50 Best of All Time
Students are used to hearing the best of the best. They can readily identify with 106 and Park's top 10 list and other like it. Unfortunately they are more likely to do something because someone else says its popular or cool. In the teen age years nothing is more important than fitting in. What this list offers is a way for them to feel that they are fitting in with the best of the best.
The list is in chronological order and students often feel that older means irrelevant. This list helps students to see that literature is timeless. The principles. attitudes, ideals, trials, struggles, temptations, and issues. Many of the book are required reading materials in ELA classes and students have to admit that the books were enjoyable. The students are able to connect the events of the book with their current situation.
I can imagine using and encouraging the class to develop a contemporary list of great YA literature works. They would have to base their inclusions of literary work, themes, and ability to stand the test of time. I believe they would discover that many of the cool books only remain that way temporarily and soon lose their adaptability.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Random Acts of Reading
Random Acts of Reading
This is another blog type site that allows the student to navigate through book reviews. The sites in divided into several categories including but not limited to audiobooks, baseball, books in the wild, classics, contests, editor's desk, holiday, inside the book, kid critics, links we love, middle grade novels, picture books and young adult novels.
The most interesting aspect of the site is the seasonal book previews. They offer a short synopsis of books that will be "hot" in the upcoming season. The best form of advertising remains word of mouth. Consumer value to opinion of other consumers over paid advertisement because of the unbiased aspect of peer review. I encourage my students to write a review (on Edmodo) of book that they have read so their classmates can read it.
At the beginning of this year a student challenged me to read Pretty Little Liars after I required them to read Leadership and Self Deception:Getting out of the box. I was reluctant at first but I eventually read it and encouraged her to post a review on our class site. She did so and there was a waiting list for the book in the library. I went to the library today and inquired about the book and there are still 2 people on the wait list. I was able to fulfill two objectives with one assignment; show the power of social media and spark students interest in young adult literature.
Using this site for informational and marketing purposes can be very helpful for students. Students love to explore the web and this resource will allow them to explore for hours. It introduces students to book reviews and pertinent information about YA literature. A great resource for teachers and students alike.
This is another blog type site that allows the student to navigate through book reviews. The sites in divided into several categories including but not limited to audiobooks, baseball, books in the wild, classics, contests, editor's desk, holiday, inside the book, kid critics, links we love, middle grade novels, picture books and young adult novels.
The most interesting aspect of the site is the seasonal book previews. They offer a short synopsis of books that will be "hot" in the upcoming season. The best form of advertising remains word of mouth. Consumer value to opinion of other consumers over paid advertisement because of the unbiased aspect of peer review. I encourage my students to write a review (on Edmodo) of book that they have read so their classmates can read it.
At the beginning of this year a student challenged me to read Pretty Little Liars after I required them to read Leadership and Self Deception:Getting out of the box. I was reluctant at first but I eventually read it and encouraged her to post a review on our class site. She did so and there was a waiting list for the book in the library. I went to the library today and inquired about the book and there are still 2 people on the wait list. I was able to fulfill two objectives with one assignment; show the power of social media and spark students interest in young adult literature.
Using this site for informational and marketing purposes can be very helpful for students. Students love to explore the web and this resource will allow them to explore for hours. It introduces students to book reviews and pertinent information about YA literature. A great resource for teachers and students alike.
YA Literature Review
YA Literature Review
Have you ever considered what it would be like to read reviews of YA literature before you read them? This site is fun creative and full of information. It is easy for students and teachers alike to navigate. Using a simple format the website allows the user to explore book reviews, swap books, get information about contest and discover dates for information on upcoming events in YA literature. The website takes reviews to another level by offering podcasts of some book reviews.
At first glance it may appear that their are limited clickable places on the home screen but a quick scan of the picture unveils relevant hyperlinks. The books on the shelf offer links to library resources, short stories, contest, student submissions, information on affiliates, and an about us page for the website. The cork board behind the desk leads to an index page and a calender of upcoming events. On the desk the telephone also takes you to the contact us page, a folder labeled review leads to a blog of book reviews, the open book leads to library resources, the coffee cup leads to the online coffee shop and the bottom left drawer leads to a page outlining the requirements for submissions to the site.
I think the creativity behind the site makes it appropriate for young adults in their pursuit of literature. I also think it helps that the pages are easy to navigate and appealing. They are free of clutter and appear to be a site designed for YA readers by YA readers.
