Reading Practice
The main focus of technology integration in reading is to give students opportunities to practice concepts introduced during small group instruction. Any technology comes with an implicit motivation for reading: students can be much more independent with their technology use once they know how to read!
StarfallStarfall is a free website that focuses on using phonics to teach children to read. While this should not replace opportunities to curl up with a book, this site is a great way to reinforce your child's reading skills. Children have occasional opportunities to explore this site at school during independent reading. Teachers, EAs and classroom volunteers provide one-on-one coaching (as needed) on how to use the site.
Try this at home: Sit down at the computer with your child. Let your child control the mouse. Look for opportunities to guide your child's use of the site. For example:
TumblebooksThis site allows you to sit back and listen to your favourite picture books or read along at your own speed. Free access is available through the Kitchener Public Library. (You can access it at the library, or on your own computer at home!)
At school, this site allows students to revisit stories that have been read aloud to the class. This provides review and reinforcement. In addition to the story, there are also links to informational videos, games and activities for you and your child to explore together.
This is a site of educational games. While there is a limit to this type of learning, there is something to be said for the instant feedback that these sites provide. Your child knows instantly if he/she has selected the right or wrong answer. The teacher chooses specific games or activities for specific children to practice, based on their reading needs.
Activities such as Sight Word Bingo and Kitten Hop are great ways to practice sight words. Try this at home:
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