Last week, one of my eMINTS sessions was on the topic of visual literacy (the ability to understand and use images to communicate). As an opening activity, I used a great online tool called VoiceThread to have my eMINTS teachers interact with images. You can see this example at http://voicethread.com/share/44327/ or click below.
I think there are so many possibilities for using this tool in the classroom. You could have your students create online digital stories, have them respond to a photograph, share research information, and so much more. For example, DeAnna, one of my 3rd grade eMINTS teachers, created a VoiceThread to have her students respond to some images about Martin Luther King, Jr. Here are some examples of what you can do with VoiceThread:
Happy New Year! Since we have started a new year, I thought my first post should be a book review of one of the new Mark Twain Award nominees for 2008-2009. Hope you enjoy!
The Million Dollar Putt by Dan Gutman
RL 3.8
Ed Bogard (“Bogie”) is like many thirteen-year-old boys – he likes to ride his bike, parasail, ride jet skis, and play the guitar. But unlike many boys his age, Bogie is blind. When he accidentally discovers that he has a talent for golf, Birdie, the girl next door, becomes his coach and they develop a unique friendship as they learn the sport together. Someone mysteriously enters Bogie in a golf tournament with a million dollar prize. Can a blind golfer even hope to have a chance to win?
Cindy’s Two-Cents Worth
This is the first Dan Gutman book I have read, and I really enjoyed it! I definitely think it will appeal to our students, including sports-loving boys. The story is easy to read and does a great job of using the voice of a thirteen-year-old boy. The sub-story of Bogie’s relationship with his dad is touching without being too “sappy” for boys, and the exploration of dealing with bullies at school and friendship with girls is pretty realistic. The excitement of the possibility of a kid winning a million dollars will keep the kids hooked. Extension activities could include researching blindness and blind golfers, exploring the setting of Hawaii, learning basic guitar chords, and learning the basics of golf. I encourage you to check it out!
