Day 3!!


I am on app overload; my head is spinning with apps and ideas of how to use them and who to use them with. There are some I am very excited to begin using, and some I really want figure out and explore so that I can use them with my students.
 
I am very eager to begin using text to speech apps in the classroom. I have a number of students who would benefit significantly from this. Most days, silent reading with my grade 8 class of 32 students is a battle. Even when they all have their books/devices with texts, the noise level can quickly escalate and students get off task quickly. All it takes is one disengaged reader and then it can easily become a downward spiral. I cannot wait to try some of the apps that were presented today. I already downloaded a few and jotted down a few students who I think would engage in these apps. 


 I thought the app that was like a choose your own adventure book was awesome! There are so many benefits with a book like this. Struggling readers will want to reread to find out the different options an endings, but will have developed an understanding of the storyline which will help with their comprehension of what they are reading. I also see this engaging some reluctant readers. Needless to say, this is a must get for me!

WRITING TASK ANALYSIS
Please forgive the fact that it is on a Tim Horton's bag.. I am so with the times that I don't bring paper with me to class. :)

Today we also did a writing task analysis. It was not as difficult as I thought it would be, but I was able to see that it is a telling activity. For me, I enjoyed the momentary challenge; however, I can see how this would be frustrating and discouraging day after day after day. The things some of our students go through and struggle with on a daily basis is astounding when you take a moment to consider it. It causes me to evaluate how I am contributing to their stress and frustration in my class. I need to be more cognizant of even the simple things that I am asking students to do on a day to day basis.