PortablePD.ca

We have been learning about procedural writing in my grade 5/6 class. We have read a number of “How tos” and looked at the characteristics of this form of writing. As a culminating task for this work, the students wrote their own directions on how to do something. I am always surprised by the ideas that they come up with. We learned “How to Get Grounded”, “How to Give a Perfect Manicure”, “How to Check for Monsters Under the Bed”, to name a few. These short pieces of writing lend themselves really well to being included on a podcast. They are short, entertaining and offer the students another way of sharing their work without making podcasting an add on activity.

The real teachable moment in all of this came when, during our writing period, a glazier arrived in our portable to fix our broken window. One of my students immediately came up with the idea to interview our visitor about his job and how he does his work. Having the digital recorder in the classroom meant that we were able to take advantage of this opportunity. We learned about all the steps involved in taking the glass out, cutting glass, replacing the glass and sealing the window. Along with my class I learned about the glazier’s job and the students taught him a bit about podcasting. You can hear the results of this encounter at our student produced podcast PortableRadio.ca – Episode 3 Season 3.

Another window of opportunity for Nathan and me has come with the “Edublog Best Group Blog” nomination. We are both very pleased (and a bit surprised) to get this honour. This nomination has given PortablePd.ca a little more “press”. Our goal with this site has been to get the word out and to provide support for teachers who are interested in podcasting without having to reinvent the wheel. We would appreciate your support in this. You can vote by clicking here.

….continuing the conversation.

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