Saw this great video on a post by Frances Manning. Like Frances, I can see the possibilities in using such a video in the classroom. It can be used to explore -

• counting 1 – 100
• one to one correspondence
• stages of the human lifespan
• identification of the differences and similarities of humans

And, wouldn’t it be wonderful if the students then had an opportunity to create their own movie or slide show to demonstrate their understanding of similar concepts. Perhaps an animation? A Voice Thread? Live action? A comic using Comic Life? The possible applications are endless and the possible learning outcomes huge.

Makes me want to be in the classroom again

I have to say I am a lover of great books for kids and that is where Horton comes in. Over the last few years of teaching I have discovered the power of Dr Seuss books and have used them extensively in my planning for learning. A few years ago I planned a whole integrated unit around values and personal learning, which I based on Dr Seuss books and his messages of friendship, tolerance, negotiation and persistence, as well as other values. We even discussed the dispositions of characters such as Horton according to Art Costa’s Habits of Mind.

I think there are many options to develop some real thinking around Horton Hears A Who. These are some possibilities for developing good reflections of the messages of the story with the use of purposeful new technologies –

Create a Voice Thread with each student sharing -
• a quality of Horton that makes him a special friend
• their favourite moment
• a way that they are like a character from the story

Create a wiki for students to create a class reflection using
• Plus Minus Ideas
• deBono’s 6 Thinking Hats

Create a short claymation/animation based on the qualities of Horton and post to Teacher Tube.

Any other suggestions?