IRA Newsletter Weekly Project: Effective Literacy Website #7

Storyline Online is an award-winning children’s literacy website. It streams videos featuring celebrated authors reading children’s books. Teachers would enjoy this resource because it allows them to have books be read to their students via Youtube, Schooltube, or Vimeo. They can also preview books before purchasing it themselves. I am looking forward to further explore this website and discover new books I may want to purchase for my classroom. 

            Reading aloud to children is an important skill. Research has shown that it improves reading, writing, communication skills, logical thinking and concentration, and inspires a lifelong love of reading. This website was created for teachers to use in their classrooms and for doctors and nurses to play in children’s hospitals. I think parents would enjoy using this at home to replace tv time. Children would love discovering new books and having it read to them at their fingertips. The great thing about it is that it is always available and absolutely free. You just need access to a web device (computer, tablet, etc.)

As I further explored this website, I found so many books I enjoyed. Many of them were featured on the first place. Each story shows the duration of the video before you decide to play it. It even provides recommended grade levels, activity guides, and gives you the option to purchase the book. Some books are even read by celebrities. Students and parents can see who the reader is before playing the video. I cannot wait to start using this website in my classroom.

Effective Literacy Website #6 Exploration

           Reading Bear is an online free program that teaches beginning readers vocabulary and concepts while systematically introducing all the main phonetic patterns of written English. Presentations are displayed as a video or interactive slide show. There is a total of 50 presentations that touch on phonics and it is all free.

            Each presentation introduces phonics rules. There are even different versions of each presentation. Full versions sound out words slowly and quickly, then blend it slowly and then quickly. As sounds are pronounced, the letters are highlighted. Photos and sentences are followed shortly after.

            One great thing about Reading Bear is that the website is ad-free. Many website ads can be a distraction to people, especially to students. Reading Bear images are donated by Shutterstock.

            As I watched presentations on vowel sounds, I quickly realized how much I liked the presentations. The audio flashcards were my favorite feature. It’s interactive and the voice used when pronouncing words and sounds is very friendly. The photos aren’t all kid friendly, but they are realistic.

            This website would be beneficial to students, teachers, and ELL adults. I’d recommend this website to colleagues and ELL teachers and students. I’m sure they’d appreciate this free resource.

International Reading Association Newsletter Weekly Project: Effective Literacy Website #5 Exploration

         BrainPOP is a resource that provides videos for elementary through middle school students. It is a great supplemental tool that can be used for STEM, Social Studies, Reading/Writing, Arts, and Music. It is broken up into three categories. BrainPOP Jr. is catered to K-3rd Grade, BrainPOP is catered to upper elementary to middle school students, and BrainPOP ELL is for English Language Learners of all ages. I've used it in the past and love BrainPOP Jr. for my third graders.

            BrainPOP aligns to CCSS, NGSS, and U.S. State Standards. The standard cost for BrainPOP is $220 a year. BrainPOP Jr. does have a website dedicated to their free content (https://jr.brainpop.com/free-stuff/). All of the videos on BrainPOP have games, jokes, and quizzes at different levels. I love how detailed the videos are. Students really enjoy when I put on a BrainPOP. I’ve even had students in the past try to access it at home.

            I would encourage this resource to all educators. It is my favorite supplemental tool. I feel like it is worth the investment. Each time students learn a new skill and there is a BrainPOP video on the particular skill, I know I can count on it to further help my students understand a content. They are always so engaged and they look forward to the videos, jokes,