One of the most enjoyable parts of using Scholastic Network (SN), is the give and take of the relevant, topical projects in which one may participate. Noting this interactivity and the enthusiasm of online participants, there seemed only to be the next logical step...hard copy documentation.
There are two approaches to developing a classroom library from SN resources. One would be to simply allow the project to reach the inevitable conclusion, then print out all documentation and place in a folder or notebook. However, please allow me to share a process which has worked well and has been well used and well received by the staff and children on our site.
Each week in the preceding Friday email, subscribers receive an email document, "This Week on Scholastic Network", which lists the major events for the upcoming week. This invaluable tool is a boon in the planning process--it concisely lists all of the upcoming week's events and projects--one is able to efficiently decide upon projects of interest. It is also suggested that you watch for upcoming FUTURE events listed on the Calendar of Events found in the Member Center--it lists future months' projects--which will be invaluable when you are deciding upon topics and relevant resources for your soon to be produced "books". With these lists in hand, you are ready to begin building your library.
For this discussion, let us use the "All About Authors" Area in Curriculum Planning. Having noted in "This Week on Scholastic Network" that JoAnne Ryder will be online this next week, you decide that there will be sufficient participation to warrant the development of a book. Next, proceed to the "All About Authors" Area and download and printout the biographical information which SN provides as background for each author. Often, there is also included a simple explanation of the online project in which the author plans to participate, or a simple statement of, "Come join me online for questions and answers". Having done so, we ascertain that Ms. Ryder plans to develop a creature online with the children's participation. This project is to be dubbed, "Creature Features with JoAnne Ryder", and thus, gives us our book title!
Next, a simple, yet eye-catching title page is made using Pagemaker, The Print Shop, or any word processing program available and is printed on hyper color, or a similarly brightly colored paper.
The "book" actually takes shape from postings and printouts with Ms. Ryder. These postings are three-hole punched and placed in a separate, clear plastic report folder--the kind used by high school and college students for their term papers. The clear cover allows the colored title page to be easily viewed, thus encouraging and stimulating the inevitable questions and interest shown in a project such as this. It is highly recommended that you use these clear folders, as they are lightweight, durable, and may be recycled each year as new topics and projects develop. These folders are inexpensive and easily found at drugstores or chain stores such as K-Mart or Wal-Mart. (They cost approximately ninety-nine cents apiece.)
Next, one needs to prepare a simple pocket folder in which to house the "book". This is easily, and again, inexpensively done, by cutting down a standard 8 1/2 by 11 inch manila folder, so that it forms an simple rectangular shape. The sides of the folder are then taped shut, leaving open the top for insertion of the "book" folder. Using the same format from the title page, the title of the book is placed on the front in a variety of ways. It may be reprinted and simply pasted on the front portion of the pocket folder, or hand printed, or, in my case, I have access to a wonderful product called "Chart Pack", which is a transparent, peel and stick product that can be inserted into a laser printer and--"instant" peel and stick lettering, an exact duplicate of the title page! It makes for a very professional looking product; however it is relatively expensive per sheet. (Product information will be included in the forthcoming Bibliography document which will accompany this course.)
The initial "book", title page, and pocket folder in hand, you are now ready to begin compiling your reference book. Having already decided that this is a project in which on site staff will be interested, you should begin by posting to the "JoAnne Ryder folder found in the "All About Authors" board---A simple, "Hi, I am here and want to participate." is all that is necessary. Print this out, and place it in your book. Next, watch the board for responses. You are on your way to building an impressive, personalized reference book. It is imperative that you print regularly, as the vitality and flow of information depends on subscribers' input.
BE FOREWARNED!!! Some of the more popular authors and scientists have numerous postings and responses--It will seem overwhelming if you allow the printing to build up...Vigilance and commitment pay off!
All major topics and projects are given their own book, pocket folder, and display space in the room. The books, with their brightly colored title pages entice the readers (both staff and children), and the immediacy and topicality of current postings keep interest peaked. This is not "canned" reference material---This is often a student or teacher's own posting being answered in a nationwide arena or by a famous author or scientist. When contributors see their postings as part of a book, they take ownership and pride in the project outcome. Keeping the books relevant to the curriculum and to the needs of your students and staff contributes to the success of the project, which leads to the success of your library as a reference area. As with the network as a whole, your participation ensures a polished, completed project and book.
Logically, one prints out all postings, then matches the original posting with the response(s) following. Quite often, however, subscribers online will supply additional resources or even send you email which is easily printed out and included in your book. This, and any other information you may have on hand, only enhances your book.
Several suggestions:
Ñ Develop a "Contests" book--One in which weekly or long-term contest rules are placed-- Keeping this information in an easy to find book will save you countless hours of explanation as to the content and rules of online contests.--Contests are competitive and fun and are embraced enthusiastically by all, but the rules can be reread at one's own pace if kept in a convenient, off-line place.****
(****ALSO, this is a time saver tip....save your online time for the projects; having the rules in a convenient, off-line book will do just that!)
Ñ Some contests, by virtue of their ongoing popularity, require their own book--It is highly suggested that you establish a "History Mystery Game" and "Math Challenges" folder.
Ñ Learn from listening and watching the boards...Notice the apparent enthusiasm that some of the authors and projects generate prior to their arrival....and plan ahead. It was OBVIOUS to all that the R.L. Stine online visit was going to big voluminous--and it was--it required two LARGE books, due to the five hundred separate postings it entailed! Knowing of his popularity, one simply needed to be prepared to monitor the board, print, and update the book regularly.
Ñ Develop your own style--These are simply suggestions as to what has worked in my classroom. Use your own imagination...compile your own books, including in them your own personal touch. Don't forget to include email, postings from other boards...there is a great deal of relevant material at your fingertips!
At the conclusion of each project, the books should be kept on display throughout the year--They are, after all, meant to be used, to be poured over, to offer curriculum ideas, and so on. One of the final steps in producing the book is to have it made into a more permanent form. At the end of the current school year, ALL of the books are gathered together and sent to be reproduced and bound THREE times. Simply, the books are printed in triplicate--One copy is to be housed in the site Technology Center, the Library/Media Center, and the site Administrator's office. All are spiral bound and have cardstock as the front and back cover and a clear, plastic cover for protection.
The cost of all of this is relatively low: For each book and pocket folder, one needs a standard 8 1/2 by 11-inch manila folder cut to size; three-inch (or wider) clear or colored tape to bind the folder sides, (Using less than three inch tape, one constantly repairs the sides); and a clear report folder. Binding the books makes them more durable; if this is not an option, a stronger binder type of folder should suffice.
Again, accept this as a system which works. As always, PLEASE post YOUR suggestions, comments to the boards...we all learn from each other.
