Jeremy Lewis, 6th Grade Teacher Dawn French, Library Media Specialist

Jeremy Lewis, 6th Grade Teacher

Dawn French, Library Media Specialist

Session Description

Learn how we implemented technology-infused literacy rotations with a sixth grade reading group. Incorporating iPod Touch applications, engaged and motivated students to become better readers, writers, and listeners.

District 279 Foundation Grant

We were awarded a District 279 Foundation Grant in the spring of 2010 to get 20 iPod Touches for use in our 6th Grade classrooms.

Thus began our journey to effectively and discreetly integrate them into our students daily learning activities....

Why Concentrate our Technology Integration Efforts on Literacy?• Students who are not excited about reading are

often excited about technology.

• We increase student motivation and engagement by using technology tools to build literacy skills.

• Improving our students reading abilities is a school-wide priority.

• Literacy and Technology are closely tied to each other in today's media-dominated culture.

Literacy Rotations for Intermediate Students based on The Daily 5™

80 minute 

Reading/Language Arts Block

Literacy Rotations for Intermediate Students based on The Daily 5™

Whole Group Instruction- four times a week for 20 minutes

Small Group Instruction- twice a week for 20 minutes

Literacy Rotations for Intermediate Students based on The Daily 5™

Read to Self- three times a week for 20 minutes

Listen to Reading- twice a week for 20 minutes

Work on Writing- twice a week for 20 minutes

Read to Someone- once a week for 20 minutes

Word Work- once a week for 20 minutes

Reading Rotations Schedule

Whole Group Instruction

• Common Core Standards

• Priority Lessons

• Lessons that ALL students need.

• Writing and Literacy Instruction.

• SMARTBoard Lessons

Small Group Instruction

Flexible grouping of students according to what targeted instruction they need.  

Students who are not receiving instruction are constantly engaged in literacy activities: Read to Self, Listen to Reading, and Work on Writing.

Listen to Reading

"Hearing good examples of literature and fluent reading expands your vocabulary, builds stamina and helps you become a better reader." The Daily 5™

Listen to Reading

What We've Tried...• Hennepin Country Library

Audio books (Overdrive)•  I-Tunes University--

Classic Literature for FREE

What we use & love..

Listen to ReadingOver 1600 stories at levels ranging from preK-adult.

Our students listen to books at or above their reading level.

Listen to Reading-- Choices

Read to Self

This is our one literacy rotation that rarely involves technology. Just a "good fit" book in every students' hands.

"The best way to become a better reader is by practicing each day, with books you choose and are a “Good Fit”."  The Daily 5™

Read to Self --Accountability

Work on Writing

Just like reading, the best way to become a better writer is by practicing writing each day. The Daily 5™

Word Work"Expanded vocabulary and correct spelling allow for more fluent reading and writing thus speeding up the ability to comprehend what is read and get thinking down on the paper." The Daily 5™ 

We have found several iPod Touch Applications that give students the opportunity to work on vocabulary and spelling. 

Apps for Word Work

Chicktionary-word puzzles

Word Wit. Which (not witch) word do I use?

Apps for Word Work

Boggle- a favorite with our students.

Apps for Word Work

Whirly Word- anagrams

Read to Someone

We have also had students record their own reading and listen to it. This helps the students become aware of how they sound to others when they read. They can practice a passage multiple times until they get it just right using a voice recorder on the iPod Touch.

" Research shows that taking turns while reading increases reading involvement, attention, and collaboration." The Daily 5™

Managing 20 iPod TouchesNeeded:• MacBook

• Sync/Charge Station

• Locking Cabinet

Managing 20 iPod Touches

Number the iPods and keep track of who uses which iPods.

Links to additional resources we have used

Tales2Go Daily Cafe

Parasync

Learning in Hand

Contact Information

Jeremy Lewis6th GradeTeacherEdinbrook ElementaryBrooklyn Park, MNlewisj@district279.orghttp://d279.us/Lewis

Dawn FrenchLibrary Media SpecialistEdinbrook ElementaryBrooklyn Park, MNfrenchd@district279.orghttp://d279.us/ebmc