Let the Setting Speak for Itself

Blabberize, a web app that allows you to add a talking “mouth” and recording for any picture, is a great tool for developing all kinds of organization and oral language skills. I recently used it with students in conjunction with a Setting Map from It’s All About the Story to develop descriptive skills and the concept of setting.  After having students pick a favorite setting, we located a visually supportive image of the place using Google Images.  Students completed a Setting Map and described key elements such as Location, Function/Use, Areas/Parts, etc.  We then downloaded the image, logged in to Blabberize, added a mouth and integrated the notes on the Setting Map into an oral description.  The example you can view here is one created with an individual student; you can always keep it shorter if you have a group!

Consider also using Blabberize to develop scripts for a setting, focusing not on the description but on the sequential schema of the place.  What does the “ho-hum” day look like in the place, “one where there are no obstacles to the expected script?” (MindWing’s It’s All About the Story, Ch. 7).  For example, if you choose a public pool, the script recorded with the picture might be:

Hi, I’m the Gath Pool!  When you come visit me, first make sure you take you swimming bag out of the car.  Go into the locker room and take a shower, then come out to the pool deck.  Look around to see what areas of the pool are being used by kids, and which by adults swimming laps.  Swim and have fun with your friends.  Be sure to walk on the deck and keep safe in the pool.  When you are told it is time to go, take your bag and go through the locker room to get dressed...etc!

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Blabberize to do a small project about Setting.  If you are worried about completing this project with students, making your own Blabberize examples and having students use Setting Maps to dissect them could be another route!

https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=d8wmks7_281nthjt6gz&interval=30