Culminating Experiences: Tips on creating videos with your students

Considering a culminating experience in which your students can demonstrate what they have learned? How about involving your students in creating, directing and producing their own educational video or slide show? Sound overwhelming? It doesn't have to be. You can make your video using iMovie, Windows Movie Maker or other movie software such as Pinnacle Studio, as I used for the Habitat video above.

     If the task is still daunting, or you, like most teachers, are short on time, opt for my favorite: the quick, user friendly Animoto movie and slideshow creator. Just upload your video and still images, add in some text and let Animoto do the rest. Animoto will email you the completed movie in a matter of minutes.The best part is, educator accounts are free and teachers are given a special code for students to use. 

     You can see an example of how I used Animoto to create a book trailer on a previous post. This entire book trailer video took me less than 20 minutes to complete. And speaking of book trailers, consider having students create their own book trailers as a visual for a book report. The beauty of the video project is that it requires students to collaborate with each other as they apply what they have learned.  It can be used across all content areas with students of all ages. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Write down your curriculum goals for this project (to keep everyone on task) and collaborate!  
• Use a combination of still images and short video segments. You can use your own images or select from available images on the web. Just be sure to check for copyrights on any images that aren't your own. Look for a creative commons license for free-use images.
• Involve the students in planning the video. Ask questions like: What do we want our viewers to learn from our video? What are the most important parts and how can we capture that on film?
• Assign students roles including videographers, photographers, keyboard operators, actors and narrators.
• Keep the final product short -- less than one minute to five minutes max.
• Have fun! Invite parents to an afternoon matinée viewing of the student created movies showcasing what they have learned. Don't forget the popcorn!

Power in Access to Information

Egyptians Find Their Power in Access to Information | American Libraries Magazine

Current events often lend themselves naturally to teachable moments with clear curriculum connections. Check out this article about the role information and technology played in the revolution in Egypt. This article would be an excellent discussion starter about the importance to a society of available, free and unbiased information.

Cool Tools for the Classroom: Voki

Voki is a free web tool that allows the user to create avatars. You can customize how your avatar looks, the background, what they say and how they say it. You can see my example on the sidebar to the right. With easy to use elements created especially for educators, Voki can be used in the classroom to grab students' attention for a new unit or to spark student creativity for sharing what they've learned. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Have students create vokis to highlight some of their research findings about animals, famous Americans, places around the world, or events in history. 
• Voki can be used to present the math word problem of the week in a way that is sure to grab students' attention. 
• Use voki in foreign language class to showcase new conversational skills. Check out Voki for Education to get started. 
• Voki can be used for book promotions or to share a joke or fun announcement in your homeroom class or next staff meeting. 

Travel Team by Mike Lupica

Title: Travel Team
Author: Mike Lupica
Publisher / Date: Penguin Group / 2005 (Reprint)
Genre: Young Adult Novel, Fiction
Themes: Sports, Overcoming Odds, Family Relationships, Friendship
Summary: Danny lives with his single mom and has always been small for his age. At 12 he wants nothing more than to be taller and make the travel basket ball team. He can deal with his height, but dealing with not making the travel team is another issue. His father, a one time basketball star, is dealing with his own disappointment after being injured in a car accident. He will never play again as a pro, but decides to put his passion for the game into forming a new team for Danny and others who should have made the travel team but were unfairly cut from the team.
Curriculum Connections: Language Arts: Leisure Reading
Notes: Contains realistic language including an occasional curse word. Lupica has a natural talent for hooking the interest of boys, especially those who tend to be reluctant to read on their own. Click here to visit the author's website and to find similar titles.  *The author's website also has a video of a recent interview with Lupica on the Today Show. 

Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles

Title: Freedom Summer
Author: Deborah Wiles
Illustrator: Jarome Laqarrique
Publisher / Date: Simon & Schuster / 2005
Genre: Historical fiction; picture book
Themes: Civil Rights, friendship, discrimination, segregation, history
Summary:  Joe and his friend, John Henry enjoy spending the summer together as buddies. These good friends are alike in a lot of ways and enjoy many of the same things, like playing marbles and swimming. Set in 1964 in Mississippi, Joe and John Henry experience first hand the effects of discrimination. The boys decide to go swimming at the pool only to discover that John Henry is not allowed because of the color of his skin.  They become hopeful once the Civil Rights Act is passed but quickly learn that the new law will not bring on instant change.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 2-5: Social Studies, Civil Rights
Personal Note: I attended a recent author visit by Deborah Wiles in which she explained that this story is a work of fiction but it is based on events from her own life. This is a moving story appropriately written for children about this historic time in our nation's history. 

