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,

Making a Move

It's finally summer break and I feel like June has already flown by.  It's in an out before I can even tackle any projects that I want to do for school.  That might have something to do with the fact that I:

jumped a plane to Florida for a vacation.

just finished working on district curriculum projects.

     

completed a few around the house projects.

woke up to a flooded basement. 

Even with June being a busy month, I've still had time to make the move to Bloglovin'.  It's the latest craze because it keeps you updated with the latest blogs you're following.  <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5562943/?claim=nksbgwuuwyw">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

I've also been checking in on how my students are doing with Sumdog and it continues to be a hit!  I was rather surprised considering that it's the end of June and I figured the excitement would have faded by now.  This definitely puts a smile on my face knowing that my students are continuing their practice even into the middle of summer vacation!

Enjoy,