I created a book trailer using animoto to grasp students attention and excite them to read the book. It is important to find a book that will inform the students with information on the topic that they don't know but also a book that has illustrations that will grab a child's attention and want them to continue reading. While creating my animoto I made sure to ask children questions that they may or may not already know the answers to in order to create wonder, interest and fascination. I chose the book The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen. I chose the book because as a young student I enjoyed this series immensely. The author and illustrator have collaborated for over twenty years bringing humor and child like curiosities alive with in the world of science and learning in their books. The books were published twenty years ago but since the continued popularity they have edited the books to revise the facts and make them more up to date. The stories are based in a classroom setting allowing children to relate to the stories. Many different children are displayed in the story allowing children to see a character that mirrors them, and see characters that mirror other children within their classroom.
I introduced the book with a few questions, prompts and pictures to excite and engage students. I think creating a trade book is an excellent way to get students involved, it is a creative way of grabbing children's attention but also asking questions pertaining to the book and their individual knowledge on the topic. It allows teachers to reveal misconceptions on the topic and resolve them during the reading. Trade books are an excellent way to introduce a topic or book. Students can also form animotos for many different activities. Since it is so easy to use it doesn't require much adult supervision and support.
Check out my animoto and try making your own!