This site can be used in the classroom to encourage students to blog about their own YA literature experiences. As a business teacher I can see the benefits of an online scavenger hunt on the site. Scavenger hunts require students to search for information throughout the web site and offers them the opportunity to read most of the site and gain meaningful knowledge.
Have you ever considered what it would be like to read reviews of YA literature before you read them? This site is fun creative and full of information. It is easy for students and teachers alike to navigate. Using a simple format the website allows the user to explore book reviews, swap books, get information about contest and discover dates for information on upcoming events in YA literature. The website takes reviews to another level by offering podcasts of some book reviews.
At first glance it may appear that their are limited clickable places on the home screen but a quick scan of the picture unveils relevant hyperlinks. The books on the shelf offer links to library resources, short stories, contest, student submissions, information on affiliates, and an about us page for the website. The cork board behind the desk leads to an index page and a calender of upcoming events. On the desk the telephone also takes you to the contact us page, a folder labeled review leads to a blog of book reviews, the open book leads to library resources, the coffee cup leads to the online coffee shop and the bottom left drawer leads to a page outlining the requirements for submissions to the site.
I think the creativity behind the site makes it appropriate for young adults in their pursuit of literature. I also think it helps that the pages are easy to navigate and appealing. They are free of clutter and appear to be a site designed for YA readers by YA readers.
This site can be used in the classroom to encourage students to blog about their own YA literature experiences. As a business teacher I can see the benefits of an online scavenger hunt on the site. Scavenger hunts require students to search for information throughout the web site and offers them the opportunity to read most of the site and gain meaningful knowledge.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Who Moved My Cheese
Title: Who Moved My Cheese?: For Teens
Arthur: Dr. Spencer Johnson
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons
Genre: Informational Books
Summary: As a business education teacher namely marketing I am challenged with incorporating relevant novels into the course. I have selected 2 books that illustrate skills necessary for their continued success. There are few things in life that are constant. As a matter of fact I have heard that there is but one thing that’s constant and that is change. As teens a part of life that can make or break them is how well they deal with change. I introduce this book once I rearrange the room and I hear the murmuring and complaining from the students. I then tell them they have their next assignment is a book assignment. They of course complain and but want to read the book to determine what I am referring to.
The book starts with a group of teens gathered at lunch in the cafeteria and a student begins to tell the parable of two mice Sniff and Scurry and two little people Hem and Haw and their adventures in a maze. While in the maze both groups are in pursuit of cheese. Cheese leads to happiness for both groups. The problem comes in when the cheese is “moved” and they have to decide what to do since it is gone. In summary they run around daily looking for cheese. Both groups find cheese at Station “C” and they assume there will always be cheese there. Once the supply is gone Hem and Haw complain and return daily to the place where cheese once was seeking cheese. Change had happened and they were not able to change with it and find themselves wasting away because they didn’t want to change. On the other hand sniff and scurry sought out a new supply of cheese and found it.
By the end of the story they are more than excited to come up with their own parable about change and how they handle change. The most amazing thing is that they can always identify with change and find that one of the characters identifies closely with their response to change. This is a great book for young adult readers.
Reaction: It has been said that the only constant is change. The ability of students to adapt to change will be the difference in how students handle the changes in their lives. There is no one can accurately predict what will happen in life but it has been said that life is less what happens to us and more how we handle what happens to us. Learning to embrace and adapt to change can give my students a advantage over similar students in the same situation.
Application: This book can be used in almost every classroom. It is written specifically for teenagers and the theme can be translated to several subject areas. In science they can delve into how the scientific method could be used to solve the dilemma of having no more cheese. In English it lacks the literary techniques of some works but allows the students to use foreshadowing and the use of parables in literature. In math they can use formulas to predict the supply of cheese and when it would run out. In social studies they can use it to explore supply and demand.
Who might use this book: middle and high school students
The Hunger Games
Title: The Hunger Games
Arthur: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic Books
Genre: Adventure
Summary: Have you considered what the World will look like in the future? When in the future? Well that’s one of the detail left to the readers’ imagination. The World as we know has changed and everything pertaining to it. Imagine a futurist World called Panem where everyone has been reduced to survival of the fittest. There are only 12 districts and each one produces something different and their living conditions differ. There is a capitol that lies in the middle of the district that controls the district. There once was a 13th district insurrection rose up and they were defeated. In order to keep the other 12 districts in line the capitol host the annual Hunger Games. The games pit the 12 districts against one another in a fight to the death. Yes a fight to the death. Two people are selected from each district to compete in the Hunger games that are televised to every citizen in Panem. The startling thing is that kids are selected to participate in the hunger games. Yes kids and they are expected to kill one another until only one survives. You journey with the tributes as they fight to stay alive in the game. You follow the lives of the tributes of district 12 quite possibly one of the poorest districts. Katniss and Peeta are the tributes from district 12. How did Katniss become a tribute? What relationship goes Peeta and Katniss have before the games? Will they survive? Can they win coming from one of the poorest districts? If you want to know the answers to these questions you have to read this fast pace, well written and creative story.