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Title: Esperanza Rising
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Publisher / Date: Scholastic / 2002
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Themes: Overcoming the odds, Mexican Revolution, Great Depression
Summary: Esperanza is the only child of a wealthy Mexican farmer. During the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution her father is killed. Esperanza and her mother face many hardships and tragedy which leads them to seek new life in California as they work and live at Mexican farm labor camp. Esparanza is challenged to find a strength she didn't know she had to care for her mother and herself in a new place during the Great Depression.
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies / History: Grades 4-8: Mexican Revolution, Great Depression
Notes: This book is categorized "YA" or "Teen" but would also be appropriate for ages 9+. Pam Munoz Ryan's website has some great links for curriculum connections on the Mexican Revolution, recipes that pertain to the story, discussion guide for the book, and teacher and student notes from the author. http://www.pammunozryan.com/esper.html

The Lightening Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) by Rick Riordian

Title: The Lightening Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)
Author: Rick Riordian
Publisher / Date: Disney Book Group / 2010
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Themes: Adventure, Fantasy, Greek Mythology
Summary: 12 year old Percy Jackson has been moved from school to school and labeled a trouble maker. Thought to have ADHD, Percy has never met his father and feels misunderstood. While at boarding school, Percy is surrounded by strange happenings, including his pre-algebra teacher turning into a flying monster that tries to kill him and discovering his best friend is a satyr. Percy soon finds himself on the way to "summer camp" where his mother says he will be safe. In order to get there he must first fight a Minotaur and save his friend from danger. Once at Camp Half-blood, Percy pieces together enough information to discover that his father is a Greek god and he is considered a half-blood. He soon learns that the Greek gods are alive and angry in modern day America. Percy is accused of stealing Zues's lightening bolt and must prove his innocence while also trying to bring peace and end the war between the gods.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 5-9: Greek Mythology; Literature: character development
(See the author's website link below for project ideas and more curriculum connections)
Notes: Action Packed! Be aware that some readers / parents may not like the paganism and violence portrayed in the book. See the author's website for a teacher's guide to the book, unit lesson plans, readers' guides, and a well written curriculum rationale for using The Lightening Thief in the classroom, a Readers' Theater short intro script based on the book, project ideas and video interviews with the author. 
http://www.rickriordan.com/index.php/books-for-children/a-teachers-guide-to-percy/

14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy

Title: 14 Cows for America
Author: Carmen Agra Deedy
Illustrator: Thomas Gonzalez
Afterward by: Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah
Publisher / Date: Peachtree Publishers, Limited / 2009
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Themes: tragedy, loss, compassion, sympathy, global community, generosity, 9/11, storytelling, Maasai culture, friendship, symbolism
Summary: Following the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the Maasai in Kenya grieve for America and the impact this tragedy has on the world. The Maasai show their amazing compassion by an extraordinary gift of 14 cows for America. (The cow is life to the Maasai.) 
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies: Grades 3+: 9/11; African cultures; Language Arts: Creative writing
Notes: This is an extraordinary true story of compassion across cultures with amazing paintings by illustrator Thomas Gonzalez. Click on the link below to visit the website about the book, see a trailer about the book, find links for teachers including a teachers' guide and lesson ideas. http://14cowsforamerica.com/

Volcanoes! by Seymour Simon

Title: Volcanoes
Author: Seymour Simon
Publisher / Date: Harper Collins / 2006
Genre: Nonfiction, Picture Book
Themes: Volcanoes, Science, Geography
Summary: Smithsonian and Seymour team together to bring the reader an amazing overview of volcanoes packed with information and photos of notable volcanoes around the world.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 2-8 Science: Volcanoes; Geography
Notes: Click below for an abundance of information for students and teachers from the author on a wide range of science topics. Wonderful website!!!!
http://www.seymoursimon.com/

Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan by Mary Williams

Title: Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan
Author: Mary Williams
Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie
Publisher / Date: Lee & Low Books, Inc / 2005
Genre: Fiction, Picture Book
Themes: Refugees, Hope, Africa, war, orphans
Summary: Based on a true story. During the aftermath of a civil war in Sudan, an 8 year old boy walks in search of safety to Ethiopia and Kenya with other orphaned boys. Together they find courage and hope to survive. They eventually end up in the US. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades 3-6 Social Studies: History, Africa, Cultures, Refugees; Character Traits: Courage, Diligence, Inner Strength 
Notes: Amazing story appropriately written for children.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Author: Jeff Kinney
Publisher / Date: Amulet / 2007
Themes: middle school; humor
Genre: fiction, chapter book
Summary: Greg writes about his life as a middle schooler in his journal or diary (though he specifically says it is not a diary). Author / Illustrator, Jeff Kinney's cartoon like drawings throughout the book and diary-like pages give the book a unique appearance that sparks interest. Though the book contains mild gross humor and language that many would consider disrespectful, it's redeeming qualities are that the humor and the success this book has had for getting even reluctant readers interested in reading. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades 2-6: leisure reading
Notes: Consider the age and maturity level of the reader / audience. This book isn't for everyone.

