It’s been a long time coming, but my students have finally produced some pretty good book trailers. I began showing trailers as a way to introduce books and encourage reading at the beginning of the year. Every Friday was silent reading day, and every Friday I chatted with kids about books they’d finished. We wrote on sticky notes and made a “recommendations” wall. We stood up and “testified” to the truth in books and how they touched our souls. No doubt, since I promoted reading more during class time this year, I created more readers.
Evidence? STAAR EOC scores are in. Almost every student who passed their reading test has been vocal in our classroom conversations about books this year. (One kiddo surprised me and scored satisfactorily–his average is a 26, but he passed the reading test. Go figure.)
I know. I know. Test scores are not everything. But… my readers certainly scored better than my non-readers.
On my classroom wall, I have my own six word memoir: “Reading makes you smarter. Try it.” Those who did have done better than those who have not.
Our book trailer project is the culmination of our reading efforts this year. I wish we would have more time to polish them up, make sure we cited image sources, spelled words correctly and all that, but exams are next week, and bell schedules are crazy with awards assemblies, etc. Our time is gone.
Here’s a sampling of the most interesting of my student-made book trailers. Although not perfect, remember, these are 9th graders in an on-level English I class, Title I school. I’m a little proud.
Crackback by John Coy, created by Brandon. He used photos from our own football team.
Unwind by Neal Shusterman, created by Heidi. Look at her hook!
A Child Called “It” by Dave Pelzer, created by Biridiana. She learned the medium on her own and came up with this!
The Lifeguard by Deborah Blumenthal, created by Kristen. Okay, so the trailer’s not great, but the video of the girl is Kristen herself. Cool.
See You at Harry’s by Jo Knowles, created by Brenda. The use of quotes from the book creates the book’s selling points.
Reaction by Lesley Choyce, created by Ashley. Other than her characterization using Juno… <smile>
My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf, created by Jonathan. This one got traction when we showed it to the class. Wish it had more umph at the end.
I’d love to hear your ideas of using book trailers to create readers– or anything else you can teach me about books, kids, and reading!
Three Teachers Talk 