*This is one of my FAVORITE assignments!*
Using podcasts in the English classroom allows students to learn in a dynamic process - taking notes, thinking critically, integrating technology purposefully, and being CREATIVE! (And NO worksheets.) Plus, students really practice those speaking skills. And, your grading is not confined to sitting at a desk! Students typically have fun with this assignment and tell me that it's one of their favorites, too.
 
Overview:
Students choose an independent reading novel and create a weekly podcast to analyze their text. Students choose a new lens to interpret their text each week, so each podcast lends itself to a unique discussion.
 
Why teachers will love it:
You get to hear EVERY student voice.
Efficient for your planning time (front load directions/review as necessary).
Students engage in rigorous analytical and speaking practice.
Promotes student choice and flexibility.
 
Why students will love it:
Reserved students get to expand their speaking skills without feeling judgement from their peers.
Students get to think creatively as they learn new technology for a popular medium.
You can do this as an independent reading assignment, where students make a new podcast each week. This provides consistency for students by giving them the same routine each week.
 
Modifications
You can modify this project for any level.
Require that students select a text that qualifies as classic literature, or give the option for YA literature.
Allow students to pick an independent reading novel, or use this project to supplement the text you're reading as a whole class.
Give students the list of reading lenses here, or pick a smaller batch from the list to pre-select lenses that you know will work for your whole-class text.
Adjust the amount of time students may summarize their reading. Make it a 1-minute recap, or allow students to have more time.
Graphic organizer included to help students take notes.
 
Materials List Included
Literature Podcast Directions - Tells students step-by-step what to include in order to produce a 8-10 minute podcast.
Reading Organizer - Allows students to divide their text into equal sections, depending on how many podcasts you wish for them to create.
How to Analyze Literature - Resource that gives explanations with examples of summarizing versus analyzing to help students *dive deep.*
Graphic Organizer - Helps students plan their summary and analysis sections of the podcast.
Evaluation Criteria - Includes Common Core State Standards for Speaking and Listening, Evaluation Criteria for a professional product, speaking with conviction, and proper analysis, and a rubric to note teacher feedback for students. (I recommend giving students completion credit for their first podcast with feedback for improvement, and evaluating future podcasts more formally).
Reading Lenses List (Editable Version and JPEG)
15 Minute Sample Literature Podcast (using the text The Secret Garden)