6 Minute Podcast Stories

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As I have mentioned in a few recent posts, like this one and this one, I am leaving my role as an Instructional Coach and returning to the classroom. I'm really excited about this prospect and I'm already organizing activities, lessons and flexible long range plans. Well, as much preparation as I can given that I don't know what grade I will finally land for September. 

The other day I spotted something promising in a post by Grade 5 teacher Tony Vincent. If you don't follow him, you should rectify that promptly by clicking this link to his page. He is an incredibly generous resource for lesson ideas, assessment strategies and easy-to-follow tech tips.

Tony posted a link to the website bestrobotever.com and a podcast called Six Minutes. It is, as you've likely guessed, a repository for a full series of six minute long podcasts. He got me intrigued with the caption ... "Six Minutes is an addicting podcast drama - my 5th graders are obsessed."

I am not sure if I am going to be teaching Grade 5 but, this seemed like the kind of things that had some range...maybe Grade 4-8? 

While driving between schools, I checked it out.

The podcast is presented like a radio play from the 40's, in the Golden Age of Radio. Live broadcasts of Dragnet or The Adventures of Superman had audiences entranced or, in the case of The War of the Worlds, in a literal state of hysteria. 

This iteration has the benefit of advances in multi-track, production technology; but, it still relies heavily on the convincing performances of its skilled cast of actors.

Episode 1 begins with the opening to a ominious and etheral melody that sounds vaguely similar to Gimme Shelter by The Stones. Layered on top is a narrator's ominous prologue

There are kids in this world who are different. Special. They look like us and they act like us. But they are not us...and one of them is missing.

We are introduced to the Anders family who are on a whale watching trip in Alaska. We learn, through dialogue, that the mother, Monica, is a doctor while the father is involved with the military in some mysterious, but clearly important, capacity.  

Their youngest child, a girl named Birdy, falls into the ocean and, after being pulled aboard, reports that there is another girl in the water. Her brother Cyrus dives in and rescues her...clinging to life she gains consciousness long enough to reveal that she remembers nothing...except her name...Holiday. 

It is the kind of story that is sure to hook young listeners. By episode two, more is revealed (often in subtle clues that only keen ears will detect). It ends on a cliffhanger that I am certain will have students, as Vincent put it, "obsessed".

I immediately contacted a Grade 5 teacher at a schools I support. She agreed to let me try out a few episodes with her students to gauge their interest and build some connections to her balanced literacy program. Hopefully, I will post those results and some lesson ideas soon.

Alright, Fair Enough

Recently, I was visiting a friend when a noise erupted from the basement. His children, two young boys, had obviously reached a tipping-point in their play, and a screaming match ensued. Frustrated, he did what I have seen many adults do. He interceded, a little angrily, and the argument stopped.

I’m no stranger to this tactic. I’ve done it many times at school. Two students are in a conflict at recess and, immediately, I default to a well rehearsed proclamation - like a code in a program, randomly selecting a line of script.

“Enough!”

“Stop it!”

“Just try to get along.”

“Find someone else to play with”

“You go that way … and you go that way.”

However, I have been thinking about a line from this classic Monty Python sketch

“An argument is an intellectual process”.

Recently, I heard comedian Bill Burr discuss the topic of arguments between friends. He highlighted the power of three words that can bring two sides to a quick and amicable resolution when the exhaustion point in a quarrel is reached.

“Alright. Fair Enough.”

The intersection of these events got me thinking about curriculum and teaching - which might be the mantra of every teacher.

If it is important to learn how to argue, or debate, how can I teach my students (Grade 5 - 8) to do it?

Can I do this in an effective, fun, cross-curricular, & collaborative way?

I’ve decided to call this activity “Fair Enough”.

• Perhaps, the Monty Python argument sketch could be used as a “Minds On”.
• Start with a discussion about arguments. Present them as valuable. Make the connection to science, essay writing, political opinion, sports, laws, etc.
• Allow for Student Voice. Have them Think-Pair-Share stories about arguments they have had, won and/or lost.
• Talk about the idea of a debate as a formal, respectful exchange of ideas in front of a crowd.
• Students find partners and choose a pair of opposing topics. I have started a list here, but students can determine their own.
• Collaboratively (or independently), they prepare their arguments. Depending on age and ability, this could be done as simple point form notes, or as a Ignite or Lightning Talk with a Google Slideshow.
• Practice time can be provided depending on the desired complexity.
• Students go head-to-head in front of the class.
• When ideas have been exhausted, the students look at each other, shrug their shoulders and say “Alright, fair enough.”
• I’ve included a Google Slide that you can edit for your purposes.

Curriculum & Learning Skill Connections

• The connections to Oral Language, Literacy and Drama are obvious.
• I like the idea that we are embracing the importance of an argument as a foundation for progress in our society.
• I think it connects well to curriculum expectations for writing structure (The five paragraph answer sandwich model).
• I like that students who are about to argue are encouraged to collaborate to help each other solidify their points and counterpoints.
• I like that this activity could be unplugged (scrap paper and a pencil) or plugged (Google Slides).
• I like that there is a safe conclusion for both parties: “Alright, Fair Enough”. This is also a useful social strategy for future arguments.

Hopefully, I can share this lesson with a class next year. I’ll write about the results. If it doesn’t go well...Alright, fair enough.