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit

Title: Tuck Everlasting
Author: Natalie Babbit
Publisher / Date: Square Fish / 2007; First Edition: Farrar, Straus and Giroux / 1975
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Summary: 
Set in the 1880's, the main character, eleven year old Winnie Foster, discovers water from a natural spring in the woods near her home. She starts to take a drink but is stopped by a stranger, Jesse Tuck, who warns her not to drink the water. Winnie meets Jesse's family and discovers that they once drank the water and became immortal. The Tuck's fear Winnie will share her knew knowledge and forever change her village so they take her to their home, on the outskirts of town. A mysterious man in a yellow suit witnesses it all and decides he can profit from this knowledge of the water that stops you from aging. Winnie must decide if she will drink of the water and forever remain 11, wait and drink it when she is older, or never drink it at all. The reader can't help but ponder the questions: What if you had the chance to never grow old? Would you take it? Is dying essential to living? 
Themes: Immortality, life and death, fantasy, symbolism
Curriculum connections:  Grades 4 and up: symbolism and imagery in literature; McGraw-Hill Teaching Guide:  http://www.glencoe.com/sec/literature/litlibrary/pdf/tuck_everlasting.pdf
Notes: mild issues of kidnapping and murder-- carefully consider your readers / listeners 

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

Title: My Side of the Mountain
Author: Jean Craighead George
Publisher / Date: Penguin Group / 2001 (Reprint)
Genre: Children's Novels, Fiction
Themes: Survival, Nature, Man vs. Nature, Courage, Honor
Summary: First in a trilogy, this book tells the story of 15 year old Sam, who runs away from his home in New York City to his great grandfather's land in the mountains of upstate New York. With only a $40 in his pocket and a few small tools, in his search for independence, he must learn to survive on the land. Over the course of a year, Sam learns to depend on nature and finds the courage within himself to overcome the challenges he faces. He learns a lot about survival as well as independence and finds a new pet falcon along the way.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 3-5: Language Arts: Comprehension; Problem & Solution; Elements of Fiction; Journal / diary writing; Leisure Reading 
Notes: This is a timeless classic from a talented author complete with Sam's journal entries and recipes.
Discussion Guide / Lesson Plan from Scholastic 
Writing Prompt 
Extension Activities

A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Title: A Wrinkle in Time
Author: Madeleine L'Engle
Publisher / Date: Farrar, Straus & Giroux / 1962
Republished: Square Fish / 2007
Genre: Children's Novel, Fiction 
Themes: Family Relationships, Science Fiction, Courage Good vs. Evil, Symbolism
Summary: Meg is a brilliant student who feels like a misfit at school. Her teachers consider her a trouble maker. She misses her father terribly, who has been gone on a secret government mission for over a year. When Meg and her brother, Charles, meet Miss Whatsit, their world changes forever. Meg and Charles embark on a journey against evil to save her father. Once their father is found, Meg must find her own strength to save her little brother Charles from the same evil forces that capture her father, only this time, she must go at it alone to discover that love is more powerful than evil. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades 4+: Language Arts: Symbolism in literature, character development
Notes: This classic novel is packed with symbolism including religious symbolism. Quotes from philosophers and The Bible are dispersed throughout in subtle ways. While some of the language is a bit tired for today's readers, it remains a classic and is sure to capture readers who enjoy science fiction, symbolism and mystery for years to come. 
Click here for extension activities from Scholastic for this book.

Shh! We're Writing the Constitution!

Title: Shh! We're Writing the Constitution!
Author: Jean Fritz
Illustrator: Tommie dePaola
Publisher / Date: Penguin Group / 1997
Genre: Nonfiction, Picture Book
Themes: History, US Constitution, Famous Americans
Summary: It's summer time in Philadelphia in 1787 and there is a secret meeting of 55 representatives from 13 colonies. Can they keep it a secret? Can they agree? What do they talk about for sooooo long? Fritz examines these questions with a touch of humor dispersed with chunks of historic facts as she gives her voice to this historic moment in time that resulted in the US Constitution.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 3-8 Social Studies: US Constitution, Famous Americans
Notes: This is a creative but wordy text that may best be broken up into portions more appropriate for the attention span and interest level of the reader.