Melissa Prendys’ seventh-grade honors students just finished a project that had them reading a nonfiction book and then creating a website and podcast about it.

 

The students chose their book out of five suggested by Ms. Prendys: A Storm Too Soon, Rising Water, The Red Bandana, The Finest Hour and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. They worked in small groups, each taking turns at being the podcaster, the main character, the videographer.

 

 

They worked with tech coach Hope Schaumburg, who taught them how to build a website and create the podcast using Canva.

 

The students kept a digital notebook and met several times to discuss their interactions. They recorded the podcast and then rerecorded it when they decided they were speaking too quickly. They stayed true to their character when interviewed for the podcast to describe how the action in the book affected them.

 

When the work was done, they went in their groups and listened to each group’s podcast and went through the websites. At the end, they contributed positive comments about each group’s work.

 

Ms. Prendys said many students at this age aren’t fans of non-fiction. This project certainly increased their interest. Next up: historical fiction, Ms. Prendys’ favorite!