Here We Go - First Assignment

Monday, January 25, 2010

Here we go with what I hope will be a fun and interesting project for all the students and teachers that are involved. The first thirty or so pages of Hugo are pictures/illustrations. Great illustrations but when you have to show two pages, then flip the page, view two more pages, you often don't get the full effect or do you. Brian Selznick has made it possible to watch by turning the opening pages into a video. The three questions you are to think about and answer after watching the video and before moving on to the next part of the book are :

1. Why does the boy keep looking behind him?
2. Who is the older man and what role does he play in the story?
3. What importance will clocks have in our story?

Below is the video link to the video. Teachers, If we could have individual students comment rather then whole classes, it would make the discussion more meaningful for all that are involved. Once you have commented on the blog, be sure to check back and see what other students are thinking about the opening scene.

http://www.theinventionofhugocabret.com/slideshow_flash.htm

Book Blog Set

Friday, January 8, 2010

Well after messing up last year by reading this wonderful book to my students and then trying to do it again with the blog in place, I have fixed this issue. My students have no idea what lies ahead for them with this book, project and possible collaboration that may take place.
I am planning on starting this the first week in February. The opening scene has a video that I will post as an alternative for the students. Students are to make predictions on three questions based upon this opening scene. Please try and stop after this opening picture scene and have the students make predictions. They will want you to read on but getting these predictions early will help motivate the students to really think. Most likely you will have to show the video twice or follow it up with the actual book because the students really get hooked.
It is up to each individual teacher if they want their students to post on their own or go ahead as a class. In my eyes, it would be nice to see what each student is thinking and try to create a lot of discussion amongst the students.
Finally, spread the word. I can promise you it will last through the entire book this year, with at least one post per week. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via comments on the blog or my email, phteacher207@gmail.com.