Let’s go to the Movies.
30 Day Blogging Challenge, Integrating Technology, Videos, Web 2.0 tools Tagged #ksyb, Edublogs Teacher Challenge, embedding, HTML, media, Videos January 29th, 2011
Grab some POPCORN and let’s go to the
MOVIES.
In this week’s Edublog Teacher Challenge #6, we look at embedding media into a blog.
Here is an idea I tried last term with the year 5/6 students. They did a great job, but we were rushed for time and there are a few things I would like to focus more on next time.
What is a Book Trailer?
A book trailer is like a movie trailer you see at the cinema. It’s a short movie made to promote a book so that people will want to read it. A book trailer offers a way of responding to books that is creative, but encourages critical thinking and analysis.

How do you make a book trailer?
Look at the prezi ‘How to make a Book Trailer’ and then research other book trailers that are similar to what you would like to do. (Prezi by Michelle Harclerode)
What steps will I follow?
- Choose a book.
- Read the book.
- Analyse the book – what was good, unique, interesting etc. – brainstorm/list/mindmap
- Write a first draft – impressions, the feeling, important points.
- Create a storyboard.
- Plan effects (transitions, sound, colouring, etc.)
- Review the plan – with teachers, other students…
- Find and download images to match your words or take your own photos or movies.
- Find music, create voiceovers.
- Create and publish the trailer using either – movie maker, animoto or powerpoint.
Here are some samples of each type.
Movie Maker using images by Emily and Ashleigh. ‘Witches’ by Roald Dahl.
Movie Maker using video by Annabelle and Georgia. ‘Scatterheart’. (You’ll need to turn the volume up to hear this.)
Movie Maker using visual effects by Brandon and Michael. ‘Guinness World Records.’
Movie Maker using great text effects by Alex. ‘The 39 Clues’.
Animoto video by Jack andTom. ‘Bear Grylls’.
If you sign up to animoto for education you can make full length movies. It also allows you to give each student an email address attached to yours. (I created a gmail address for the task.) Students found this tool very easy to use. The movie can be edited or remixed even after you have finished. It has an embed code but can also be downloaded to the computer.
Powerpoint converted to a movie by Josh and Liam. ‘Ranger’s Apprentice’.
To convert the powerpoint to a flv file I used a program called E.M. Powerpoint Video Converter.
At first I was unable to make these videos visible on the blog, but they worked after I first uploaded them to You Tube and then embedded the codes.


January 29th, 2011 at 5:20 am
This was a wonderful use of video in a blog post. I loved the Book Trailers and the Prezi was great, too. I hope to use some of your tips in making my own. My post on this topic can be found here. http://lauriefowler.blogspot.com/2011/01/nerve-wracking.html
Cheerio!
Laurie
January 30th, 2011 at 9:47 am
Thanks for all the great ideas on ways to use video with students to create book trailers. Right now my school is only PreK to 4, but we are adding a 5th grade next year. This approach is so much cooler than doing a traditional book report! Now, of course, their media teacher has to learn it all first…
You can see what I do for this challenge at Book Frontiers—Movin’ and Groovin’.
January 30th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Hi Pam
I think I’m going to book in a week at your school to see all of the wonderful things you do – you are an inspiration!
Kim