We are just finishing our first round of book talks in Room 204. I have to say that your children are already looking like they’ve done this before!! Though they (understandably) are nervous, they really pull it all together to present a super book talk. I’m so impressed!
Imagine for a minute all of the skills these children are strengthening in one round of book talks: volume, speed, diction and fluency of voice, eye contact, posture, confidence, audience management, reading and listening comprehension, focus, critical thinking, time management, responsibility, etc… Wow! I imagine you can add to the list when you consider what is done OUTSIDE of school…
Our book talk recordings are posted through a link on our classroom blog, where families are able to view the awesome efforts of these young speakers. Students earn two grades for each presentation; one for content and one for performance.
In Round 1, all students received 4’s, as I know how scary it can be for them. From this point on, student scores will reflect their preparation and presentations. I remind them that after seeing over 250 book talks these past 5 years, I can see how positive effort and careful planning can pay off for students in their presentations.
One night of homework per week is now dedicated to book talk preparation. Your child should be using this time each week to: read, make notes, create supporting materials, check timing, practice, record themselves, etc… More practice = better presentations!
As audience members, we are working on our communication skills, as well. We are learning to ask more thought-provoking questions and make deeper, more meaningful connections with the presenter.
Image created using Stationery Studio from FableVision 🙂
Public speaking is such a valuable skill, and we work hard in third grade to become better oral communicators. With each new round of book talks, your child will become more and more proficient in the art of presenting.
🙂 I hope everyone enjoyed their vacation! Mine was a mix of fun, work, and projects. I’m all ready for what’s coming up in March – lots of new learning!!
🙂 I will be sending another book order home soon. We are using the points earned to buy board books for an upcoming community service project. Stay tuned for more details on this integrated project!
Dream Big,
Project #1: Carson's room
Project 2: Kendyl's room
Before vacation, we fell in love with Kid President as we watched his Pep Talk video. This is his #AwesomeYear video, which might be a little late for the New Year, but making a year awesome for someone else can happen ANYTIME! If you have more ideas on how to make the year awesome for someone else, leave a comment!
Dear 3rd Graders,
My school has the same grading, scores. Not very many people have numbers, it’s mostly letters.
I just got a new blog and would really love if you wrote a comment.
Here’s the link http://www.arisafari.edublogs.org
Thanks
From,
Ari
In Mr.Avery’s class