Creative Approaches to Literature

Chatting It Up Online: Student Talk To A Favorite Author, Pamela Livingston

Pamela Livingston explains her experience with her third grade class of all boys, and author Mary Pope Osborne via live chat. The school has already inspired the boys to read the “Magic Tree house” series she has written, and this opportunity through technology allows the boys to make a connection from the fantasy within the book, to the creator of the story, or fantasy. I found Livingston’s article to be incredibly helpful and gracious to the advice she gives to fellow educators. An organized teacher who is ready before “go-time”, is always going to be at ease, but Livingston offers suggestions from experience, such as not informing the class too early in the set-up to prevent disappointment. Instead, save the surprise for later, a couple weeks before the actual chat. Testing hardware, working around network firewalls, having IT support on standby during the chat and providing oneself with a teachers copy of students questions is essential to recovering from any mishaps that may be unforeseen.

This article inspired me to use a live chat opportunity as soon as possible. The instant gratification of the students due to the celebrity feel of talking to someone special creates positive role models and educated aspirations. These opportunities also create memorable experiences for young students, who share with other students on the playground and in conversation, thus inspiring other students to learn and desire more out of all aspects of learning.

Standards: NETS-4