This document provides guidance for 3rd grade teachers on how to use Voicethread technology to facilitate group discussions on a reading assignment of Because of Winn Dixie. It suggests dividing students into groups of 3-4 and assigning discussion questions about the main characters, plot, and setting. Students would then use Voicethread's commenting, video, and audio tools to collaborate and reflect on the story in their groups. The teacher could participate in all group discussions to share them with the full class.

2.  Educating 3rd grade teachers on how
to integrate voicethread technology
in their classroom.
 Ways to use it: critique, reflect, share,
edit, and discuss different topics.

3.  Cloud Application: No software to install.
Works with any recent web browser and
internet connection.
 Upload documents, presentations,
photos, audio or video and discuss.
 Comment (text and microphone),
webcam, and audio-video capabilities.
 Possibilities are endless!

4.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE
bEwY5Gmks (video tutorial)
 Step 1: Register your account

9.  Example #1: 3nd Grade Reading Lesson on
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
 Divide students into groups of 3-4 or pairs
(depending on size of class) for group
discussions.
 Idea is to discuss and get feedback from
students on the story’s plot, setting, and
characters.

10.  Who are the main characters? Describe them
(what they look like, their personality, etc.).
 Where is the story set? Describe it.
 How does the author help you get to know
the characters?
 What do you believe is the plot of this story?
 Who is your least favorite character? Your
favorite character? Why?

11.  Each group of students can talk together
after the lesson to reflect on the story
together.
 They can comment via text, video, or
audio collaboration.
 Instructors can be a part of all of the
group’s videothreads and share them
with the rest of the class.

12.  1.1.1 Follow an inquiry-based process in seeking knowledge in
curricular subjects and make the real world connection for
using this process in own life.
 1.1.3 Develop and refine a range of questions to frame
search for new understanding
 1.1.6 Read, view, and listen for information presented in any
format (e.g., textual, visual, media, digital) in order to make
inferences and gather meaning.
 *1.1.8 Demonstrate mastery of technology tools to access
information and pursue inquiry.
 *1.1.9 Collaborate with others to broaden and deepen
understanding.
 1.2.3 Demonstrate creativity by using multiple resources and
formats.

13. Great Schools. (2014). “Favorite Books for Third-Graders.”
Retrieved from http://www.greatschools.org/cgi-
bin/showarticle/625#Positive.
International Reading Association. (2014) “Characters in
Because of Winn-Dixie: Making Lists of Ten.” Retrieved
from http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-
resources/lesson-plans/characters-because-winn-dixie-
866.html?tab=4#tabs.
VoiceThread. (2007-2014). Retrieved from
https://voicethread.com/#q.
VoiceThread. (2007-2014). “Communicate, Collaborate
and Connect: VoiceThread.” Retrieved from
https://voicethread.com/about/features/.