Number the Stars Grand Conversation
What is a grand conversation?
Your assignment:
Requirements:
Discussion Starters:
Here is an example of the assignment.
This assignment, and example, was made by Michael Milillo and Mary McKenna
- Grand conversations are large group discussions that are student led.
- Each discussion focuses on some aspect of the text as a whole, rather than in narrow terms.
- As the student, you are encouraged to make connections between the text and your life.
- You are especially encouraged to put yourself into the mind of characters from the text.
- Collaboration is a crucial aspect; as the discussion continues, reflect upon what other students are saying and critique or expand upon those ideas.
- While the teacher is the facilitator, it is your job, as the student, to shape the discussion with your insights.
- We will provide you with several conversation starters, but it is up to you to decide where the conversation grows.
Your assignment:
- This assignment will be completed online using YouTube and Storify.
- The class will be split up into groups consisting of four students.
- Using the list of conversation starters, you will choose one discussion for your grand conversation.
- Select an order in which each member of the group will respond.
- Or, if you prefer, you can simply choose who will respond first and the rest of the group is free to respond when they desire.
- Each response must be at least three minutes long, or each student can have multiple responses that add up to at least five minutes.
- Record your video response and upload it to YouTube.
- Once your response is uploaded to YouTube, go to Storify and add it to the story draft.
- You can watch each others' videos in Storify's edit page, so you will be able to watch your group member's responses there.
- After watching all the previous videos, record your response and upload it so the next group member can participate.
- After every group member has completed their video requirement, publish the story and embed it on the class page.
Requirements:
- Group must choose one discussion starter from the prepared list.
- Each group member must have one video at least two minutes in length
- Or, multiple videos totaling at least four minutes in length.
- Each video must be uploaded to YouTube.
- All the responses must be added to Storify.
- Publish and embed Storify on class page.
Discussion Starters:
- To what lengths would you go to help your best friend?
- Do you see any parallels between the story and your life?
- What is your most prized possession? What would happen if you were to lose it?
- Would you do the right thing if it put your life in jeopardy?
Here is an example of the assignment.
This assignment, and example, was made by Michael Milillo and Mary McKenna