Rachel+Dunbar


 * Lesson Format**

**Subject and Grade Level:** 8th Grade Language Arts
====**Goal**: I have several goals for this lesson. This lesson will help me to learn more about my students through the creation of their All About Me book. I will learn about them personally as far as their life and I will also get a preview as to the kind of writer they are. This can be used as a pre- assessment piece to writing; it will identify some strengths and weakness of their writing. The lesson will require students to present their books so the students will learn quite a bit about their classmate’s lives.====

**__Content Standards__**
====CC.8.W.2 Text Types and Purposes: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.==== ====CC.8.W.2.a Text Types and Purposes: Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.====

====CC.8.W.6 Production and Distribution of Writing: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.====

1. Creativity and Innovation Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students create original works as means of personal or group expression 2. Communication and Collaboration Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats. 3. Digital Citizenship Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students will exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.
 * __NETS-S Standards__**

**Initial Engaging Activity**
====In order to engage the students in the activity, I have created an All About Me and 8th grade Language Arts story. This will help the students learn about me, the class they will be taking, and the technology they will use to create their own book.==== ====I will begin by sharing my book with the students. Once I am done, I will introduce the students to Story Jumper, the tool they will be using to create their All About Me Book. I will begin by creating a few pages with my class. I will show them the tools necessary to begin the project (props, scenes, photos, text). Then I will provide them with their user names to explore the tool to practice making pages.====

**Concept Development**
====Once the students have become familiar with Story Jumper, it will be easy for them to complete. I will have them make at least two practice pages in which I will check before they are able to begin to create their book. I will encourage students to share what they have learned with one another to get more familiar with Story Jumper.==== ====They will be provided with a list of topics in which they can discuss within their All About Me Book. This is a 16 page book and I want them to do some preparation on paper before beginning their book using the program. I will suggest students record their ideas on post its so they can manipulate them to find where that idea will fit best in their book. Once they have brainstormed and recorded the majority of the information they want to include in their book, they will have the option to use the laptops in the classroom to begin their project.==== ====Students will work individually on their book and collaborate with others to get ideas. As they are working I will walk around to provide assistance. I am going to allow the students to work on their book for three days. If I find that they need more time, I will add a day.====

**Reinforcing Activity**
====Once all students have completed their book, they will present it to the class using the projector to show their pages of the book. They will be required to read their book to the class making sure they are speaking loud and clear. Their presentations will display their knowledge of Story Jumper, their creativity, and overall effort. This will take about one to two class periods.==== ====To end the lesson I will have students complete the following journal: I am sure you have made traditional paper made books before this week, but I want to know what you think about Story Jumper. Be specific as to what you liked, or did not like, about the program and making your book this way. Do you have any suggestions as to making the book easier?====

Peer Comments:

 * ====This is a great icebreaker to use at the beginning of the year.====
 * This is a great opener for teacher to project goals and set rules for the year.
 * Appropriate for 8th grade because students will be able to utlize program with ease and little assistance.


 * This lesson is very detailed and well layed out. We felt we could pick this up and use it.
 * This could be use for more than 8th grade. Many grade levels would benefit from this lesson.


 * Media that was used was clear and functional.
 * Students might enjoy having a choice of media types to utlize.
 * Perhaps an extention could use different media.