I have the most experience in the
second grade classroom, so that is usually my starting point when I am testing
out new tools. In reviewing the tools presented this week I found several that
were interesting, but finally decided on two that I would like to use in my
future lessons.
The first tool is 170 online books
for young kids found here . I
love that there is not a sign in requirement. I was particularly interested in
the National Geographic animal books that are available. They are ideal for different reading levels, in that in addition to written
texts there is the option for the books to be read to the student. With informational texts often being
above the reader’s level this is a great feature.
I would use this tool in addition
to traditional paper books for students to learn to how to research informational
texts. The Common Core State Standards that I would teach through this medium
are Asking and Answering Questions RI.2.1,
where I would guide students with a graphic organizer. Then, I would pair the
standard RI.2.5,
know and use various text features to locate key facts or information in a text
efficiently to the instruction.
The next tool I chose is Prezi. I eventually chose this tool because
unlike many of the other presentation tools it is completely free for basic
educator users. This would be the way students would eventually share their information
with the class. Writing standard W.2.2 which students write and informative paper is
the standard I would use to guide the class’ writing project.
Both tools are great and easy to
use. I think students would be able to use them with little assistance after
introduction. I like that they are both web based and do not require download.
References
Corestandards.org,. (2015). English Language Arts
Standards » Writing » Grade 2 | Common Core State Standards Initiative.
Retrieved 26 August 2015, from http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/2/
Corestandards.org,.
(2015). English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Informational Text »
Grade 2 | Common Core State Standards Initiative. Retrieved 26 August 2015,
from http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RI/2/
Elfie,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you were able to find tools that will work in your classroom.
One of my grandsons absolutely loves the National Geographic ebooks. He is a beginning reader and likes to listen to a book first, then he reads it for himself. The last time he stayed overnight, he picked one as his bedtime story. As soon as he finished it, he said, "How about one more?" I knew he was hooked! :-)
Dr. Dell
That's good to know. My second grade classrooms in the past have really enjoyed learning about animals, but I haven't heard of the online versions books until this class. I'm excited to share the resource with my fellow teachers.
DeleteElfie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing about the National Geographic ebooks I have never heard of them before. That sounds like a great tool, especially for the younger grades. I will have to check that out for my nieces and nephews, they love animals. I also enjoy using Prezi. I find that this is a great tool to use as an organizer and as a tool to use for class presentations. My students have used Prezi in class to present their projects on different Hispanic countries. I love how Prezi gives you so many designs and formats to choose from. Thank you for sharing these tools.
Thank you for sharing the 170 online eBooks! I am so excited to use the National Geographic books in my Preschool classroom! As I was looking through some of the different books that are available I was already counting the numerous amounts of books that I am going to be able to incorporate into my units. I also am excited to use them on my iPads in the listening center for the students to listen to on their own. I will incorporate them as a whole group using the Promethean board.
ReplyDelete