Assistive Technology Software for 5th - 8th grade

I selected an assistive technology software program, Thinking Reader. This program is geared for grades 5-8. Working with older students, when they do not have grade level reading skills it makes it very difficult to get their comprehension skills up to grade level as well. This software is designed specifically for reading comprehension. What I really like about it is that it has classic novels to choose from, novels that we already read in my 6^th grade class (i.e. Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, Bridge to Terabithia, Esperanza Rising, and more).  

A few neat features include:

-Vocabulary definitions and pictures to go along.

-Levels of differentiation for the teacher to control.

-Spanish translations

To watch a video on the software click here.

or

Check out the wesbite Here

Podcasts for Poetry

I have found a podcast that I could use with my poetry unit.  The podcasts offer explanations about poetry then a poem is read so you can hear the elements that were just explained.  It gives great information about poems and allows me to pick and choose what I want my students to focus on. I like that it is only a recording and doesn’t have pictures. I want students to create their own images as they listen to the pieces. 

 Using a podcast in my poetry unit allows students to:

•  Listen as many times as they like
•  Ensures that students hear the correct pronunciations 
• Teaches them how to read poetry(especially if a printout of the poem is provided to the student.)

Check it out!

POETRY OUT LOUD !

A great resource for teachers.

I have found a great website for educators.  With an internet the size if the universe (or so it seems) there are a great deal of resources available. I filtered through some and found that this website has a great variety of resources to offer.

THINKport

On the homepage there are links to specific websites that offer interactive media. A lot of their links are funded by Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which is usually tied to PBS here in Idaho. This gives me an indication that it has some validity as a great education resource.

There are graphic organizer, podcasts, including podcasts to teach you how to use them in your class. There are a great deal of math resources as well.

This site is free although you can register to get more benefits it looks like there are no charges to register.