We are planning out podcast episodes in communications class. Students always want to jump in and record early, but planning is so essential. I was wracking my brain for a way to keep their interest in the planning process when it hit me...make it fun and creative!
The podcasting unit created by NPR is what I'm following and I highly recommend it, but the lesson for planning was to discuss and write about some heavy questions. I worried that students would not be able to do this effectively in a collaborative group. When writing is required, I usually see one student writing and the rest get distracted.
Instead, they were tasked with answering and discussing the questions using their "magic toolbox"! It contained, playdoh, googlie eyes, a yellow legal pad, sticky notes, sentence strip, and a sharpie. The magic really happened! EVERY student was engaged with their group. Their creations were creative and they reported that using the playdoh reminded them what it was like to be a kid again.
Every single group came up with a driving question for their episode and brainstormed some details about what they would do during the episode. Many students reported that these tools helped them think of more ideas than they normally would.
A day in middle school...with playdoh. It was a good day!
What an awesome idea! I'm going to steal it, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! They'll remember today's class for a long time.
ReplyDeleteLove this. We used Play-doh early in the year and the kids loved it. Looking for other ways to use it again.
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