Sunday, June 30, 2013

Tune Into Technology: Integrating Technology into Reading

I'm linking up with iTeach 1:1 and Learning to the Core to share some exciting ways of incorporating technology into your classroom.

Week 1 Theme: Integrating Technology into Reading

For reading, I use the guided reading format in which the students are either reading with me for 30 minutes or they're at a literacy based station for 30 minutes.  

Top 5 Ways to Integrate Technology into Reading-
Literacy Station Style
1. Edmodo (Technology Station)
It's the safe, school version of Facebook allowing students to post questions, comment on questions within their feed and even message the teacher directly.  We use Edmodo to post our reaction to our latest read aloud book.


2. Spelling City (Word Work Station)
I use Spelling City to personalize spelling lists for students who may need additional practice.  This has been a excellent tool to use when trying to differentiate for the needs of my students.

3. BrainPOP (Research Station)
Love it and so does my class!  My students watch the featured video (which changes daily) and follow-up with a summarizing activity in their Literacy Notebook.  It's so exciting to see their responses because BrainPOP offers high-interest topics that the kids love! 

4. National Geographic Kids (Research Station)
Similar to BrainPOP, my students use the National Geographic Kids to watch high-interest videos on a topic of their choice.  Before watching the video, students make predictions and summarize their factual findings at the end.  

5. Google Drive (W.E.B. [We Enjoy Books] & Response Station) 

This spring, I was lucky enough to pilot Google Drive with my class.  Students created a Google account that allowed them access to only Google Drive.  (This was thanks to the technology department within my district.)  The students used Google Drive to work on their typing skills by sharing their weekly literacy response with me.  This was a huge hit and I can't wait to get it up and rolling again in the fall.  

Join the fun and link up to share your ideas! 

Enjoy,

3 comments:

  1. Yayy, another Illinois blogger linked up! Where about do you teach? I teach in Berwyn (Chicago suburbs). I use most of the sites you linked up and I'm interesting in learning more about Edmodo to possibly use this year. Thanks for linking up with us and we hope you'll come back for math next week!:)

    Kristin
    iTeach 1:1

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    Replies
    1. I teach in Crystal Lake (just outside of Chicago). Small world! :)

      Yes, I'll definitely be back! Looking forward to it.

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  2. Oh wow- so excited for another Illinois blogger! I love all your ideas that you posted- it sounds like you have found lots of ways to make your literacy centers super engaging for your kids! I'm thinking I need to introduce National Geographic Kids into my room- such a great way to incorporate lots of skills.
    Thanks so much for linking up with us!
    Aylin
    Learning to the Core

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