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Literacy
Understanding the importance of literacy in our times is huge. I am part of a team that is working with a great district that has its yearlong vision for literacy that says it all - "Literacy is a right, not a privilege". I'll give you a chance to chew on that. I think of the boldness of that statement and want to commend them for their high expectations. As we move to better understanding the importance of literacy more than ever in education, our elementary teachers typically excel in literacy while our secondary teachers aren't always sure how we embrace literacy. I know that everyone agrees that being literate is the key to everything in our lifelong learning, but not everyone agrees on how to implement literacy initiatives and shifts in teaching. This "tuesdays" is just a small glimpse into where to begin with literacy strategies and ideas.
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Podls - Portable On-Demand Learning Strategies is a one-stop shopping area for classroom ideas at all levels. This site is a labor of love founded by a retired educator who loves children and teaching, and has a particular fascination with research and its connection to accelerated learning. Donna Sawyer, the developer of PODLS is an Instructional Technology Specialist, Consultant, and Educator of 30 years from the state of North Carolina. I was immediately attracted to the Literacy section of her website where she lists her top 10 FREE technology tools to increase fluency with audio-assisted reading. Her #1 pick is one of my all time favorites - Lit2Go from the state of Florida. My second favorite site is her #3 pick - Storyline Online. (If you get a chance, try A Bad Case of Stripes read by Sean Austin. Not only does she give us great suggestions, she even supplies directions for using your computer to read text aloud. A teacher's dream!
How to Make Your Apple Mac Computer READ Text to You
After following these instructions, always remember to FIRST HIGHLIGHT the text that you want the computer to read to you.
How to Make Your Windows Computer READ Text to You
After following these instructions, always remember to FIRST HIGHLIGHT the text that you want the computer to read to you.
Thank you Donna. This truly is a labor of love.
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It never ceases to amaze me how children learn to read. My grandbaby went into kindergarten last year as a non-reader and came out a reader. This summer, just before she went into 1st grade she created a whole new way to read to us. She loves "The Tales of Peter Rabbit" and with a very small version of the book, she asked us to sit on the coach so she could read it to us. Instead of the normal read and show technique, she put her book in front of the iPad, sent the image up to the TV through Apple TV and proceeded to engage us in the story through this simple, yet profound digital upgrade. I want to encourage teaches in any discipline and at any level to consider this simple system for sharing literacy through the eyes of their students.
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It never ceases to amaze me how children learn to read. My grandbaby went into kindergarten last year as a non-reader and came out a reader. This summer, just before she went into 1st grade she created a whole new way to read to us. She loves "The Tales of Peter Rabbit" and with a very small version of the book, she asked us to sit on the coach so she could read it to us. Instead of the normal read and show technique, she put her book in front of the iPad, sent the image up to the TV through Apple TV and proceeded to engage us in the story through this simple, yet profound digital upgrade. I want to encourage teaches in any discipline and at any level to consider this simple system for sharing literacy through the eyes of their students.
How do you do that?
How do you get around on the PODLS website and not miss out? First of all, Donna has a very deep site and I am sure I cannot even give it justice, but I think the best place to begin is at her framework of:
PODLS also provides an area for educators, parents and caregivers, administrators and professional development. If you are anything like me, having everything like this in one place is a priceless gift. Donna Sawyer is an example of excellence and a heart for educators. Kudos to you and your team, Donna.
As always, I am
Ubiquitously yours,
K
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| What is "tuesdays with Karen"?
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"tuesdays with Karen" is a weekly newsletter/blog designed to encourage, equip and empower teachers to be creative with educational technology. Please add your technology comments to my "tuesdays with Karen" blog. |
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