Deliver a Book Talk Via Skype Lesson Designers: Olivia Carter Sherrie Green Dana Hix Amber Koenig Melissa Robinson

Lesson Standards SL Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. *Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas. SL Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task. SL Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Lesson Objectives Use Skype to deliver a book talk on a children’s book of choice. Identify and explain the use of a literary element within a specific children’s book. Effectively summarize the content of a children’s book.

What do I do? Choose any book that you have already read or have on hand. (i.e. a children’s book, the last book you read, something off your child’s bookshelf, etc.) Choose a literary element that the book provides good examples of. (See this website for definitions of literary elements:

Other examples Irony Author Title Henkes, KevinChrysanthemum Trtivizas, Eugenios The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig Metaphor Author Title Yolen, Jane Owl Moon Motif (reccurring theme, character, or verbal pattern) Author Title Mosel Tikki Tikki Tembo Onomatopoeia Author Title Bunting, Eve Smokey Night Steig Brave Irene Personification Author Title Cronin Click, Clack Moo: Cows that Type Fancher, Lou The Velveteen Rabbit Point of View Author Title Bunting, Eve The Wall Scieszka, Jon The True Story of the Three Little Pigs Simile Author Title Yolen, Jane Owl Moon Symbolism Author Title Polacco, Patricia Pink and Say Ringgold, Faith Tar Beach Say, Allen Grandfather’s Journey Hoffman School Learning Resources Center. (N.D.) Picture books to support the teaching of literary devices. Retrieved from

Ok, now what? By Nov. 16 th, to set up a time with your assigned partner to Skype and deliver your book talk. Partners: – Melissa & Susan – Dana & Rebecca – Sherrie & Kati – Amber & Larry – Olivia & Summer Via Skype – Provide a 1-2 minute summary of the book, and identify and provide evidence for the literary element of your choosing. **All Skype sessions should be completed by Nov. 21 st.**

Rubric for Evaluation Excellent 93%-100%Adequate 83%-92%Deficient <83% Preparation Student has rehearsed and is prepared to deliver book talk. Student has done the reading, but may have needed more rehearsals. Student has not read entire text and is not prepared. Speaking Skills Volume is loud enough to be heard by all. Pitch was often used and it conveyed emotions appropriately. Volume is loud enough to be heard by all 90% of the time. Pitch was often used but the emotion it conveyed sometimes did not fit the content. Volume is loud enough to be heard by all 80% of the time or too soft to be heard by all. Pitch was not used, rarely used, OR the emotion it conveyed did not fit the content. Content Shows full understanding of the book. Hooks the audience. Shows a good understanding of the book. Shows an understanding of parts of the book or does not seem to understand the book. Literary Element Identifies literary element and supports with evidence from book. Identifies literary element but does not support with evidence from book. Does not identify literary element or support with evidence from book. Stays on Topic Stays on topic 100% of the time.Stays on topic most of the time (90%).Stays on topic some of the time (80% or less). Got off topic or could not tell what topic was. States Title / Author Clearly states title and author at the beginning and end of the book talk. States title and author at beginning or end. Forgets title or author at beginning or end or states incompletely. Forgets to mention title and author. Enthusiasm Body language and facial expressions are used to generate enthusiasm about the book. Body language and facial expressions are sometimes used to generate enthusiasm about the book or seem faked. Very little use of body language or facial expressions. Did not generate any enthusiasm for the book. Posture & Eye Contact Straight posture is presented. Looks relaxed and confident. Establishes eye contact during presentation. Straight posture is presented. Establishes eye contact during presentation. Posture is lacking. Does not establish eye contact during presentation. Time Limit Presentation is 1-2 minutes long and well paced. Presentation is about the right time, but timing and pacing are slightly off. Presentation is less than 1 minute or more than 3 minutes. Timing and pacing are way off.

Technical Stuff Access Skype via Set up a free account (This takes a few minutes depending on your computer’s speed, so it might be better to create your account before setting up your session.) When you set up your session with your partner, exchange Skype usernames. It’s that easy!