The website I want to share with you is LittleBirdTales.
This website allows you to create photo albums and/or picture books with narration. It's FREE to use and super simple. Here is how I used this website this year in my classroom:
Each year in my kindergarten classroom, we conduct an entire research unit on animals. One of the standards we have to meet is having the kids "present" their research. Typically they make posters, dioramas, book jackets, etc. This year was the first year I chose to try a ditigal storybook and I'm so glad I did. Check out our "Safari Research" presentation HERE.
Pretty cool, huh? This was a hit with the kids! I mean they NEVER got tired of seeing the animals they chose and hearing themselves and their classmates present their learning. It is still one of the most amazing activities I've done with my kiddos. It's very simple, but was a "thumbtack" to post all they learned about the various safari animals.
Something even cooler is that you can purchase the Mp4 download for $.99. (Of course you can view online for FREE anytime). That would be great to put in a listening center. Parents can also purchase the Mp4 as a wonderful keepsake! And, even as a teacher - I know I want to keep this to remember those sweet little ones - just hearing their voices brings back memories....:0) How special!
I am thinking of other ways I can use this wonderful resource.
*Books on Tape - well now Mp4 format. I never seem to have enough books for the listening center. I could totally read a book and download it as an Mp4 - and put in the listening center --- ANY book!
*Fluency center - kids can record themselves reading and listen to themselves.
*Retell center - kids can draw illustrations of the beginning, middle, and end of a favorite story and retell it.
*Writing center - kids can draw original pieces and narrate their stories - what creativity that involves!
Here is a quick video that explains even more you can do with Little Bird Tales (it's less than 2 minutes long).
I hope you enjoyed hearing a little about this awesome website and how you can use it with your students. Using technology in the classroom doesn't have to be tedious and difficult or take up lots of time. This site is super easy to use and we made our books in little 5 minute pockets of time....
In the comments below, please let us know your ideas for using this website's ditigal storybooks.
thanks for sharing - this definitely looks like something I would be interested in using this coming year:)
ReplyDelete~ Kimberlee ~
Two Fulbright Hugs
What an awesome resource! Loved you class book and I love the idea for a listening center! I am thinking about alphabet books...If I think of any other ideas, I will come back and let you know!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Kickin' it in Kinder
Wow! This looks like an amazing resource! I would definitely like to use this as a writing center. I'm pinning this so I can remember it for the school year. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
Thanks for sharing this! Totally pinning it so I don't forget! :)
ReplyDeleteA Pirates Life for Us
This is too fun! What a great online resource!
ReplyDeleteMaria
There’s a Giveaway at Kinder-Craze
Hey Jeannie, I emailed you about our TT TpT exchange, check your email
ReplyDeleteTiffani
time4kindergaten@comcast.net
Hey Jeannie, I gave your block Center freebie a shout out on my blog today :)
ReplyDeletehttp://herdingkats.blogspot.com/2012/07/block-center-freebie.html
Jennifer @ Herding Kats In Kindergarten
Hi Jeannie! Thanks so much for the fantastic review! Since we created Little Bird Tales, we have been blown away by the creative ways teachers and students are using it. Here are a few examples: Sequencing, history timelines, journals, book reports, science reports, "day in the life" of historical figures, reading/speaking exercise for target language learners... it goes on and on. And we will be releasing some really cool new features for teachers soon (look forward to creating interactive assignments you can send each student!). Thanks again and we hope you are having a great summer!
ReplyDelete