Multimedia: Audio or Video Lesson Idea

Lesson Idea Name: Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo Audio Lesson
Grade Level/Content Area: 4th Grade/English Language Art
Content Standard Addressed: ELAGSE4RI2: Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported
by key details; summarize the text.
ISTE Technology Standard Addressed: What would you like students to know and be able
to do by the end of this lesson:
1.6 Creative Communicator Students communicate
clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety • Students will be able to determine the main
of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats idea of a text and explain how it is supported
and digital media appropriate to their goals. by key details.
• Students will be able to summarize the text in
detail and explain the theme and character
- 1.6.a Students choose the appropriate platforms
development.
and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their
• Students will be able to describe characters,
creation or communication. talk about character features, note character
- 1.6.b Students create original works or responsibly changes through time, and explain how
repurpose or remix digital resources into new characters' actions and speech advance the
creations. plot.
- 1.6.c Students communicate complex ideas clearly • Students will know how to create and publish
and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital an original audio podcast as well presenting it
objects such as visualizations, models or simulations. to the class.
- 1.6.d Students publish or present content that
customizes the message and medium for their
intended audiences.
What is the student learning goal for this lesson idea? This lesson's objectives are to teach students how to
identify a text's main idea, explain the development of the theme and characters, define characters, discuss
character traits, observe character changes through time, and explain how characters' actions and words
advance the story. The objective of this lesson is also to teach students how to produce original audio
podcasts, publish them, and present them to the class.

Selected Instructional Software Tool: Spotify for Podcasters

Description of Software: Spotify for Podcasters podcasting platform that is considered all-in-one as it has
everything you need. This means that you can launch, promote, expand, and earn money from your podcast
for nothing using the app or website. Your episodes can be simply distributed to various platforms and
instantly published to Spotify.

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable): Spotify for Podcasters

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☒ Evaluating ☒ Creating

How do you plan to implement this lesson and integrate the technology? Check all that apply:

☒ Teacher-led: There is no student voice and choice in the activities. Students are guided by the teacher's
direction and expectations. Learning activities are assigned to the student and mostly practice based.

TFrazier, 2022
 Multimedia: Audio or Video Lesson Idea

☒ Student-Led: Students are given voice and choice in the activities. They may select the topic of learning
and/or determine the tool they will use to meet the learning goal. The teacher facilitates the learning as
the students direct their own learning processes.

☒ Problem-based and/or Publishable: Students are solving problems and completing projects to
demonstrate their learning. Additionally, the projects can be shared outside of the classroom. (Note: This
objective could be reached by displaying the project on the school’s morning newscast, posting the project
to the classroom blog, presenting it to another class, or publishing it via an outside source.)
Lesson idea implementation:
• For this lesson plan, we will read “Because of Winn Dixie” as a class. The students will be required to
produce their own Spotify audio podcast at the end of this lesson discussing how Opal and the other
characters in the novel evolved because of their interactions with Winn Dixie and one another. The
class will have a better understanding of the significance of friendship and the excitement of making
new friends at the end of this unit. To exemplify the theme, I will have the students describe
characters, talk about character features, note character changes through time, and explain how
characters' actions and speech advance the plot. We will start by reading the book together and with
partners. This will take some time. We will engage in a variety of activities while we read the book,
including reading comprehension tests, a word search puzzle, literature circle worksheets, vocabulary
printouts, writing prompts, art projects, and choice boards. This will give students many enjoyable
and interesting activities as well as assist in demonstrating their understanding of the story. Each
student will have the chance to participate in a learning activity that best fits their learning style. I will
have students start working on their podcast by the time we get to the end of the book. I will have
them do some preliminary brainstorming on paper and submit a rough draft for review. After getting
feedback, students can make any necessary corrections and get to work on the podcast. There will be
two episodes on the podcast. The first episode will provide a summary of the book, information on
the major characters and how their development, as well as the main idea and lesson the students
took away from the story. An audio letter to Opal's mother will be the focus of the second episode.
Opal ponders over what she would say to her mother if they crossed paths again over the course of
the book. The students will assume the persona of Opal and compose a letter to her mother updating
her on life since she moved to Naomi, Florida, with her father. The letters should concentrate on
discussing the individuals she has met and the events she experienced, as well as whether or whether
she now enjoys living in Naomi more than she did when she first moved there and why. Students will
record their letter after they've written it and then publish their podcast. This will demonstrate their
comprehension of the theme, the events, and the characters and allow students to express creative
freedom.

