Dynamic Landscapes The Reader Games reflection

Every year, the librarian and sixth grade English teacher collaborate on a year long reading/ information literacy/ technology program. The program runs from September-May. Every year the theme changes; this year the program was based off of the popular Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. The teacher and librarian used pbwiki for educators to organize the program and created game brackets for each round of the games. I have enclosed the program layout and details below. Overall, I thought it was a great way to engage students in reading and technology.

Program layout

• Pre-game warm up: Whodunit 

• Has own wiki

• Two random partners (chosen from 3 different classes) read same book. Partners are mysterious- students receive an envelope with book inside, secretly check it out at the library.

• Students are instructed not to discuss book with anyone.

• Book can only be read at home

• Partners discuss book on Whodunit wiki using fictitious pen names created by teacher (based off book characters). Teachers grade these discussions as assignments. Teachers don't get involved in conversation unless student is not participating.

• End- masquerade- create a mask of book character, elements from story. Find secret partner.

• Hook: Book Trailer
• Students create book trailer based on a certain selection of books.

• Students vote on best book trailer.

• First Round: Author Study- multiple authors
• 2-3 weeks reading

• Usually alternates every other day between reading and writing workshop

• 1 week to create a book trailer based on book

• Students vote on best book trailer.

• 2nd round: Genre study- fantasy

• Fantasy book speed dating

• Read part of covered fantasy book, rotate tables, choose favorite

• Radio show- create podcast using audacity to simulate vintage radio show

• Include certain elements, commercial, sound effects, discuses one part of book (plot point)

• Third Round: DCF March Madness
• Read a DCF nominated book

• Create life size characters (cardboard cut outs?)

• Perform skits

• Final Round: Class Novels
• Each class reads an assigned nove3l.
• Final project choices: create board game, design new book cover, compose a new ending, compose author biography, fold a story, Prezi

Aha Moments for the Teacher and Librarian

• iPad management- saving work, etc.

• Uploading videos to YouTube

• Start next year with a class novel