Writing test is upon us--let technology help

For fast finishers, extra credit, tech center....here is an idea to incorporate Google Apps into a writing activity.

Have kids read two passages, then "write" their papers using Google apps.

Using Google Drawing,  students could create their "planning sheet". They could even create their own digital anchor charts. Have the kids share with you, you download as a PDF or JPG, and share via newsletter or Google Classroom.

After the students create their digital planing sheet, have them create the "paper" using Google slides. Maybe allow 1 slide per paragraph. Use a rubric to allow students one image, a specific style of font and size.

Have students share their slides with you. (And me, please!)  This will help drive home the # of paragraphs you want the students to have, and exactly what information goes into which slide.

After the slide is created, have them write the full side show out on notebook paper. Highlight some of the hard work in your weekly newsletter.

Have fun!

I need your ideas!

Today's blog post is going to be a bit different from the previous blog posts. In this post, I am inviting YOU to write!
There is a padlet created here for you to post your ideas, wishes and musings.  I never see you. I know you're out there.We never seem to talk beyond, 'Hey! Will you stop by and fix my_______?" I know there are questions of, "how can we make this better?" What ideas are there? What apps are there? Are there any tips and tricks that can make MY time more productive? Is there a way for technology to help me work smarter, instead of harder to ensure the kiddos in my classroom reach their full potential?

Click on over to my Padlet and let YOUR voice be heard! It's totally anonymous. It might take a bit for posts to show up. It's on "moderate comments" in hopes of deterring spam.
Thanks for your help!

Toontastic

Another goodie from Richard Byrne, from the FreeTech4teachers.com This little gem can help students visualize their beginning, middle, and ending of their writing piece. Using Toontastic (no sign in required) the students get to choose/customize their scenes (settings), characters, and of course, write their script. The finished product can be downloaded to the device (iOS, Android or Chrome) and shared in a variety of ways, including Google Drive and Google Classroom. (Which, BTW, have you noticed that Google Classroom can now let you pick and choose individual students to send things to? Talk about differentiation!)

Check out Richard's video below to see how easy it is to use the Toontastic Website:

Book Trailers

An alternative to the old fashion book report is creating a book trailer. A book trailer is a short video created to entice the viewers to want to read the book, without giving away the ending, or resolution of the plot.

Having a 1:1 campus, it's easy to incorporate this activity to the fast finishers, or as an extension for a student to create BEFORE taking their AR test. Doing so will help drive the comprehension home just a bit more.

Richard, over at Freetech4teachers.com, tells of two ways students can create a book trailer using their Chromebooks. Two free websites, Adobe Sparks and Stupeflix are his recommendations to get students started creating. Below is the YouTube from Richard showing how to get started using both of the sites. Enjoy!