February Technology Newsletter
Expand Your "Listen to Reading" Library
Earlier this year, I wrote a newsletter article about creating QR codes for "listen to reading". The QR codes are an excellent way to convert the audio files for the books you already have in your library. But, what if you are looking to increase your "listen to reading" library? Tumbleboks is the answer! Tumblebooks is an online collection of read-along eBooks, National Geographic videos, books for language learners, non-fiction books, and lessons for teachers. As students listen/read each story, the words are highlighted as they are being read aloud. Each book also includes a short comprehension quiz that students can take to assess themselves.
Tumblebooks subscriptions range in cost from $600-$800, but can be accessed for free through the Bloomsburg Public Library. Tumblebooks Cloud junior (for upper elementary students) can be access through the James V. Brown Library. A shortcut can also be added to the iPad for quick and easy access. Please send me an email if you want some assistance putting this on your classroom iPads.
Tumblebooks subscriptions range in cost from $600-$800, but can be accessed for free through the Bloomsburg Public Library. Tumblebooks Cloud junior (for upper elementary students) can be access through the James V. Brown Library. A shortcut can also be added to the iPad for quick and easy access. Please send me an email if you want some assistance putting this on your classroom iPads.
Green Screening with "Doink"
Ever wonder how the broadcast meteorologists on TV get those weather maps behind them? They use green screen technology! Your students can use the same technology (with the Doink App) to create videos demonstrating their understanding of various concepts. Creating a green screen is as simple as hanging green butcher paper up on the wall, or using puppets and a green-painted pizza box. Don't have time to create the green screens? I have them already! Here are some ways you can use Doink and a green screen with your students:
- Research presentations (animals, biographies, places)
- Book reports
- Story retelling
- Character traits
- Retelling from a specific character's point of view
- Persuasive writing commercials
- Informative writing presentations
- Narrative writing- plays
- Holiday projects (news reporters)- President's Day, Groundhog Day, Earth Day
- Math problem tutorials
Make sure you check out the Pizza Box Green Screen and the "Doink" video below. Please contact me if you'd like me to come into your classroom and do a few lessons with the green screen!
Easy-to-Use Green Screen by DoInk App Enables Creation of Green Screen Effects on iPhone and iPad
January Technology Stars
Alex Bartlett
Alex is a 5th grade teacher at Forge Road Elementary. Alex is always looking for ways to make learning fun for her students. Recently, her students learned how to use S'more to create digital book report flyers. The students had to create a flyer on their specific book group book. It had to include a short summary, character reviews, opinion piece, and and editorial. Check out the S'more project rubric/example here. Alex, great job enhancing "traditional" assignments with technology to increase student learning and creativity!
Kelly Strada
Kelly is a 3rd grade teacher at Lingle Avenue Elementary. Before coming to Palmyra, Kelly taught 1st grade in North Carolina. Kelly has definitely "taken the bull by the horns" when it comes to technology this year. Her students are now documenting their learning with the Seesaw app, completing reading group assignments with Google Classroom, and creating educational videos with Doceri. Recently, they even used the green screen and the Doink App to retell their weekly Journey's story. Kelly, I know your students love using technology in the classroom- keep up the good work!