idea. Students will film a documentary of the central idea to be shared with local elementary school students. 

 

Instructor Directions

Wild About Teaching

Driving Question / ScenarioHow can you use filming to teach academic standards to younger students  through the central idea of picture books?
Project SummarySmall groups  students will select a picture book containing an academic standard taught to elementary age students. The students will research the central idea to collect important points of the idea. Students will film a documentary of the central idea to be shared with local elementary school students.
Estimated TimeThree hours (four 45 minute sessions)
Materials / ResourcesLarge selection of appropriate picture booksIpadMicrophoneGreen screenChromebookPre/Post testGraphic Organizer or storyboard for preplanningGraphic Organizer for writing scriptElementary Academic StandardsKWL chart based on central idea of projectRubric  includes project expectationsReading Rainbow Video Clip (The teacher will share a Reading Rainbow video clip to set the stage for the task.)Reading Rainbow ReflectionLesson Plan:In groups of 3, students will review several appropriate picture books. They will make a selection of the picture book they will use for the task. After reading the book they will discuss and document the central idea/theme of the book to obtain the focus for their research. Using vetted websites students will collect and cite their needed research. Once all research has been obtained they will begin to write the script and create a plan for their film. Filming will begin once the plan has been approved by the teacher. Films will include the reading of the book and the teaching of the identified standards. Teacher will provide students with a rubric of the film expectations to include: film appearance, research, and teamwork. Teacher will have 2 student groups to gather as 1 group to present their plan for filming. Each group will give 1 statement of encouragement, 1 I wonder statement, and 1 idea for improvement. Groups will review comments given to them, make changes as needed and move forward to filming.Teacher will make arrangements for films to be shared with local elementary teachers.
StandardsRL.8.1 Cite textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.RL.8.2 Determine a theme of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the textRL.8.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.RI.8.1 Cite textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.RI.8.2 Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.RI.8.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.RI.8.6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.W.8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. W.8.4 Use digital tools and resources to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.W.8.5 Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of explorationSL.8.5 Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interesL.8.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression
Project Outline
AskCan you use a picture book to teach science and social studies standards to younger children? How can a picture book be used to teach science and social studies standards to young children?
ImagineYou are stepping into the role of a teacher. The star of your own teaching segment. You will be tasked with filming a short program to be used to teach young students a science or social studies standard by reading a picture book and implementing your own research. Lights, camera, action!
Plan In a group of 3, you will review several appropriate picture books and make a selection of the picture book you will use for the task. After reading the book you will discuss and document the central idea/theme of the book to obtain the focus for your team's research. Using vetted websites you will collect and cite the needed research. Once all research has been obtained you will begin by creating a storyboard and plan for the film. Filming will begin once the plan has been approved by the teacher. Your film should include the reading of the book and the teaching of the identified standards.
CreateYour team needs to frequently refer to the rubric to ensure you are on task to complete the assignment. Important elements to consider  including:  green screen background to set the mood for the book, props, costumes, scenery, ipad filming techniques, relevant research, clear and understandable speaking, and overall appearance and appeal of video.
ImproveYour group will pair up with other groups to present their plan for filming. Each group will give 1 statement of encouragement, 1 I wonder statement and 1 idea for improvement. Your group needs to review comments given to them, make changes as needed and move forward to filming.
Closure / Student ReflectionsStudents will complete self/team evaluation. Teacher will provide feedback. Teachers at elementary level will provide feedback after sharing with their students.
Possible Modifications / ExtensionsMiddle school students could go to elementary school to present their projects.Could be stretched across a quarter as a project for the whole quarter.Instead of filming, students could present their reading of the book live and teach the standards in person.