Read Around the Planet

I've been looking forward to this session because I'll be meeting via IVC with Janine Lim, whose Out on a Lim blog I've been reading for several months. Janine is sharing two projects she's initiated for the Berrien County Intermediate School District in Michigan.

• Mystery Quest - Middle schools project that are project based and FREE and tie into district standards and curriculum. Janine has posted resources online to go with the project. She shared some sample clips from an elementary and middle school Mystery Quest. She can bridge multi-point IVCs for conferences going beyond point-to-point. The format is generally 2.5 hours, starting with an introduction (just to test audio - which is key with this project). Students move on to the presentations, taking notes as they go. Janine sets the clock and groups head off to do the research. Forty minutes later, students return and are allowed to ask one clarifying question. Five to ten minutes to reconsider answers - then they return and share their answers.


• Read Around the Planet - Sponsored by the organization Twice, it's a celebration of Dr. Suess's birthday. (Used to be called Read Across America.) Project started locally - and has exploded! Timeline: Register in November. Before teachers can sign up in December, connectivity must be verified. Tip: Be flexible in the time slots. If you want to connect with UK, sign up for early morning times. Teachers notified in February and then it's up to them to work out details for Feb 25 - March 4 dates.


• World Language Day - Added to the mix last year. Fun way to match up with another class studying Spanish or French. Teachers can pick their level.

This was a great 30-minute session! I'm looking forward to connecting Elk Grove students with Michigan students.