July 17th Part 1

Today we used iMovie to make a trailer about what we have learned in this class.  It was really fun!  What a great device for introducing students to the medium of film-making...a way of showing understanding that involves a completely different set of skills from those used in traditional literary projects.  What I liked about this app was that it was so EASY to USE!  Really, even a newby like me can use the app to create something entirely satisfying...in 45 minutes.  I can absolutely use this app in my classroom, with the regular students and those with learning disabilities together.

I often have book clubs in my reading class.  My students are grouped according to their reading levels, so the strong readers get to read exciting novels that they have chosen...while my weak readers traditionally get stuck with a book that I have chosen...that they labour through.  And a lot of time, their books aren't long enough or complex enough to do much with.  So..new plan.  While I will keep doing small-group remedial reading instruction with the students who need it, when it comes time for book clubs, they will choose books based on interest.  The struggling readers will have options for compensatory assistive technology so that they can enjoy the same, grade-level novel as their peers.  And then the groups will make iPad trailers about their novels.  Done!