--Create writing centers/literature response centers to use during group time/literature circles/guided reading groups; have freely available during writing time, S.S.R., or other related instructional times.--
*Use AppleWorks to:
-type reports or pieces they choose as "their best work"
-type poems they create for display
-work in a group to create a weekly/monthly class newspaper
-create and type up stories (can use kidspiration to plan)
-use appleworks templates to make character trading cards for stories they're reading
-work on editing or grammar templates
*Use Kidspiration or AppleWorks drawing for brainstorming.
*Use Comic Life to create comic strips or slides (each page would be a new slide) for a presentation.
*Use iPhoto's book feature to make a storybook about a field trip, a topic they research, etc.
*Leave AppleWorks thesaurus open as a tool for students to look up synonyms, definitions, example sentences for words they come across in literature groups, in their writing, or during other class activities.
-Also, bookmark online resource tools (or put them on your website for easy access).
*Let kids use
Alphasmarts or Neos to type up stories, reports, summaries, journal entries, etc. then connect the Alphasmart or Neo to a computer and insert their text into AppleWorks for editing/publishing.
*Challenge your higher kids to...
research and expand on a topic your teaching that they've already shown mastery on (while your teaching the others), then have them use iPhoto to make a book to present their info. or use comic life to make slides for a presentation of their info.
*Let kids struggelling with spelling type their spelling words (can be done on a computer, an Alphsmart, a Neo)...having to search for each letter helps them repeat the letters over and over in their mind (has shown real progress).
*Use online grammar games for reinforcement or remediation.
