MPRadio

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We have created this podcast message as a tribute to the mothers of our students. We hope that you enjoy your special day. Happy Mother’s Day!

Music: Water Droplets on the River and Sunshine (Aidan Keith-Hynes and Kevin MacLeod

This is Part 2 of our Light Up the World digital story presentation. We hope that you enjoy the digital stories created by the students, despite many technical difficulties with the sound fluctuations. This was our first attempt at using Photo Story 3, and the students showed significant creativity throughout the process. We hope that you will return soon as we continue to provide updates on our Light Up the World initiative.

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Note: More digital stories will be added to this post soon

We have been creating digital stories as a kick-off to our Light Up the World initiative. Our class is attempting to raise money and awareness for third world countries that are not connected to the power grid, and this episode is the first installment of a series of digital stories and podcasts that will describe our efforts.

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spread-the-word-to-end-the-word5 As part of our Making a Difference program, we recorded this episode to pledge our support for the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. This campaign is organized by the Special Olympics, and its goal is to raise awareness and ultimately put an end to the hurtful and unacceptable use of the “R” word (retard). With this podcast we are also supporting Laura Stockman’s blog carnival as she leads the way in attempting to raise awareness for this campaign. It is through Laura’s selflessness that we became inspired to become involved with Spread the Word to End the Word. A highlight for us was getting the entire school involved by holding an assembly and signing a banner to draw attention to this issue. As a matter of fact you can hear the collective voices of our entire school population at the end of the podcast (turn your volume down because this part is quite loud!). We hope that you enjoy!

Music used in this episode: Chameleon by Jana Mashonee and Dirty Water by Fifty Nine Violets (Podsafe Music Network)

The students were told that they would be starting a unit on Conservation of Energy, and they were encouraged to explore what they already knew about the topic. Two students, Greg and Mara, really impressed me with what they submitted before we even officially began instruction on the unit. They developed a podcast and a digital story to demonstrate their previous knowledge of the subject! This was one of those moments when something special happens in class and you have to acknowledge the creativity of the students. Imagine what the students will accomplish once they actually begin to explore this topic in detail. I can’t wait!

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Music Used in this Episode: Grifter by Swampvoodoo, Leave It Behind by Kurveball (Podsafe Music Network)

making-a-difference-at-home-part-1 In Part One of our Making a Difference at Home podcast, you will hear some of the girls provide reflections on their three week action plans to contribute and make a difference in their households. This initiative turned out to be incredibly successful! Not only did the students make a conscious effort to do “something extra” at home, but they also produced so much content in class that we had to do something unprecedented: we had to create three separate podcasts just to allow their voices to be heard on this one topic! Two of these podcasts can be heard right here (Part 2 contains the boys’ reflections), and the third podcast can be listened to on our sister station, Parkland Radio. Length: Approximately 8 minutes

Music used in this episode is courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network: Last Mistake (Thrillz) and If You Want Me to Love Ya (Thrillz)

making-a-difference-at-home-part-2 This is part 2 of our Making a Difference at Home podcast. In this episode, we hear from the boys as they provide reflections on their three week action plan to make a difference in their household. Approximate time: 4 minutes

Music used in this episode was obtained from the Podsafe Music Network: Frame by Frame (The other Chris Hardy) and Dirty Water (Fifty-Nine Violets)

word-choice-podcastIn this episode the students were given a very tight deadline (90 minutes) and were asked to write descriptive sentences about a variety of topics that were written on task cards. This was the easy part! Then, the students were put into groups and had to create a piece of writing that incorporated samples from all of the students involved. Essentially, this became a writing activity and a cooperative learning activity. This activity will be repeated later in the year; it will be very interesting to compare this “early” sample to the one that will be recorded after the students receive more instruction and practice. (Length: 4 minutes)

Music used in this episode: Kick Back (After Son), Down Home Rockin’ (Kevin MacLeod), Sumter Boys Hip Hop (Beats), No Way Out (3 Feet Up)

episode-8-making-a-differenceIn this episode the students give examples of ways that they can make a difference in their home, school, community, and world as a whole. They researched the work of another student, Laura Stockman, to inspire them to think outside of themselves, and realize that they have the ability to make a difference in the world regardless of their age. The next step is to turn these words into actions. Tune in to future episodes to hear what we are doing to make a difference in our world. This episode is 7 minutes in length.

All music used in this episode is courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network (Sumter Boys Hip Hop-Beats, Hip Hop MIxture-OJO, Hip Hop Soul-Nick Cicero)

This podcast was developed by Ms. Cripps, one of our student teachers from Lakehead University. The students were asked to describe the meaning of Christmas, family traditions, and personal messages that they would like to send to loved ones. They did a terrific job presenting their thoughts and ideas for this podcast! On behalf of Mr. Wing (EA), Ms. Cripps and Ms. Huopalainen (student teachers), we would like to wish all families a very safe and happy holiday season. This podcast is just over 10 minutes in length.

Music used in this episode: Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, Oh Christmas Tree, and Up on a Housetop (All songs courtesy of Kevin MacLeod)christmas-podcast