I think the concept of being able to have text read aloud to you as you type or review a paper is really cool! Unfortunately, I was unable to try it out for myself because my version of Microsoft Word on my computer, (I have Windows 8), does not come with this special feature. When I tried to access a web site that had a similar feature, the link was no longer available. The program that was available to download on Blackboard was stopped by the virus protection software on my computer as well. I think that this tool would really come in handy for people with special needs or someone who could not type as fast or as accurately as an average person, (such as a young child or a senior citizen).
As I said above, this feature on Microsoft Word would be a great tool for people with special needs or the elderly to use. It might also be useful for someone who is writing any type of paper or book, because sometimes you need to hear your work read aloud before it is submitted or published so that you know it makes sense. This might be particularly helpful if there is no one around to help you proofread your work with a new, fresh pair of eyes.
The Texthelp website, (http://www.texthelp.com/UK) offers various resources for people who have dyslexia, are learning to read for the first time, or are learning English. One of the products that is available is called the Read & Write software. It is an award winning product that is designed to help people who struggle with reading and writing. This flexible toolbar can be used on any windows or mac computer, ipad or android device, or on Google Chrome. It helps people with reading difficulties such as spelling, comprehension, and research. You can download a free 30 day trial on the website, or purchase the program through a secure PayPal account.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Monday, January 26, 2015
Reading Activity Part 1
For the first part of my reading activity, I decided to read a book called Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Cory Doctorow. It takes place at Disney World in Orlando, Florida in the 22nd century. The main character, a man named Julius, is trying to stop a ruthless rival from changing his favorite ride at the park.
So far, I have only read the prologue, which is the first part of the 65 part novel. My installments will be sent to me on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I should be able to finish it all by the end of the semester. I can't wait to see how this story will progress!
So far, I have only read the prologue, which is the first part of the 65 part novel. My installments will be sent to me on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I should be able to finish it all by the end of the semester. I can't wait to see how this story will progress!
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Reading Activity Part 2
For my audiobook activity, I downloaded the first 2 books in the Kingdom Keepers series by Ridley Pearson on to my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX. I own printed copies of the entire 7-book series already, so I am familiar with the story. The series follows 5 Orlando teens who audition to become holographic guides at Walt Disney World. At night when they are asleep, they crossover into the theme parks as their holograms. (Their bodies are still at home in their beds.) Their mission is to prevent the Disney villains, (called the Overtakers), from stealing all of the good magic from the parks. This series is a must read for any Disney fan who has ever wondered what happens when the parks are closed and the lights go out.
The audiobook versions of Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark and Kingdom Keepers: Disney at Dawn are complete and unabridged versions of the novels. The audio is clear and easy to understand. Some chapters are longer than others, so it takes the narrator a certain amount of time to read. The narrator reads at a pace that is slow enough for the reader to comprehend but in a way that prevents them from being bored. Currently, I am on Chapter 8 of the first book. I plan on listening to some more as soon as I get a little bit of free time away from school and work.
The audiobook versions of Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark and Kingdom Keepers: Disney at Dawn are complete and unabridged versions of the novels. The audio is clear and easy to understand. Some chapters are longer than others, so it takes the narrator a certain amount of time to read. The narrator reads at a pace that is slow enough for the reader to comprehend but in a way that prevents them from being bored. Currently, I am on Chapter 8 of the first book. I plan on listening to some more as soon as I get a little bit of free time away from school and work.
Writing Kit
I found the following 3 items to use for my low tech writing kit at my local Target store. At this point in the school year, they did not have any pencil grips or rubber stamps for sell. However, I was able to find the rest of the materials.
The pencil set above costs $2.49 at Target. Each pencil has a large soft grip that makes it more comfortable for students to write.
These Papermate Inkjoy pens come in a variety of colors and package sizes. This 4 count pack includes the colors pink, dark blue, light blue, and green. They make it easier to organize your notes and cost $2.19 at Target.
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Finally, I found this 2 sided dry-erase board set from Crayola. One side is black and the other side is white. The kit includes an 8 count pack of brightly colored dry-erase crayons. It is $9.99 at Target and will help students with their handwriting skills and letter/number practice.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Re-Paragraph Activity
In order to add and subtract fractions, you must first have a common denominator in both parts of the problem. The easiest way to do this is to find the greatest common factor between the two denominators. For example, to add 1/10 + 4/5, you need to multiply the second fraction by 2/2 or 1. (The greatest common factor is 2, because 5 times 2 is 10.) The problem becomes 1/10 + 6/10. Now you can add the numerators of the fractions. Your denominators stay the same. 1/10 +6/10= 7/10. It is already in its simplest form, so you don't have to do anything else to solve the problem.
In order to add and subtract fractions, you must first have a common denominator in both parts of the problem. The easiest way to do this is to find the greatest common factor between the two denominators. For example, to add 1/10 + 4/5, you need to multiply the second fraction by 2/2 or 1. (The greatest common factor is 2, because 5 times 2 is 10.) The problem becomes 1/10 + 6/10. Now you can add the numerators of the fractions. Your denominators stay the same. 1/10 +6/10= 7/10. It is already in its simplest form, so you don't have to do anything else to solve the problem.