Managing student learning:

It is important to start with co-use/co-engagement before transitioning into exploration activities to further
students' learning to use this technology in a way that engages them in authentic tasks and contexts. As this
type of software will be used for the first time by the students, it will be essential to demonstrate its use step-
by-step and spend time making sure that children understand the seriousness with which the internet must
be treated. To keep the students engaged with this technology, I will also include exploration activities to
extend their learning. The students will be able to look back and explore through the class podcasts as well as
create more podcasts throughout the semester. The students will remain intrigued and interested in
everything the software is capable of. It will be beneficial to interact with each student individually and in
groups to best teach them how to utilize it as it is a new tool. Before using the Spotify podcast, it is important
to brainstorm and introduce students to making a rough draft and helping the students design a written plan
for the project first. Every student will have time to set up and plan their letter because I will have
TFrazier, 2022
 Multimedia: Audio or Video Lesson Idea

brainstorming sheets printed and passed out. This project allows the students to explore activities to extend
their learning about technology, theme, and character development. This podcast project will take time to
complete. Each day we will allot a portion of the day to spend time on the task with a continued focus on the
learning goal. I want the lesson to be engaging but not intimidating or too complex for the children. This will
also allow the students to write their letters and be creative with their ideas with little to no limitations while
still learning the basics of this artifact tool. I will also transition into exploration activities to further students'
learning to use this technology in a way that engages them in authentic tasks and contexts. All the podcast
episodes that will be published will be available to all students in the class as well as their families. They will
be able to go back and interact with them. To focus on learning goals, I will continue to ask the students
questions throughout the story as well as engage them in other fun activities. I will keep discussions going and
ask questions to see their understanding of the goals intended in the lesson plan. I will also allow students
time during the week to collaborate and work together on learning and implementing the software.
Collaboration could also include proofreading and giving feedback on each other's letter outline. I will make
sure to have a whole day where I establish rules for appropriate tech use and what is expected of them while
using it to better help control behavior while utilizing it. I Will make the lecture fun by using games to assess
the student's understanding of the safe use of technology to ensure they are ready. These elements help
students remain actively focused on their learning objectives and contribute to their classwork. Additionally,
as I continue to implement technology in the classroom, I could possibly enlist the help of tech leaders or
even have students who understand and help those who are struggling. There are numerous ways to keep
students interested in using technology.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Reflection:
ALL students can benefit from using the multimedia tool, Spotify for Podcasters. It can be beneficial to let
students produce their own podcasts, perhaps with questions, conversations, presentations, or projects.
Then, their classmates could get access to these. This promotes engagement in the topic and gives students
the opportunity to take charge of a portion of their learning and understanding. Each student will have an
equal opportunity to access and create a podcast. Students will be more engaged in their learning and in the
classroom because they will feel more supported. This is achievable because of the UDL framework. This
lesson plan covers engagement, representation, action, and expression. The engagement notion states that
the pupils are always aware of the lesson's standards and its objectives. I will stimulate discussions and ask
questions about the objectives to make sure the students are clear on what is expected of them throughout
the class activity. I might question them on the theme, character development, change over time, and lessons
they have learned from the story. The children will also be able to receive one-on-one assistance utilizing the
tool if needed, which will make them feel supported and less nervous. According to the representation
concept, students can always access course materials and information in several ways and engage with it.
Features of this application are simple to use. It has a recording feature, a preview feature, video creation,
music addition, and other features. If they wish, students may additionally transcribe the podcast in the
"About the episode" section. As a result, each student can easily access the assignment and the resources.
Furthermore, I will work one-on-one with each student to ensure that they all feel seen and heard in class. I
will ensure each student is supported and represented in the class. According to the action and expression
concept, teachers should encourage their students to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways. The
opportunity to build their podcast gives students taking part in this activity the chance to showcase their
creativity. Both on paper and with the podcast, students are putting together their own audio letters. There
are numerous approaches a student might take to completing this project.
Reflection:
I believe the activities from this lesson plan will impact student learning by instructing children in using
technology, analyzing text, deciphering themes, and describing character development. The children's ability
to use software and technology safely will improve moving forward. I am excited to observe how students will
utilize technology in the future, both in the classroom and at home. I am excited to Spotify podcast again and
show them new elements of this software and further their understanding.

TFrazier, 2022