I would appreciate your feedback on the following project. My project is a Novel Wrap Up of the current novel study we are completing of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate in my 4th grade classroom. I really liked the suggestion of a fellow classmate to do a movie trailer of the book, but I wanted my students to start using Prezi at this point in the year versus iMovie. I feel that it is a useful program for this grade level. I am open to suggestions for digital storytelling names and projects other than just "summaries".
I didn't just want my students to summarize, but to emphasize some of the important content the book offers. I offered three choices for my students to incorporate into their Novel Wrap Up. I chose to explain the Texan heroes that Calpurnia's brothers are named after. For other guidelines of the project, please see my curriculum page on my wiki page.
Hi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed viewing your project and I learned a lot! I thought that your example would provide a clear example to your students about what their project should incorporate. I will address the questions that were suggested with commenting:
What did you like about the digital story? I liked that your project provided information about the story and the characters, it was like telling a story about a story! I am unfamiliar with this novel, and I feel like I was left with more than just an overview. I really enjoyed the video at the end, I felt that it added an engaging element to the project.
Identify any problems or errors. (Politely!). I didn’t find any real issues with the Prezi; it was well organized with clear information. I guess my only comment would be to consider adding a voiceover. I would have enjoyed "hearing" the information about the characters (which would probably be in the live presentation) but it might be a fun element for the Prezi example.
Is this example appropriate for the grade level/subject area it is intended? I think this would be a great project for this age group. It seems to be a clearly designed project that students would be able to follow and expand on, and could use a lot of creativity.
Thank you for sharing this.
Kelly Grieneisen Tillotson
Kelly,
DeleteThank you for the feedback! I am in the middle of playing around with some ideas for audio. Recording and listening to my own voice is not my favorite, but I know my students will enjoy it!
I appreciate your comments and you stopping by my blog!
Kelly K.
Hi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteYour example was very well put together. One thing I would say you could think about doing is adding voice to the Prezi. Over all it was a great overview of the novel that was read. I have never heard of it but after your presentation I feel that I have so much more of an understanding of this novel rather than just a superficial summary. Thank you for sharing. It is grade level appropriate. Good job!
Ashley
Thank you, Ashley! Yes, I definitely need to get some audio in there. I was hoping to spare everyone that part. :) I have been playing around with some ideas so I don't have to just read what is on the screen.
DeleteThanks again!
Kelly K.
Hi, Kelly,
ReplyDeleteWell done! I thought it was appropriate for the grade level and provided a very solid example of what students should be able to understand, summarize and articulate regarding a novel. Also, I thought the choice of novel was excellent in itself. Your summary made me want to read it, truly.
I would have liked for the Prezi to include audio. Also, this is a personal opinion and not something necessarily based on our prescribed rubric for this week’s assignment: given this young girl’s eccentricity or uniqueness, I would have capitalized on that to hook both students and readers. I would have liked to have heard her voice, as perceived by students, for example. I say this because by bringing her voice to the foreground, you could encourage students to create a more personal/personable description of characters and plot and boost creativity. So, you could have your students describe the characters while pretending to be Calpurnia, for instance. In any case, I was just thinking of alternative, non-traditional ways of approaching the task.
You did a wonderful job, in all. So the above is just a suggestion not an indication of quality. Your project was clean and well executed.
-Claudia
Thank you, Claudia! I was struggling to make it more individualized without making it too challenging. I love the idea of connecting with the main character and other characters of the story through audio.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate it!
Kelly