Ancient Mali and Chatterpix

I went to the public library to seek out a new book to read to my third graders.
This book, The Mysterious Traveler was highly recommended. What a fabulous choice!
We were just finishing up a study of  the Ancient Civilization of Mali and this book tied in so wonderfully.  The students and I were hooked from the first chapter and they booed when I had to stop for the day.



As we studied Mali, we read about camel caravans and how the Ancient people of Mali would trade salt for gold in the city of Timbuktu.
I decided to skip the traditional end of the unit social studies test and instead have them do some writing to assess their understanding of the content.
I had them tell me all that they learned about this Ancient Civilization as they wrote about their life as a camel in Mali. The kids were way into it.







I decided to let them share their stories using the Chatterpix App.
Do you know that one? You must check it out...so much fun!


ChatterPix Kids is a free iPad app that you and your students can use to turn pictures into talking pictures. To create a talking picture just snap a picture with your iPad or import a picture from your iPad’s camera roll. After taking the picture just draw in a face and tap the record button to make your picture talk. Your recording can be up to thirty seconds in length. Before publishing your talking picture you can add fun stickers, text, and frames to your picture.

So this turned out to be not only a great writing activity, but a great reading fluency practice. 

Children were intent on getting all their story read in the 30 seconds. 

This took several tries for some.  Meaningful rereadings!

They loved sharing them with each other!
Click the youtube video below to hear this child's camel tell its story. 

Can you think of other ways to use this app?
Would love to hear!
Comment or Email: youngdor8@gmail.com