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Developed by Vanessa Rankin-Hume,
Allanson Primary School, WA
Vanessa Rankin-Hume, Teacher/Librarian at Allanson PS developed
an interesting program for students in the Middle Childhood/Early
Adolescence Phases of Development. The program combines Reading,
Viewing, Speaking and Listening, learning technologies, critical
literacy skills and collaboration with students outside Allanson
PS to support Book Week 2001.
While this program was designed to support Book Week 2001, it
could be adapted to incorporate into future Book Weeks or you
could use some of the ideas if your students are examining other
book awards such as WAYRBA.
- Allanson PS is a small school on the outskirts
of Collie in the South West of WA.
- Students involved were in Years 5, 6 &
7.
- Project Name - Battle of the Books
- Battle of the Books was initiated
in 2000 in conjunction with Book Week. The aim was to develop
a project that combined learning technologies, critical
literacy skills and collaboration with other schools in
Collie.
- In 2000 the project began with two schools,
Allanson & Fairview Primary Schools and also the Collie
Public Library. In 2001, other schools in town indicated
that they would like to participate.
| Project
Outline |
- Place students in small literature circle
groups.
- Students read and discuss each of the Picture
Books & books in the Early Childhood
categories short listed by the CBC and complete
a variety of tasks such as a critical analysis
of each of the books, a book review, character
webs, story webs (using Inspiration software)
or an art response as relevant to the particular
book. Not every activity is stipulated for every
book.
- A web site, designed by Alison Kidman, Technology
Manager, Allanson PS showcased the student's
work, including photographs of artwork completed.
Teachers at other participating schools had
access to the web site and also placed their
children's work on the site.
- An initiative in 2001 was online chat. Students
had access to a site where they could chat with
children at other schools about the short listed
books. The chat site was organised through Telstra
BigPond.
- Once all six short-listed books had been discussed
and analysed by each group, the groups choose
a winner and two honour books
that they believe will win, or should win. Groups
must justify their selection and decide how
to present this information, for example PowerPoint
presentation, dramatical reading, reader's theatre,
charts.
- The groups present their winners to
a school audience (other classes, at assembly).
- Two groups are chosen to represent the school
at a public presentation on the first day of
Book Week at the Collie Public Library. Guests
from the Council, local newspaper, parents,
teachers, Principals are invited along. Children
from all schools participating present their
winners.
- After the student presentations the Town Librarian
(to drum roll) unveils the real Winner and Honour
books to children and guests.
- Follow-up discussion about the winners and
students' choices.
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| Key
Focus Questions |
- Which book do you think should win this year's
Children's Picture Book of the Year Award? Why?
- Which book do you think should win this year's
Children Picture Book for Younger Readers Award?
Why?
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| Learning
Areas |
- English and Technology and Enterprise Learning
Areas (directly)
- The Arts and Society & Environment (indirectly)
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| Overarching
Outcomes |
1
Students use language to understand,
develop and communicate ideas and information and
interact with others.
4
Students select use and adapt
technologies.
10
Students participate in creative
activity of their own and understand and engage
with the artistic, cultural and intellectual work
of others.
12
Students are self-motivated
and confident in their approach to learning and
are able to work individually and collaboratively. |
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