Mortimer

           

            Assuming that most have read, or at least heard of Robert Munsch’s Mortimer, we can agree that if this book taught us anything, it’s that children LOVE to hear the sound of their own voice.  My curiosity as a teacher revolves around how we can harness that childhood desire to be LOUD, and constructively explore functions such as voice, sound and oracy in a way that still piques student interest.   New technological advancements, such as podcasting, create the perfect outlet for doing just that.  When we began this discussion in class, there were many ideas and activities suggested that identified the functional aspects of podcasts.  For instance, children could develop interview skills by putting together a radio show based on information they have previously researched.  Not only is this interactive and imaginative, but it is also a useful representation of their skill-set.  Apart from these helpful ideas, I still left feeling unsure of how to utilize podcasting in the classroom, and so I did a little searching online.  

I found a fantastic YouTube video that not only gives background information on podcast development, but also includes helpful tips on how to incorporate podcasting into your classroom routine.  For instance, the video emphasizes how podcasts can be used for both the production and reception of information; students can either listen to a particular podcast and respond, or demonstrate their knowledge by creating one of their own.  Not only were student activities outlined, but the video also provided feedback on how teachers could use podcasts for their own research, organization and lesson planning.

"Podcasting in the Classroom"   

In addition to this instructional video, I found an online link to an informative article that compiled subject-specific podcasts.  The article is titled “80 Excellent Podcasts for Every Type of Classroom,” and has a wealth of material that would be incredibly useful for us new teachers.  The subject divisions were also beneficial as they clearly identified teacher resources versus those which could be tailored for classroom use. 

"80 Excellent Podcasts for Every Type of Classroom" 

Another website, “PodFeed.net,” comprises an entire database of podcast listings that could be manipulated for the classroom.  I experimented with different searches, and found a link to an English storyteller who reads fairy tales.  Something like this could be great in a primary classroom, either as an introduction to a new ELA unit, or simply for use during quiet story time.    

"Kids Stories and Fairy Tales" 

In addition to these podcast ideas, I delved further into VoiceThread and found numerous grade specific projects that piqued my interest.  One Grade 2 focused project stood out mainly because it required a variety of skills, technology based and otherwise.  The students were asked to create their own I-Spy games after first looking at different books in the library, and then bringing in 10 items of their own to use for their game’s construction.  The students were asked to create an avatar of themselves, which was then uploaded to VoiceThread with the aid of the school tech teacher - an asset that not all teachers will have in their arsenal.  The students also took digital pictures of their items, which were also uploaded, and then added their own voices to the interactive game design.  Projects like this are great for us contemporary teachers as they demonstrate how we can enforce reading and writing skills through the use of technology.

I-Spy 

This exploration opened my eyes to the creative and imaginative potential - or opportunity - that podcasting creates.  However, apart from the keen interest students may have for working with and creating podcasts, it is important to note the other benefits that technology provide.  On a simplistic level, the use of recording voice lends another medium for children to work with, and may open more doors for academic progress.  Perhaps you have a student who is uncomfortable with presentations, but giving them the option to record their story and play it back to the class suddenly provides a new-found comfort and confidence amongst their peers.  In this regard, we can see how the opportunities provided by technology are endless, and I welcome the chance to further explore podcast ideas in my future classroom!

PS...In my search for podcasts, I actually found a YouTube clip of Robert Munsch reading Mortimer - just goes to show you how much bedtime story-telling has changed!

Mortimer!