Reaction: While this story is entertaining it deals with a lot of underlying issues of society. Acceptance, survival and courage are all concepts dealt with in this wonderful story. What is the government's role in the life of its citizens? Are we more than our address and location? As I read this book I had self reflection of my hometown Macon, GA. Although I could list numerous accomplishments of this city they have been marred by the recent crime and economic decline. Are we any less civilized or able to succeed? I think not but as outlined in this book it is always interested to see how people view you because of where you live. If you pick it up you may not be able to put it down.
Application: I used this book and its recent movie release to spark allow my students to create a marketing campaign for the book. The students created a commercial, posters and ads to help promote the book.
Animal Farm
Title: Animal Farm
Author: George Orwell
Publisher: Secker and Warbug
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: From the writer who brought you 1984 come a good hard look at the Russian revolution. Instead of telling the story from the perspective of human Orwell uses animals to show how power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The rise of Stalin as the leader of Russia was truly one to be studied for the leader who was not to be became the leader who was. The story takes place on Manor Farm which is ran by a farmer named Mr. Jones. The only thing we know about Mr. Jones is that he "exploits" the animals labor for self gain. Old Major a wish pig calls a meeting of all the animals and tells them how they can live in harmony with each other and free from the tyranny of man. He outlines the ideals of animalism and that all animals are equal (this is really important). Old Major is just that old and dies in his sleep. The animals form a plan to rid themselves of Mr. Jones and they succeed. The revolt is successful. Snowball and Napoleon (two pigs) become the leaders of the farm. Snowball initially is the leader but through deception and forming a secret police using puppies takes control of the farm. Suddenly everyone isn't equal and the rules change overnight. What will happen to Animal Farm? How did it go back to Manor Farm? Is there anything wrong with trading?
Reaction: I don't know a lot about the Russian revolution and the rise of Stalin but this is an interesting book. Using animals was shear genius because it removes the charisma associated with dictators. The ideals of this utopian society has been preached for centuries and at first it appears its effective. If everyone works then everyone prospers. Yeah right! There is no perfect society and their will always be those who lead and those who follow. The irony is no matter how much things have changed (technology, education and progress) things remain the same. People are still looking for someone else to solve their problems and someone willing to say I can solve your problems.
Application: There are also a plethora of ways this book can be used in the classroom. As of now this is required reading in literature classes all over the country. This book illustrates many of the events that occurred that lead up to World War II. It can be used as a literary piece in the a literature classroom. It can be used to tie historical events in social studies. It can be used to discovered the effectiveness of law in a civics classroom. It can also be used to explore the concepts of trade in an economics classroom. I can use it in a marketing class to discuss the power of propaganda. The students would also create posters to hail Napoleon as leader.
Who might use this book: Middle and High School Students
Pretty Little Liars
Title: Pretty Little Liars
Author: Sara Shepherd
Publisher: Harper Teen
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: I stepped out my normal boundaries with this book, aided by a sixteen year old niece I had to see what excited her so much. Pretty Little Liars tells the story of four high school friends Spencer, Emily, Hanna, and Aria, who try to solve the missing person case of their best friend Allison DiLaurentis. Allison went missing during their 7th grade year while at a sleepover at Spencer’s house. She walked out after a disagreement with Spencer and was never seen again. The story tell each girl's story. Who knew that each of them has a major secret that they don’t want each other to know. Little do they know someone knows each one of their secrets, which leads to blackmail and betrayal. After years of searching for Allison's body to no avail until someone moved in the DiLaurentis’ old house. The people who moved in the house wanted to build a tennis court in their backyard, and when they began preparing for the foundation they discovered Allison’s body. Things get even stranger after that they begin to receive text messages from an unknown source. At first they don’t tell each other, but they finally sit down and discuss the texts. This initially complicates their lives but leads in the right direction to solve the murder of their friend.
Reaction: This book was an eye opener. As a high school teacher this novel gave me a glimpse into the high school environment especially the interaction of a girl group also called a clique. The suspicion and intrigue of the book was captivating. It left me wanting to know and read more. Reading the novel has made me want to read the entire series and watch the television series.
