A month ago I wrote about attending a workshop on embedding literacy across the curriculum. (see old post) In total the workshop is 6 days long and so far I've completed 4 days. In my post I shared my ideas, thoughts and goals on literacy. Another co-worker and I were recently asked to help a Literacy Coach come up with some resources that she could pass on to participants in her workshop on Literacy. She was looking for anything from listening to reading, working with words, sorting, printables, etc. and the list goes on. So that's what I've been up to. I've created a wiki with the help of my co-worker in which we've put a bunch of resources together to promote literacy and using technology. The wiki, Elementary Literacy Seminar is what we created. Geared towards the audience of K-4, you'll find links to sites that you can listen to books being read, download worksheets to go along with the stories and even play some games. Like I said there are quite a few resources there, so just play around. For example the site Speakaboos has fables, nursery rhymes and other favorites, such as 'Arthur' that you listen to. And if that doesn't catch your attention, try out Storyline Online. The Screen Actors Guild is the sponsor of this site that brings stories alive to students through the use of streaming video. Each book includes lesson ideas and is read by actors such as Lou Diamond Phillips reading the Polar Express . Check out our wiki, we'll continue to update it!
CNN Student News is a great site to check out if you are looking for daily current events for your students. CNN Student News has a program that airs each weekday during the school year. The actual newscast itself is streamed on CNNStudentNews.com and is even available as a free download as a video podcast on CNN. The news program is perfect for middle or high school students. As a teacher you can even check out some of the FREE teacher materials. Check out the Daily Discussion and Newsquiz, the Blog from A-Z and there are even printable maps in .pdf form. This site is definitely worthy of being added to your favorites bookmark!
