Alternative to Starfall

While I love Starfall.com just as much as the next person. It's great to have some additional resources at your finger tips. I am always looking for new site for my students to try out, so they don't get bored going to the same ones, week after week. Here is a list of some alternative sites. The one big plus is that these sites are both interactive and free :)

NETS and Reading- Double Dipping

If you're anything like me, you are CONSTANTLY stressing over your students reading progress and development. In an attempt to stay calm and keep my head above the water, I am always looking for ways to "double dip."  Here you will find some great iPad apps that are reading specific.  Hitting both reading standards and NETS all at once :)

Too Young for Technology???

In this day and age, does it make sense to argue that preschoolers, kindergarteners and first graders are too young for technology? This is definitely something I used to think. However, now that I have become more confident in my own technological abilities and have explored many of the great resources that are available to young children, I have to say, I think my mind has changed. It's really quite amazing at the amount of programs and resources that have become accessible to young children and their families. Something else that also ccontinues to prove my previous notions and sentiments wrong is watching my 4 year old nephew use an iPad with greater ease than some adults! 

While I think I still encounter aaccesssibility issues in terms of enough computers/ipads for individual student use, it is still great to have some go to resources for those breif opportunitites and for eager parents as well. Starfall is a GREAT resource to have on hand for both parents and teachers. It's a resource that caters to those early readers. Visit both the web and  app version of this wonderful resource :)

Character Spies Hard at Work!

Here is my very first animoto! I decided to make one to reinforce character feelings.  We have been working on "spying" and studying the characters in our books at reading time.  During this time we are trying to look for clues to find out all we can about the characters.  This unit facilitates students in retelling as well as some critical literacy skills.