Book Project #3- Understanding Characters: Creating a Voki

1.  Complete the graphic organizer on Understanding Characters and Analyzing Dialogue. 
2.  Click here to create your own Voki
3.  Customize your Character

4.  Copy the embed code and create a post on the blog.  Include both Vokis in the same blog post.  You should also email yourself a copy of the Voki so you have an extra copy.

Lois Lowry and The Giver

We are beginning out unit on Lois Lowry and The Giver.  Today you are going to learn about Lois Lowry.  Using the links below, complete the graphic organizer.

Resources:
Scholastic biography of Lois Lowry
Learning About Lois Lowry
Awards Lois Lowry has received
A video interview with Lois Lowry

iMovie Book Trailer Finishing Touches

So...you finished your iMovie Book Trailer Project.  You've written your reflection and posted your Trailer onto your blog.  Now what?

Today you are going to create a QR code that people can scan with a smart phone, iPod or iPad and watch your movie. Pretty cool, right?  Here's what you need to do:

1.  Find a image of your Book Cover
2.  Copy and Paste in into a WORD DOCUMENT (in formatting remember to wrap text "tight")
3. Add your first name to the document
4.  Go to your iMovie in my You Tube Channel.  Click here to get to my channel.
5.  Copy the URL address of your movie.
6.  Click here to go to the QR Code Generator website
7.  Paste the URL into the box.  Click generate.  A cool QR Code should appear!
8.  Copy your QR code
9.  Paste QR Code on WORD DOCUMENT with Book Cover
10.  Print a color copy of this document

Uploading your Book Trailer to the Blog

Congratulations!  You finished your Book Trailers!  You worked really hard and made some amazing Book Trailers.  I am very proud of all of you.  Today you need to upload the Book Trailers to the blog and write a Reflection on the project that you will post on the blog as well.

Post your Book Trailer to the Blog

Here's what you need to do:

1.  Click here to go to my Barnard School You Tube site. 
2.  Find your Book Trailers under uploads.  Click on the title.
3.  Scroll below your video and click on the share button on the right.
4.  Click on embed
5.  Copy the embed code in the box
6.  Sign into your blog (or the class blog)
7.  Click on new post on top of page
8.  Title your post the name of your book trailer
9.  Click on the HTML tab on the top left
10.  paste (command v) your embed code into the post box
11.  Click publish.  View Blog to be sure it worked!

Write your Reflection:

1.  Click here to view Reflection Questions
2.  Type your Reflection in Google Drive
3.  Pront a copy for Ms. casassa
4.  Post a copy as a comment under your Book Trailer 

Creating a Book Trailer with iMovie

Today you are going to add music to your Book Trailer.

Here are some things you'll need to know how to do:

1.  How to Convert You Tube Videos into a MP3 File--If you want to use a song from You Tube, you need to convert it into a MP3 file by using a Conversion Tool.

Click here to use the Converter Tool

Then, simply copy the URL of the You Tube video into the box, click convert and then download your MP3 File.  It will be in your iTunes library in iMovie.

2.   Click here to learn how to use a Voice Over in iMovie

3.  Click here to learn how to add audio to iMovie

Book Project #2--Create your own Book Trailer

You have finished your independent reading book, now you are going to create a Book Trailer based on the book.  A Book Trailer is a lot like a movie trailer--a short clip that pulls you into the book and makes you want to read it.  The music, pictures and captions all spark the viewer's interest.  Book Trailers are short--they either create the mood, sum up the theme or the main problem of the book.  Today we're going to watch some Book trailers and discus how they were made and why they work.

Things to consider as you view the Book Trailers: 

Do they speak or are only words used?

How did they use music?

Did they use still pictures or actors?

How did they use writing to grab your attention?

How much information did they give the viewer?

How did they create interest?

Watch a couple different trailers for Legend.  Think about what's the same in all three and what's different.






A Monster Calls



This Dark Endeavor

Sean Griswold’s Head

 

The Fault in Our Stars
 

The Tell Tale Heart - 1953 narrated by James Mason

Edgar Allan Poe Author Study

You have learned about Edgar Allan Poe, read his famous poem, "The Raven," and started "The Tell Tale Heart."  Today you are going to choose one of his more famous short stories to read.  You may visit this website:  PoeStories website and look at his short stories or choose from one of the three below that I have recommended.  DO NOT READ "The Tell Tale Heart"!!!  We are reading that together tomorrow.

•  "Murders in the Rue Morgue"

•  "Pit and Pendulum"

• "Cask of Amontillado"

After you read the story, complete worksheet about the literary elements. You may click here for a copy.

 Enjoy the stories and Happy Halloween from the inventor of the Horror genre!

Web Search Strategies Lesson

Search Engines

•  Click here for Kid Friendly Search Sites
• Instagrok 
• Google Advanced Search

Some Search Tips

Research Sites

• Click here to check out this Livebinder on Colonial America--Great resources here for research and projects!

• Click here to go straight to page on Colonial America

"All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury

"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

Before we read Poe's famous poem, "The Raven," watch The Simpson's version in their House of Horrors series.


Click here to read "The Raven" 

Click here for a copy of "The Raven" reading questions and comprehension activities.

Click the image below to read "The Raven"online.  Use the interactive tool to enhance your understanding of the poem.

When you finish, go to PoeStories website and choose one of Poe's short stories to read.  Do not read "The Tell Tale Heart."  I'd recommend "Murders in the Rue Morgue," "Pit and Pendulum," or "Cask of Amontillado."