Last week I started a wonderful adventure with a classroom several states away. On Twitter I saw a request for a 4th grade class looking to share a book experience together using skype. I had done this with a small group of at risk readers (boys) last year and the response was phenomenal, so I decided to jump on this invitation to see how it would play out full group. I have been just as impressed!
The other teacher (Ms. Bergin) from OldBon Elementary in Missouri and I chatted via email to set up the formalities. We decided that reading Number the Stars would be a great option for our students. I love to bring in historical fiction when I can, plus we had a biography unit coming up, so I figured it might be a nice tie in. Basically we wanted to make the process as easy as possible…we would read the book with our studetns and convene on Fridays to let the kids talk about the books. Although we’d have some questions in mind, we would let the students guide the discussion.
Right away I saw the engagement of my readers. It was partially the topic of the book which they always find intriguing. For many of them, this is their first experience of learning about World War II and the Nazis…and it’s hard to wrap your head around. The story is a bit of a mystery as well, which keeps kids wondering what has happened, and what is right around the corner. It was fun to see the excitement in their eyes, and the horror, as we talked about what was happening throughout the book. I was also impressed by the quiet kids who took a chance and stood up to share in the skype atmosphere. I didn’t make anyone talk, but I don’t think there was anyone who chose not to. Somehow I think they felt safer knowing that the other kids were in the screen and although they were right there staring at them, they weren’t actually “right there” staring at them.
Skype has always intimidated me. I’m not sure why. I’m pretty techie. I can problem solve a lot of tech problems. But somehow the idea of being online with another class and not knowing how my students will act…or more importantly what they will say to a stranger (I forget that most kids, no matter where there are from…and most teachers know that all kids no matter where they are from…say silly and uneducated things from time to time.) I had nightmares of coming across this amazing class of students who were way more educated then us–sounding brilliant, and then “Bobby” in my class making some comment about how he was surprised they spoke English in Missouri (because you know, it might as well be a million miles away…as a matter of fact most of my students had no idea where it was…sadly). Anyway, I should have known…they were just another regular class who– shouted out, and had kids who said silly things, and who got distracted from time to time…just like us.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. I am so thrilled that my students had a chance to meet new friends, from a land far away (ha!) and had the chance to get excited to share their thinking with others!
TE(A)CHing in a NEW AGE 