It may not include Johnny Depp...

...but it's still Alice in Wonderland!  

Mr. Long did not lecture.  Mr. Long did not read aloud.  Mr. Long allowed students to conduct research in teams and write reflections in a Word Press blog on this classic children's story.   Mr. Long adopted a publisher role as student posts awaited moderation. 

His Vision:

The goal was for the students’ learning/discovery experience to conceptually mirror Alice ‘finding her way’ through Wonderland.  Instead of directing the curriculum in a traditional manner, Mr. Long shifted to the role of ‘publisher.’  All entries and comments were moderated by Mr. Long, but students were expected to take responsibility for co-editing each each others work to ensure quality submissions.   ‘Audience’ & ‘voice’ was always a central focus.

Six weeks immersed in a blog project with students organized into teams.  Each team posts their written reactions, conducts research, and builds an overall analysis worthy of Lewis Carrol's classic.

The insight and depth evident in these student posts is amazing.  The writing is organized, yet creative.  It includes references to outside resources, some hyper-linked. 

I'm not an English teacher but would borrow this "Big Idea" for a unit on ethics in Accounting.  Organize students in teams, set the guidelines, provide business ethics topics to choose, and create and manage a Blogger blog students can post content.  I would hope to get similar insightful and meaningful reflections from learners!

Some amazing student reflections:

•  A First Address
• Alice's Soundtrack
• Sweet Dreams