Upcoming Free Videoconferencing Programs

December 1
Little Things Can Mean a Lot: String, Peas and Snowflakes with Author/Illustrator Keith Baker
Target Audience: Grades K-2     Cost: Free   Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.Description: Books can be about many things, big and small.  Let's take a look at three of Keith Baker’s books that look at small things--string, peas and snowflakes.  Is a string just a string, or can it be many other things?  What if there were 'p's' and 'peas' in the alphabet?  What would all those little peas do for the other letters?  Are there ever two snowflakes that are alike?  Join Keith for arts, crafts and a book chat. He’ll talk about writing, show your students how to make a six-sided snowflake and share a little trick for drawing faces that will make their characters come to life.

December 2America's Signs and Symbols
Target Audience: Grades 6- 8    Cost: Free  Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.Description: Artists use familiar American icons – the Statue of Liberty, the bald eagle, the flag –
to communicate their personal ideas and to encourage probing thoughts about our
society. By introducing America’s Signs & Symbols with a pre-visit looking
activity, completing your videoconference, and cementing concepts with an
in-class post lesson, your students will be better able to: (1)Understand the historical context and symbolic meanings of American icons; (2)Understand the role of symbols in the expression of a national identity, personal ideas and social commentary; (3) Use visual vocabulary to articulate observations and interpretations of artworks.

December 9Animal Quest
Target Audience: Grades 3-4    Cost: Free  Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.Description: Based on the ever-popular MysteryQuest developed by Berrien County RESA in Michigan, this project is designed for 3rd and 4th grade students studying animals. Through video conference technology, students are able to meet other students in from MAGPI member schools while learning about the habitats, habits and structure of various animals. Prior to the video conference each classroom will create a presentation with clues about a mystery animal. The other classrooms, using the Internet, textbooks, prior knowledge and other resources, try to discover the identity of the mystery animal

December 14Cookies With Santa
Target Audience: Grades K-3    Cost: Free  Time: 10:00 - 10:45, OR 11:00 - 11:45, OR 1:00 - 1:45Description: Join us for an interactive adventure to Santa's workshop in the North Pole! Our special guest, Kris Kringle (aka Santa Claus) will be joining students via videoconference to share stories of the North Pole, read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, answer students' questions and munch on cookies.

December 15Cookies With Santa
Target Audience: Grades K-3    Cost: Free  Time: 10:00 - 10:45, OR 11:00 - 11:45, OR 1:00 - 1:45Description: Join us for an interactive adventure to Santa's workshop in the North Pole! Our special guest, Kris Kringle (aka Santa Claus) will be joining students via videoconference to share stories of the North Pole, read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, answer students' questions and munch on cookies.

December 14Cookies With Santa
Target Audience: Grades K-3    Cost: Free  Time: 10:00 - 10:45, OR 11:00 - 11:45, OR 1:00 - 1:45Description: Join us for an interactive adventure to Santa's workshop in the North Pole! Our special guest, Kris Kringle (aka Santa Claus) will be joining students via videoconference to share stories of the North Pole, read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, answer students' questions and munch on cookies.

For all of these listed programs, schools must arrange for the IVC equipment and IP address to be set up for their school at least 2 weeks before the program.  This should be done BEFORE registering for the program through the links listed above.  Please email me to arrange for this.  Thanks! Jamie