Frindle Fun with Web 2.0

Andrew Clements' novel, Frindle, is a childhood favorite among many and one that is taught in many schools.  I thought it would be fun to create a lesson that combined the old with the new and show how a classic can be updated using Web 2.0 tools.  Have fun!

Activity #1: In the same spirit of the novel, choose a common object and rename it.  Explain why you chose the new name.  Then, create a dictionary entry for your word.  As a class, compile your entries and publish using Google Docs. 

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Luc's Example (our second grader):

New Word: gulpy= cup

Reason: When you take a drink, you swallow the liquid or gulp.  So, a new name for a cup should be "gulpy."

Dictionary entry:

gulpy- /gul-pee/ n. an object from which you take a drink

synonym- cup

The boy drank his lemonade from a red gulpy.

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Take it a step further and create a visual dictionary using images from Flickr, online drawings from Tux Paint, or include your own scanned creations.  To add to the fun, continue using the new words around the house, with your family and friends, and in your writing over the next few weeks.  See if any of the new words start a trend!

Activity #2:  This should get your creative juices flowing!  Using Tux Paint or Pencil, create an advertisement suitable for the newspaper or a magazine.  Include a catchy jingle to captivate your audience and promote the use of your new word.  For those who are really up to the challenge, bring in the big guns- Flip cameras!  Why not create your own commercial to promote your new word?  Use Kids' Vid to aide in storyboarding and editing your commercial.  You can export your finished products to Schooltube or import them to share on your school/class web page.

Activity #3:  I love wordles!  So, take a break from traditional study guides and create a wordle to highlight the key events and people from the novel.  Use this as a means to give an oral book report or stimulate discussion about the novel. 

There are so many varied and amazing options available to teachers today.  Take advantage of all the great free web 2.0 tools when planning and creating your lessons.  It's a great way to breathe new life into old ideas as well as foster creativity and critical thinking among your students.

 Check out Thirsty Thursday for other fun ideas and great information!