7th Grade Utilizes Skype to Share Original Written Scripts

Mr. Searl's 4th graders watching the 7th Grader's perform their Reader's Theater scripts.

Performing "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves"




The first novel we completed in 7th Grade ELP was "King of the Wind" (Newbery Winner in 1948).  It began in Morocco and traveled throughout Arab countries and into Europe.  As an extension activity into cultures, the students found and read a script for "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves." 

One section of 7th Grade ELP created "revised endings" to  "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves".  In an attempt to find an authentic audience, we utilized the Skype-pals the 4th and 5th grade ELP students have.  Our 7th hour class "skyped" in with Mr. Searl and his 4th grade class in Bloomington, MN.  Students shared the original "Ali Baba" and then 2 smaller groups shared the original scripts they had created.  Mr. Searl's students shared their thoughts on the scripts, the intonation, expression and their take on the humor. 

The last few minutes of the class were set up as Q and A.  The 4th graders thought it was quite interesting that the 7th graders had such expression.  They also asked how long it took to write the scripts and how many revisions students made.

What a great way to end a Friday!


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