Technological Grand Conversations

• PRINT
• EMAIL

Students respond to their Literature Circle book and to other students who have read the same title. The technology component removes any fear of sharing and encourages students to respond thoughtfully.

OBJECTIVE

Students will:

1. Write a short entry about a character, event, or other aspect of the novel.
2. Respond to other entries in a written "conversation" about the book.
3. Respect the opinions and thoughts of others.

MATERIALS

1. Computer lab or classroom computers.

SET UP AND PREPARE

1. Create a folder on your computers or network for each novel read in the Literature Circle unit where students can post their responses.
2. Brainstorm some possible prompts to begin literature responses, such as:
   • Write about a character in the novel. What kind of person is this character? Did the character change during the book?
   • Comment on the author's use of description or other author's craft in this novel. Are there things a student writer could learn from this author?
   • How would you feel to be in the situation that the main character was in? Would you make the same decisions?

DIRECTIONS
Step 1:
Assign each student to write a response to some aspect of the novel read in their Literature Circle. Save and sign only with initials or class number. Suggest starter prompts such as those above, if desired. Students may either write this on the computer if there is access to a lab or could save to a disc. I have six computers in my classroom, so I designate one computer for each novel and have students rotate out of whole class work to their station throughout the class period.

Step 2:
Allow another of your class hours to read the responses that match the novel they have read and respond, ask questions, or comment on the topics raised. Again, save and sign by initials or number.

Step 3:
Allow the tech conversations to go through all your classes a few times and then announce a deadline for a final entry. Print all the entries for each novel and allow students to reread as desired.

SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS
Every student can offer an opinion, ask a question, or comment on a portion of the novel, so all learners succeed.

LESSON EXTENSION
Have students check the book reviews on Scholastic's Share What You're Reading. Students can also post a review on this site.

ASSESS STUDENTS
I grade students on participation for this activity the first time around. As students gain experience with both live and technological book conversations, the teacher could require a certain number or type of responses and award points accordingly.

ASSIGNMENTS
Each student is required to write and respond to book comments for the Technological Grand Conversation on their Literature Circle novel.

HOME CONNECTION
Invite parents to read the Literature Circle books (they could borrow a copy from the local library). Parents could be involved with the book conversations via email comments or questions.

EVALUATE THE LESSON
Look over the printed transcripts of the conversations. Did everyone participate? Is there a mix of questions, comments, and opinions that keep the conversation going? Were students able to go beyond the superficial chat about the book and discuss the deeper issues and themes?

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