From Our Minds to the Screen

Well, we had some pretty big ideas and visions in our heads. The first obstacle we encountered was how we could transfer these ideas from our heads onto paper or the computer. We started in our comfort zone, and also we were excited when Dr. Kajder told us to read, read, and read.

So, that is what we did. The three of us each chose four adolescent literature books, and we began to read. I really enjoyed exploring these new pieces of literature that my students had been hooked on. I felt very inadequate with my knowledge of the "in" new adolescent lit. I went through my four books in about four days :) I know I'm a book nerd :)

After we completed our books, we began working on our elements of technology. We created book trailers, think alouds, and podcasts. I was very moved after reading A Long Way Gone, so I was really into the book trailer. It was an emotional experience to step into the shoes of someone who had had such tough experiences.

Also, I did a think aloud for The Giver, which was also really neat for me to do because we read this in my classroom. I kept thinking about my students, and how they would have really enjoyed this.

The next phase, Lauren and I were playing around one day on the Internet looking at how to make websites, and we found Google's free web design. Suddenly, what we had envisioned in our heads began to unfold on the screen. Forty-eight hours later, after working long hours with a few naps, we had designed BookSpace.

I can't believe we really made this happen. It seemed like something unreachable and that our ideas would never become tangible. I am so excited about BookSpace and the future of BookSpace. Hopefully, we will be able to open a whole new world of reading for our students!!!