Buzzworthy News: Year Two and Better Than Ever

This is our second year of Buzzworthy News, our online news program for elementary students. Every Friday, a group of students joins me for some laughs, some news, and a recording that I've learned to quickly and effectively edit so it can be shared with all grade levels during Monday morning meetings.

Last year, I wasn't sure we could pull it off but here we are in year two, and the students are really growing into fantastic reporters. Last year's format included the weather and a "quote of the week." This year, the students wanted to mix things up, and they came up with two new segments: Book Buzz (a weekly book review) and Joke of the Week.

Of course, everyone has rolled their eyes at my five-year-old sense of humor like when I asked, "Why can you not give Anna a balloon?" and answered, "Because she will let it GOOOOOOO!" But they've genuinely enjoyed hearing about the different books they're reviewing, from The Dot to The Very Hungry Caterpillar. What makes me proud is that the students actually asked to take on these tasks.

One student gave a quick, Reading Rainbow style review of If I Built a School, and another provided a perfectly school appropriate joke: "Why did the boy eat his homework? Because his teacher said it was a piece of cake."

Once again, I'm reminded that teaching in a virtual setting can create meaningful experiences and build wonderful relationships. Now, if only I could figure out a way for them to review my books online... just kidding.