Application: This book may be best used in a leisure setting due to some of the materials in the book, but it’s a marvelous novel to read if you are a teenager. This book will captivate teenage girls, because it is mostly relates to females due to the fact it’s about girls. I really enjoyed this novel, and encourage others to read.
Who might use this book: Middle and High School Students
Fahrenheit 451
Title: Fahrenheit 451
Author: Ray Bradbury
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Intellectual Freedom
Summary: Have you ever considered what it would be like if there were no books? A word with no written words? What if your concept of a fire fighter was totally changed? The story centers around a firefighter by the name of Guy Montag, and his journey of finding his true happiness through books. I know your thoughts are what does a firefighter have to do with books you'll have to read the book to find out. In a censored society no one was allowed to read. He is awaken to the freedom of reading and the ability to think and imagine. But he is not alone he is joined in his pursuit by Faber and Clarisse who have the same interest as he does. They help guide him in his journey to read and discover. Montag’s pill addicted wife shared the love of books as well, but she turns her back on him, because they are breaking the law. Montag becomes an enemy of the state. Does he obey the law and burn down his own house? Will he turn his back on everything and escape? Will he be killed? Learn the fate of Montag in this awesome book that challenges the norms and paints a grim picture of a future without books.
Reaction: What would the word be like with limited intellectual freedom? As I read this book all I could think of was the question is reading a right or a privilege. I see reading and education as a right! For a government any government to restrict people from reading was beyond me. But then I looked around and discovered that with the advances in technology are we voluntarily moving toward a society that no longer values literature. In recent newspaper have decreased the number of printed papers in favor of an online presence while channels have increased. Personally I find less and less time to read for pleasure but still find time to catch up on my latest shows. Could it be that we will not need the government to tell us not to read we will stop doing ourselves. But there is hope especially in YA literature with media blitzs and word of mouth many title have become best sellers and have even gone on to become (dare I say) movies! I don't think a time will ever come where we all will reject reading but we have choice to open a book and allow it to take us to farthest reaches of time and space or allow Hollywood to interpret it for us. The choice is yours.
Application: There are a plethora of ways this book can be used in the classroom. As of now this is required reading in literature classes all over the country. This book like 1984 shows the reader what the future can hold for a society that allows itself to be censored. Beyond the literature classroom it can be used in social studies as a means to interpret laws and society. It may also be used in a sociology and psychology class to spark dialogue about censorship and its affect on a society. I could use this book in marketing to discuss the implications of such laws and how effective marketing can be used to propel such censorship. I can even see it used in a science classroom to help guide students in discovery learning. What temperature does a book burn at? What chemical changes take place as a book burns? How long does it take a book to burn? With a little imagination this book could spark great dialogue in the classroom.
Who might use this book: Middle and High School Students
A Doll's House
Title: A Doll’s house
Author: Henrik Ibsen
Publisher: Dover Publications
Genre: Plays
Summary: After a challenge from a student last year I had the opportunity to read A Doll’s House. This fantastic book is a Realistic Dramatic play centered around money. Money is a central theme and the plot revolves around it. The main characters are a married couple Torvold and Nora Helmer. The couple and their kids are now accustomed to living a comfortable life. An irony occurs because her husband Torvold despises debt but Nora a secret that could destroy their family. One secret that is seemingly under control soon becomes more than a secret. It appears the perfect storm arises as creditor works for the debtors spouse and is fired. A family friend is dying and professes their love. What better scene for things to transpire than a costume party? What will years of betrayal and lies lead to? How can trust be restored? Is it ever restored?
This play is timeless as it speaks to issues surrounding marriages, trust, betrayal and if possible forgiveness?
My Reaction: After reading and analyzing this play I realized that it was very broad and over the top. Once I finished reading the play as a whole the tile “A Doll’s House” became more vivid to me in its meaning. In the play Nora was very hard to understand and sometimes even came off as being fake or unreal. Nora reminded me of a Barbie doll living under someone else’s ( Her husband) circumstances. In the scenes of the play it was obvious that Nora was not being herself but she was being who her husband wanted her to be.
Application: This work can easily be used in a literature class to understand the dynamics of marriage and trust. It can also be used in a theater class to help students discover how to portray underlying emotions. The play is packed with emotion and intrigue from the characters that can only be portrayed through the actors actions. I can also this piece being used in social studies to help students understand the family unit, distresses and issues of that time.
Who might use this book: Middle and High School Students
Resources that Matter
Young Adult Literacy Resource
Often times students have a difficult time deciphering viable sources from frivolous ones. As a teacher my goal is always to inspire students to dig deeper in order to understand what they are reading. Of course their is sometimes opposition but some eventually see the value in background knowledge. As a means to help them grow in their ability to acquire background knowledge I try to provide them with sources to aid them in their searches. I call it allowing them to ride with training wheels.
This site is super awesome in that aspect. Eastern Washington University's Library provides a website that has many resources to aid in gather background knowledge as well as including book lists, background information on authors, links to professional journals and much more. The site is very user friendly and students find it to easy to use and the resources easy to understand.
Often times students have a difficult time deciphering viable sources from frivolous ones. As a teacher my goal is always to inspire students to dig deeper in order to understand what they are reading. Of course their is sometimes opposition but some eventually see the value in background knowledge. As a means to help them grow in their ability to acquire background knowledge I try to provide them with sources to aid them in their searches. I call it allowing them to ride with training wheels.
This site is super awesome in that aspect. Eastern Washington University's Library provides a website that has many resources to aid in gather background knowledge as well as including book lists, background information on authors, links to professional journals and much more. The site is very user friendly and students find it to easy to use and the resources easy to understand.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Web 2.0 - Literacy Helps
Merging technology and literacy is a passion of mine. I am super excited to be able to help equip teachers with the tools necessary to merge the two. In the past there have been many who thought technology and literacy were arch enemies. There must be an incorporation of technology to engage students in literacy. Technology can be an especially effective tool for motivating reluctant readers. These are all FREE resources. Happy days are here!!!
Looking for a new way to create digital media from screen shots. Screenr allows the user to use the monitor as a video camera and capture that which is on the screen while adding audio to the recording. The implications are plentiful. The user can create photo stories, bring PowerPoints to life and written text. I have used this to teach lessons in the classroom as well as provide assistance to absent students. Instead of having to reteach the same lesson the teacher is able to use resources efficiently.
Animoto
Ever considering creating a video slideshow. I created one of rural America to introduce a book called "Blood Done Signed My Name". The pictures of the South in the 60s with a soundtrack including Sam Cook and the Blind Boys of Alabama sparked their interest. They were enthusiastic about learning the materials after seeing the video. When I allowed several of the students to borrow the 2 copies I had they all came back and said they could see scenes from the video as they read the book. An interesting way to incorporate literacy and technology.
Xtranormal - Bring Stories Alive
Using Avatars and text bring your stories to life. What a way to create buzz about a story. This website allows the user to choose the scene, avatars, movements and text. This can be used as a project to replace the traditional book report. It could also be used to create commercials about the books or present the books in group presentations.
A wealth of interactive flash cards are at your fingertips. Students can use these flashcards to study vocabulary, introduce vocabulary or create new ones based on the books they are reading.
Create funny talking animal videos. The possibilities are endless. This resource is so easy to use that it only takes about 30 seconds to create and publish your own blabberize.
Does your school have user friendly teacher websites. If not you can get a user friendly, flash ready website through teacher weebly. This site has been designed especially for teachers and allows the user to create an extremely user friendly format to create a workable teacher site.
Popplet
Graphic organizers meet technology. The possibilities of this resource are limitless in the classroom. It is an interactive corkboard, graphic organizer, collaboration tool and so much more. Students can organize thoughts on stories and in real time post comments and get feedback. This is a really cool site to explore.
Teacher Cast
YouTube blocked in your school. Add your favorite videos, podcasts and your newly created screen casts to teacher cast and be able to view them in the classroom. This is a powerful resource to incorporate multimedia in the classroom.
Edmodo
You you ever consider an online classroom. Using Edmodo the teacher can create a online environment. The capabilities of this environment are numerous. In my current classroom we use it fro blogging, assignments, assessments, collaboration and much more. You are able to assignment and assess assignments with feedback. I challenged myself to decrease paper consumption and I went from using 3 cases a semester to at this point I have only used 4 reams of paper. This is a great tool.
Young Adult Literacy Blog
This blog was created as a class project but I intend to create a viable resource for parents and students alike. I hope that my transformation from reluctant reader to avid reader will help students understand the importance of literacy. By previewing books students will be enticed to read them to find out what lies ahead for them. As a marketing teacher I plan to present this novels in such a way that the students will be captivated by the synopsis and inquire about acquiring the titles. There will also be resources for teachers and students. Although the resources are presented in a way for teachers to use them to aid literacy in the classroom the students will be able to use them to make bring literacy alive.
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