Technology in the Classroom. Tech Tip Tuesday

I'm proud to join one of the best linky parties out there. Thank you Once Upon A Classroom for hosting. 

My tip today is about using online book readings in the classroom. I use a TON of group work in my room. I also use a lot of Responding to Literature strategies. I love the RTL style, but seriously, how was I going to get copies of books for groups of students?! The task was impossible.

Thankfully, people record themselves reading books aloud. This enables me to put my students in small groups to complete tasks. All I have to do is create a QR code with the link to the book being read online OR attach the link through Edmodo.And BAM! The students have the book right on their iPad.

Please preview the reading before you show it to students. Some readings are to low in volume, too silly, or not engaging enough. If all else fails, you can record yourself reading the book.

Where do I find the books read online? I simply Google the title. Easy Peasy.

I hope you found this little tip useful :).

How I'm surviving until summer ...

   

  I'm linking up with Queen of the First Grade Jungle.    To be honest, I don't want summer to be here. Yes I want to sleep in and spend time with my princess. However, I don't want to give up my class. I love them. They are wonderful. I'm so lucky to be their teacher!

Testing is finally over with. I am now able to spend the whole day doing fun and creative projects. This is the BEST time of the year. The stress is gone and we can have lots of fun learning. And I don't have to worry about getting in trouble for not being "on schedule". 

Spring is here! The birds are singing their delightful songs and insects are springing back to life. Almost everyone I know teaches life cycles around this time. My favorite life cycle to teach is butterflies.

The beauty of butterflies inspired me to create a wonderful teaching resource that incorporated fiction and nonfiction stories AND science. 

One of the teachers bought a milkweed plant and enclosed it with netting. This allows us to witness the amazing transformation butterflies go through. Visiting this sanctuary is one way I'm able to survive until summer. 

If you follow me on IG, you've seen the videos and pictures that I was able to capture. Before my very eyes (and the students') I was able to witness a caterpillar make its Chrysalis. It was quick and beautiful. 

The kids were able to make their observation of this transformation in their Butterfly Journal (part of my pack). They also had their iPads to record the event. 

Another way I'm going to be surviving until summer is by getting ready to bring this precious pup home (the middle one). He will be ours in May. His name is Brutus. He is a pure mutt. Look at that face!

     

I'm thrilled to announce something oh so special!

Today is the day that I've been dying to tell you about. 

What day is it? What is so special about this day?

Well let me announce the launch of...




iTeachThird.com is a collaborative blog of your favorite 3rd grade teachers. 
Check out this line up.



This blog is special because all ideas, posts, pictures, and strategies are geared for 3rd grade only. 

Are you ready for some goodies? Everyone will "go home" with something. Head on over to iTeachThird.com right now!