Bookfomercials

Project Title

Bookfomercials!

Grade Levels

Six through Eight / Language Arts / English

Social Studies/Language Arts/Interdisciplinary

Timeline

Once a favorite book has been chosen 4 class periods may be needed to introduce booktalks and how to write and perform booktalks. Booktalks will be written and practiced utilizing peer and teacher review methods.

The culminating event of a video conference will require advanced planning so that the event can be coordinated with a cooperating school. A video conference is a live event that can be taped and shown to classes unable to participate at a scheduled time. This link will provide a basic checklist for planning for a video conference.

Purpose

To motivate students to achieve or exceed the standard of having read twenty-five books or the equivalent a year. This project could also be used as part of an author study, genre study, or to promote RI Children's Book Award or RI Teen Book Award.

Project Overview

Students will read a book they enjoy and then develop a motivational booktalk on that book to promote that book to other students. Ten booktalks will be selected as the best ones to represent a team or grade at the school. Students will participate in the selection process. The culminating event will be a videoconference with another school where students from each school will share booktalks.

Goals

	To increase student motivation to read and demonstrate that reading can be enjoyable.
	To develop writing skills in persuasive writing and summarization.
	To develop and strengthen oral presentation and Videoconferencing skills.

Standards

	A2a The student makes an oral presentation of findings to an audience beyond the school.
	E1a The student reads at least twenty-five books or book equivalents a year.
	E1b The student reads and comprehends at least four books (or book equivalents) about one issue or subject, or four books by a single writer, or four books in one genre and produces evidence of reading. (This project may meet this standard if used as part of an author or genre study.)
	E2b The student produces a response to literature that engages the reader.
	E3c The student prepares and delivers an individual presentation.
	E4a The student demonstrates an understanding of the rules of English language in written and oral work.
	E4b The student analyzes and subsequently revises work to clarify it or make it more effective.
	Information Literacy Standard 5 Students enjoy literature and other creative expressions of information.
	NET Technology Standard 4 Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
	NET Technology Standard 5 Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.

Tasks

Students will read a book that they enjoy. Students will then write and present a booktalk on that book. Students will be introduced to Videoconferencing and presentation skills for Videoconferencing.

Assessments

Students will be assessed on the written booktalk. Students will also be assessed on their presentation of the booktalk. Students who view booktalks will also assess other students as presenters and choose their favorite booktalks. Students will have to identify at least three books they would like to read based on the booktalks.

Possible Oral Presentation Rubric :

Example of an Oral Presentation Rubric

Oral Presentation Rubric

Possible Writing Rubrics for Assessment:

Sample Writing Rubric

Writing Rubric (Print this rubric on a landscape setting.)

Evaluation

Students will complete an evaluation of the project that includes a reflection on how valuable the experience was for them. Student feedback will include responses to:

1. What did you do well when preparing for or giving your booktalk?

2. What would you do differently next time?

3. Was this a valuable learning experience? Why? Or Why not?

4. What recommendations would you make to improve this assignment for the next class?

5. What were the advantages and disadvantages of using a video conference?

6. Any general comments or suggestions?

Teachers participating in the project will also be asked for their feedback.

Resources

Booklists:

http://www.ri.net/RIEMA/b.html

http://www.chariho.k12.ri.us/cms/KelleyKupdate/libbkpg.html

http://www.teenspoint.org/reading_matters/booktalks.asp

Booktalking:

http://www.uelma.org/conven00/booktalk.htm

The ABCs of booktalking.

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/1411/49394

A nice “how to” and resource article written for teachers on booktalking.

http://edweb.tusd.k12.az.us/jlessee/To_Read/to_read_is_to_live.htm

The basics of booktalking written from a project that had secondary students booktalk books to elementary students.

http://www.ala.org/yalsa/profdev/booktalking.html

American Library Association Internet site on booktalking that include examples of booktalks and resources for booktalks.

http://nancykeane.com/booktalks/

Booktalks by subject and author as well as basic tips on booktalking.

http://www.stemnet.nf.ca/CITE/lang_book_talks.htm

Tips for creating booktalks.

http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/selectboo.htm

A bibliography of resources on booktalks.

http://www.albany.edu/~dj2930/aboutbt.html

Basic guidelines and a bibliography of resources are available at this location.

PowerPoint Presentation on Booktalking

This presentation will explain the basics of booktalking. Please add an example of each type of booktalk to model for your students using a title that is appropriate for your grade level.

Booktalk Organizer

This is a graphic organizer to assist students in developing their booktalks.

Contact Person

Ms. Kate Kelley

School Library Media Specialist

Grades 5-8

Chariho Middle School, Woods River Junction, Rhode Island

Kate.Kelley@chariho.k12.ri.us