This week, we paired up with some students in New York to “text” back and forth in the role of some of the characters. We had a Mystery Skype with them earlier.  Now our students are matched up with assigned characters, in groups of three.  Each one has to imagine actually being the character and “texting” (on a Padlet) about what is going on in the story.  We plan to continue this throughout the rest of the book.

So many choices, so much excitement!  Galloway 5th graders loved making such a strong connection with the author through her videos as she read and answered questions. The book is already touching hearts as Ally’s story becomes more and more real to us.  We were able to begin several connections with other classes around the world, through Edmodo, Edublog, and Skype. The Mystery Skypes were a great team-building kick-off!

After last week’s Mystery Skypes, we began exploring what other classes were doing on Edmodo and Edublog.  We also sketch and take notes as Mrs. Hunter reads.  One morning, students decorated wooden nickels during the story!  We are having great discussions about the characters in this story. Thinking about Dyslexia has created some interesting new understandings, too.

Poem by Colin M.