Tuesday, in class, was another new exciting moment for everyone. As a part of the EETT grant, we are being provided with video cameras, microphones and so much more. To ensure that we are able to make quality films (which may be submitted to the SEVA’s in the spring), Krishna, the Camera Queen, came to show us all about camera shots. She talked with the students about different angles, zooming, and scanning. The students learned how film making is just like story writing through the use of a storyboard. Each shot needs it’s own picture. The students also saw a short clip with various camera angle.  The quick learners were able to accurately tell which type of angle shot was made.  To end the hour, students took turns practicing with a camera themselves.  The noise level in the room showed how enthusiasic the students were to learn and experience film-making in the future.  Now it’s time to think about what kind of movie to make.  If you were to make a film, what do you think would grab the audience’s attention?  We will have to brainstorm some ideas????

On Thursday, the class had a discussion about our first book theme; Bullying. Bullies are a huge topic in school and affect everyone around, not just the victims being “bullied”.  What is a bully to you? How do they affect those around them?

We have officially begun our Fiction unit for In2books. In2books is an online pen pal book club. The students will be reading from 5 different genres throughout the year and corresponding with their very own pen pals who are also reading the same books.

Our first theme of the year is on bullying.  Bullying occurs in all schools, large or small. The students will read about realistic characters who have to deal with bullying firsthand.   Throughout the unit, students will make connections with the stories and discuss their thoughts with other students about the issues of bullying in school.

The students have just received their books and began reading today. We had a brief discussion about the new characters and the plots of the books.  It was tough for some of the students to put their books down when it was time to move on with the day. One student was seen even bringing her book with her to lunch!  Several others had to be asked to put their books away during math time.  I predict that for some of these students, this may be the first chapter book they complete on their own. The energy for reading is high and we are running with it!