Read Across Texas – Community Exchange

Background: Ms. Aziz’s 4th grade students of Kyle Elementary have designed a reading incentive program integrated with Social Studies. For every book students read they earn “miles” and the goal is to accumulate enough mileage to “travel” to another Texas city. The students will connect via videoconferencing to virtually meet students from other regions of Texas. Their plan is to Read Across Texas this year including connections with students in Brownsville, El Paso, Amarillo, Dallas, and Orange, TX. Thank you for joining us as one of the “stops” throughout their journey!

Videoconference Purpose: Each group will prepare a presentation about their community to share with their partner class. After each presents, there will be time for conversation amongst the students. Teachers communicate beforehand to determine the specific instructional goals and agenda of the exchange.

Here are some ideas to kick off the brainstorming….

  • Geographic and demographic traits of your community
  • Landmarks and attractions found in your community
  • Important individuals from your community
  • Patterns of work and economic activities of your community
  • Native Americans that once settled in your community
  • Customs, celebrations, and traditions of cultural groups found in your community
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of living in your community
  • Current Events (news topics)
  • Community trivia
  • Student topics – what is your favorite thing about school, hobbies, social activities
  • Mail packages to the other class in advance such as items that represent your community (souvenirs or clues to be used in the VC program)

Each presentation should be accompanied by visual aids to communicate the “feel” of the community to the partner class.It is highly recommended that questions are prepared in advance for the other classroom. Doing a little research about your partner class’ location will help you to prepare better questions.

Videoconference Agenda

Introductions (What time is it, what the current weather is, show map of locations)

  • 5 Minutes: Classroom A presents information about their community while Class B observes, takes notes, and prepares questions
  • 5 Minutes: Classroom B presents information about their community while Class A observes, takes notes, and prepares questions
  • 20 Minutes: Q&A
  • Reflection: What are some similarities and differences between the communities?
  • Closing Remarks by teachers & students

Further conversations may be continued on a blog!