Why book trailers?By June HensonLibrarian, McKamy Middle School

TEKS for Middle SchoolTechnology Applications:

(5)  Information acquisition. The student is expected to:

(A)  identify, create, and use files in various formats such as text, bitmapped/vector graphics, image, video, and audio files;

(7)  Solving problems. The student uses appropriate computer-based productivity tools to create and modify solutions to problems. The student is expected to:

(D)  demonstrate proficiency in the use of multimedia authoring programs by creating linear or non-linear projects incorporating text, audio, video, and graphics;

TEKS for Middle SchoolTechnology Applications:

(11)  Communication. The student delivers the product electronically in a variety of media, with appropriate supervision. The student is expected to:

(A)  publish information in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, printed copy, monitor display, Internet documents, and video;

(B)  design and create interdisciplinary multimedia presentations for defined audiences including audio, video, text, and graphics.

TEKS for High SchoolMultimedia:

(3)  Foundations. The student complies with the laws and examines the issues regarding the use of technology in society. The student is expected to:

(A)  discuss copyright laws/issues and model ethical acquisition and use of digital information, citing sources using established methods;

(B)  demonstrate proper etiquette and knowledge of acceptable use policies when using networks, especially resources on the Internet and intranet;

(C)  model respect of intellectual property when manipulating, morphing, or editing graphics, video, text, and sound

TEKS for High SchoolMultimedia:

(5)  Information acquisition. The student acquires electronic information in a variety of formats, with appropriate supervision. The student is expected to:

(A)  acquire information in electronic formats including text, audio, video, and graphics, citing the source; and

(B)  identify, create, and use available file formats including text, image, video (analog and digital), and audio files.

TEKS for Middle SchoolELAR 6th grade

(13)  Reading/Media Literacy. Students use comprehension skills to analyze how words, images, graphics, and sounds work together in various forms to impact meaning. Students are expected to:

(A)  explain messages conveyed in various forms of media;

(B)  recognize how various techniques influence viewers' emotions.

TEKS for Middle SchoolELAR 7th and 8th grade

13)  Reading/Media Literacy. Students use comprehension skills to analyze how words, images, graphics, and sounds work together in various forms to impact meaning. Students are expected to:

(A)  interpret both explicit and implicit messages in various forms of media;

(B)  interpret how visual and sound techniques (e.g., special effects, camera angles, lighting, music) influence the message;

(C)  evaluate various ways media influences and informs audiences; and

(D)  assess the correct level of formality and tone for successful participation in various digital media.

Rules of Thumb for Creating

Book Trailers

Summarize just enough of the plot to get viewers interested…

But don’t tell them everything! You don’t want to spoil the book!

When selecting pictures, think about some of the major characters, themes, and events•Teen girl•Losing a loved one•Stranger in town

Do Not: Use long sentencesDo Not: Put too many sentences on one slide

No one wants to really “read” a book trailer. They want to “look” at it.

Do: Try to use no more than 15-20 words per slide

Do: Use phrases instead of entire sentences

Make sure your music fits the tone of the book

It must be copyright-free. No using entire songs off your iPod!

The best book trailers are around 1 minute, 45 seconds in length.

Make it too long and viewers will lose interest.

Be sure to mention the title and author of the book either at the beginning or the end of your trailer (or both)

You MUST have a Credits slide at the end. This is not an option.

You must give credit to the photographers and web sites where you got your photos and music.

Finally, give yourself a shout-out! You did all the hard work, so give yourself credit on your trailer!