October News
Technology Update
We are Becoming Technology Experts
If you haven't already heard, we have been integrating technology into our curriculum! Students have started using IXL, NewsELA, and Quizlet during their time in our classroom. Read below for some more information on these websites! If you have access to a computer at home and are looking for some extra practice for your child, all these websites will help build reading fluency, academic vocabulary and comprehension.
IXL
IXL is a new website that our school has subscribed to this year. It is awesome because students can pick specific skills in ELA as well as Math to work on. Currently in ELA we are working on context clues and prefixes. Students have been determining the meanings of words by using context clues in the paragraph as well as using pictures to determine meanings. Students have also been working with the prefixes re, and pre. The website tracks each student's progress so learning can be specifically tailored to each individual.
Each student has their own log in with a specific username and password. If you child cannot remember it, let me know and I will get it to you!
NewsELA
This website is wonderful because it focuses on getting students interested in non-fiction articles. On this website, students read an article at their Lexile Level and then the student answers four multiple choice questions that correlate to our 6th grade ELA standards. Sometimes students even have to answer a short response question. The questions here help prepare our students for different tests and assessments they might encounter throughout the year. Again, this website tracks student progress and automatically levels the text so that it is at the student's independent reading level.
Students have used their school email and password for the Chromebooks as their log on information here. If they choose the option to log on using Google, students can input their email and password here to pick up where they left off!
Quizlet
Quizlet is a website that helps students review vocabulary words. The website is great because it has "flash cards" that students can study. Students can listen to words and the definitions and even associate pictures with these new definitions. There are multiple ways to study words and their meanings and there are even some fun games that the students can play. As we read different novels throughout the year, I will continuously add new vocabulary words to help students have a deeper understanding of our texts.
Again, students used their Google email with the same password to log on to this website. There is also an app for iPads and Android phones and tablets. We currently have vocabulary words in there from our non-fiction text, "The Hero's Journey" as well as different domain specific vocabulary words from Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.
Questions?
As always, if you have any concerns about anything please let me know!