Tools+for+Reader's+Workshop

1. **Tag Crowd** [|Tag Crowd] was the first tool I used after returning to my classroom. My class often uses [|Time for Kids] and other news articles for nonfiction reading lessons. I had students copy and paste a paragraph at a time into Tag Crowd and make a prediction about what that paragraph was going to be about based on the resulting image. We also used it to identify main idea and details. [|Wordle] will also work, but I like Tag Crowd best for main idea and details because you can choose the number of tags to include in the cloud. If you are using a short passage or a paragraph this could be important. //MO GLE Reading 1 F Apply pre-reading strategies to aid comprehension: a. access prior knowledge b. preview c. predict with evidence d. set a purpose for reading// //3C Use details from text to explain main idea and supporting details//

2. **Wordle** 3. **Podcasts** [|Podcasts] I hope to use for reading this year include: [|Book Talks] and [|Reader's Theater]. Please let me know if you'd like to join me. //MO GLE Reading 1D Read grade-level instructional text with fluency, accuracy and expression Listening and Speaking 2A Identify and apply appropriate speaking techniques such as rate, pace, and enunciation//
 * [|Wordle]**This summer I came across this [|Wordle Ideas] Slideshare from Jen Wagner. I did not know that I could use my own words to create Wordles. My Master's level college class created Wordles to introduce themselves this summer and that may be on my first week's lesson plans with my fourth graders this year too. I cannot wait to try some of Jen's ideas in reader's workshop.
 * Character Traits //MO GLE Reading 2C Use details from the text to identify character traits//

4. **Voice Thread** [|Voice Thread] is similar to a podcast, but students can add digital pictures, scanned images, or images from a web cam. I"ve used Voice Threads as getting to know you activities and to share science projects. We had a school in Canada comment on our alien projects, but the year was over before I realized it, so we couldn't comment on theirs. I'm interested in collaborating with others using Voice Thread projects. [|James and Giant Peach] Sample Voice Thread //MO GLE Reading 2C Identify setting, character traits, problems and solutions and story events//

5. **Time Toast** [|TimeToast] allows students to use digital pictures or scanned images to create a timeline and add details. //6.// **Big Huge Labs** [|Big Huge Labs] can be used to demonstrate comprehension of text. //MO GLE Reading 1H Apply post-reading skills to demonstrate comprehension of text: e. refelct f. draw conclusions g. analyze h. paraphrase i. summarize 1I Identify and explain relevant connections between a. text to text (text ideas--information and relationships in various fiction and non-fiction works--compare and contrast) b. text to self (text ideas and own expereinces) c. text to world (text ideas and the world by demonstrating an awareness that literature reflects a culture and historic time frame) 2A Use grade level text to b. locate and recognize the text features of fiction, poetry and drama 2C Use details from text to a. demonstrate comprehension skills previously introduced b. make inferences c. compare and contrast d. identify cause and effect e. identify author's purpose f. identify setting, character traits, problems and solutions, and story events//
 * Sequence story events //MO GLE Reading 3C Use details from text to sequence events//

7. **Mind Maps**: Story elements and character traits
 * [|Bubbl.us] is a clean and simple looking tool; plus it is free
 * [|Webspiration] is most like Inspiration. It is in public beta right now and is free.
 * [|Gliffy]is a little more complicated and has many different shapes to use.

8. **Wikis and Blogs**-wikis allow authors to collaborate together, while blogs allow people to comment on the work of others.
 * [|**Mrs. Stolte's Blog**] **-my colleague uses student blogs for prompt writing and literature response**
 * [|**My Blog**]**-used for class discussions and book discussions**
 * [|**A Really Different Place**]**-sample student blog**

9. **Etherpad** [|Etherpad] allows users to collaborate in real time.
 * Discuss a book with your group while the teacher is meeting with another group.
 * Have a conversation as the characters in your book.

10. **Blabberize** [|Blabberize] is a free program that lets your pictures talk. You upload a picture in which the person, or animal, is facing the camera and has their mouth closed (that gives the best results). Blabberize is a fun website that can be used in a variety of ways in your classroom! You can tell a story, have children read and share their own writings, give a book talk, share learning about a unit, the options are endless. All you have to do is go to the site, sign-up for a free account and follow the step-by-step directions.