In collaboration with the Iowa Historical Museum, Iowa Public Television (IPTV), and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) “Big Read” program, students from Scavo High School in Des Moines presented a Reader’s Theater via the ICN to their peers. During the May presentation, Scavo High School teachers Ellen Robinson and Suzette Nelson-Larson and their students gathered at IPTV’s ICN classroom in May to share Jack London's book, The Call of the Wild. The presentation supported the NEA’s reading for pleasure and enlightenment initiative. Through the Reader's Theatre approach, students studied the classic story ahead of time, analyzing and adapting excerpts into a script. This format can easily be used with any piece of literature.
Susan Jellinger, Iowa Historical Librarian, facilitated the session, and provided the background on the Big Read project. As students read selected passages to their peers, they discussed the characters, plot, historical setting, and connections that related to their current lives. Their teachers and principal Anita Micich also participated by presenting excerpts about the book to students in an ELL class gathered at the Central Campus High School ICN classroom in Des Moines.
This ICN exchange provided an opportunity for students and adults to read and appreciate a classic novel together while interacting and collaborating in distance learning through ICN video classrooms. These important 21st Century learning skills are valuable for students at all ages. If you or your school is interested in similar exchanges or learning more about the Reader’s Theater session, please contact Lyneé Casper at lcasper@aea11.k12.ia.us or call 800/362-2720 or 515/270-9030, ext. 14312.
