Tech Talk for Literacy

Hey folks,

So recently, I went to a Professional Development session on the Daily Five and CAFE. It was all about literacy and how to make reading and writing fun for students.The presenters demonstrated many different websites that could be used. Since being in this new ICT class, we have learned about many different uses for internet applications and technology and I will discuss some of these sites here.

In regards to working on writing, students can use some simple applications. The first site is a blogging site for students called Kidblog. This simple site allows students to blog in a safe and secure environment. Teachers can monitor all of the blogs that are created. Students can create reflections and practice writing stories for others to read. Other classmates can comment on students' work. Storybird allows students to create short stories using pictures. They can write story-lines underneath all of the photos as well.

For creating words, students can use Text Twist that allows students to unscramble letters and create different words. Students can then take the new words that they have learned and use them in their writing. Another application to use Spelling City which includes fun word games for students to practice their spelling.

For students to listen to stories there are many different applications for them to use as well. Speakaboos is an interactive website that allows students to choose stories to be read to them. They can choose different topics of stories such as scary stories or adventure stories. Other interactive sites for students include Raz Kids and Tumblebooks. My favorite site that was mentioned was called Storyline Online. In this site, students can choose different books to be read to them by celebrities of their choice. The books are also animated so the students can follow along and look at the animated pictures as they are being read to.

With the use of technology, kids can have a lot of fun reading. I wish that some of these applications were available when I went to school. Maybe I would have a better love for reading than I do now.

Take care.

Jordan