Dystopian Booktalks

Presented by: Abby Cornelius

Subject Area(s):

Grade Level(s):

Description:

To enhance the experience of reading curricular novels such as 1984, and Fahrenheit 451 students are introduced to a long list of fiction books with a dystopian theme. Students are introduced to these books through creative booktalks “performed” by the library media specialists. Students then choose any book from the list that they are interested in reading. They have most of the quarter to read the book and upon completion, students create a script for a persuasive podcast intended to convince others to read the book. In the classroom, students are instructed on and must use 1 of the 8 persuasive techniques in their podcast. Students use Audacity to create the podcast, and add appropriate music, which contributes to the persuasiveness of the podcast. After creating the podcast, students design a digital book cover to represent their podcast. Finally, all book covers are posted on a website and when clicked, the podcast plays. Students listen to at least 5 other podcasts and evaluate them for effectiveness and quality

Materials:

1) dystopian books, 2) rubric for grading the podcast and book cover, 3) assignment sheet provided to students before beginning the podcast assignment, 4) record sheet for students evaluating the podcasts of others


OTHER MATERIALS REQUIRED

Audacity software, scanners, digital cameras, headphones, royalty free music CDs or websites, microphones, website, wiki, or blog for posting.


SOURCES/CREDITS

Assignment-Shelly Weir & Jim Rosenberger

Rubric-Terri Snethen & Abby Cornelius

Book list & book talks-Terri Snethen & Abby Cornelius

Procedures:

Pre-Planning:  TL’s pre-planning will include the preparation of the book list and booktalks to introduce students to the dystopian literature.  CA teachers create the assignment sheet to introduce the unit to students while LMS creates the rubric. 

 

Day 1: Media Center

Direct Instruction

Independent Practice


Weeks 1 – 9:
Classroom

Direct Instruction

Independent Practice

 

Day 2: Media Center

Direct Instruction

 

Independent Practice:

 

Days 3-4: Media Center

Direct Instruction

 

Modeling and Guided Practice 

 

Independent Practice

 

Days 5-6: Media Center

Independent Practice:

 

Day 7: Media Center

Sharing and Reflecting:

Supporting Files:

Standards: