Read Around the Planet

We participated in the Read Around the Planet program for reading month. Kay Hauck from the RESD brought the equipment and made the match for us. We were matched with Rusk Elementary in El Paso, Texas. They did a presentation for us and we had a presentation for them and had a chance to ask each other questions. The program itself is great, but when you take the time to embed it into the curriculum and build lessons around it, it is that much more meaningful.
We started by going to Google Earth and looked at where we live and then we "flew" to their school. We were able to use that experience to talk about the difference between city and country. We talked about the different landforms in Texas and Michigan and the climate. The students were given a map of the USA and colored in Michigan and Texas. They could draw a line for their flight plan if they wanted to.
Another day, we looked up Michigan and Texas on the internet and found the state symbols. We printed them out, cut the pictures out and used them to make a double bubble map to compare Michigan and Texas. We talked about what was the same in Texas and Michigan and what was different. Libby realized that she had a state stone at home and brought it in the next day (her own connection and idea)!
We also had to plan a presentation. We read Dr. Seuss' book "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut" and decided to make our own "I Can Read Book". We made a bubble map to show all the places we could read in Michigan and the students each chose a location. They made their illustrations and wrote their sentences. When we presented, they each read their page. It turned out great and I plan on having them read the book again and videotape it. I wasn't able to videotape it that day. I was too busy watching the other class and helping my students know when to go up.
We spent time over 4 days learning about Texas and Michigan and preparing for our presentation. The students kept talking about it and asking "when are we going to talk to the kids in Texas". It was a great experience and the students were very involved and engaged. We also had to think about the question and answer time. We talked about what they could ask (although when the time came they were all too shy to ask them) and talked about what we could tell them about Michigan. It was a valuable learning experience and I encourage other teachers to try this. I will definitely have my students participate every year.

A side note-The thinking map training has proved to be very valuable. We find many ways to use them. The students even make them on their own during writing workshop without being prompted. One student made a circle map at home on her homework. The thinking maps really help the students focus on what we are discussing and help them to organize their thinking.