In order to add and subtract fractions, you must first have a common denominator in both parts of the problem. The easiest way to do this is to find the greatest common factor between the two denominators. For example, to add 1/10 + 4/5, you need to multiply the second fraction by 2/2 or 1. (The greatest common factor is 2, because 5 times 2 is 10.) The problem becomes 1/10 + 6/10. Now you can add the numerators of the fractions. Your denominators stay the same. 1/10 +6/10= 7/10. It is already in its simplest form, so you don't have to do anything else to solve the problem.
In order to add and subtract fractions, you must first have a common denominator in both parts of the problem. The easiest way to do this is to find the greatest common factor between the two denominators. For example, to add 1/10 + 4/5, you need to multiply the second fraction by 2/2 or 1. (The greatest common factor is 2, because 5 times 2 is 10.) The problem becomes 1/10 + 6/10. Now you can add the numerators of the fractions. Your denominators stay the same. 1/10 +6/10= 7/10. It is already in its simplest form, so you don't have to do anything else to solve the problem.
In order to add and subtract fractions, you must first have a common denominator in both parts of the problem. The easiest way to do this is to find the greatest common factor between the two denominators. For example, to add 1/10 + 4/5, you need to multiply the second fraction by 2/2 or 1. (The greatest common factor is 2, because 5 times 2 is 10.) The problem becomes 1/10 + 6/10. Now you can add the numerators of the fractions. Your denominators stay the same. 1/10 +6/10= 7/10. It is already in its simplest form, so you don't have to do anything else to solve the problem.
In order to add and subtract fractions, you must first have a common denominator in both parts of the problem. The easiest way to do this is to find the greatest common factor between the two denominators. For example, to add 1/10 + 4/5, you need to multiply the second fraction by 2/2 or 1. (The greatest common factor is 2, because 5 times 2 is 10.) The problem becomes 1/10 + 6/10. Now you can add the numerators of the fractions. Your denominators stay the same. 1/10 +6/10= 7/10. It is already in its simplest form, so you don't have to do anything else to solve the problem.
This paragraph is already at its easiest readability level.
In order to add and subtract fractions, you must first have a common denominator in both parts of the problem. The easiest way to do this is to find the greatest common factor between the two denominators. For example, to add 1/10 + 4/5, you need to multiply the second fraction by 2/2 or 1. (The greatest common factor is 2, because 5 times 2 is 10.) The problem becomes 1/10 + 6/10. Now you can add the numerators of the fractions. Your denominators stay the same. 1/10 +6/10= 7/10. It is already in its simplest form, so you don't have to do anything else to solve the problem.
In order to add and subtract fractions, you must first have a common denominator in both parts of the problem. The easiest way to do this is to find the greatest common factor between the two denominators. For example, to add 1/10 + 4/5, you need to multiply the second fraction by 2/2 or 1. (The greatest common factor is 2, because 5 times 2 is 10.) The problem becomes 1/10 + 6/10. Now you can add the numerators of the fractions. Your denominators stay the same. 1/10 +6/10= 7/10. It is already in its simplest form, so you don't have to do anything else to solve the problem.
In order to add and subtract fractions, you must first have a common denominator in both parts of the problem. The easiest way to do this is to find the greatest common factor between the two denominators. For example, to add 1/10 + 4/5, you need to multiply the second fraction by 2/2 or 1. (The greatest common factor is 2, because 5 times 2 is 10.) The problem becomes 1/10 + 6/10. Now you can add the numerators of the fractions. Your denominators stay the same. 1/10 +6/10= 7/10. It is already in its simplest form, so you don't have to do anything else to solve the problem.
In order to add and subtract fractions, you must first have a common denominator in both parts of the problem. The easiest way to do this is to find the greatest common factor between the two denominators. For example, to add 1/10 + 4/5, you need to multiply the second fraction by 2/2 or 1. (The greatest common factor is 2, because 5 times 2 is 10.) The problem becomes 1/10 + 6/10. Now you can add the numerators of the fractions. Your denominators stay the same. 1/10 +6/10= 7/10. It is already in its simplest form, so you don't have to do anything else to solve the problem.
In order to add and subtract fractions, you must first have a common denominator in both parts of the problem. The easiest way to do this is to find the greatest common factor between the two denominators. For example, to add 1/10 + 4/5, you need to multiply the second fraction by 2/2 or 1. (The greatest common factor is 2, because 5 times 2 is 10.) The problem becomes 1/10 + 6/10. Now you can add the numerators of the fractions. Your denominators stay the same. 1/10 +6/10= 7/10. It is already in its simplest form, so you don't have to do anything else to solve the problem.
Readability Test Results
This page has an average grade level of about 6.
It should be easily understood by 11 to 12 year olds.
It should be easily understood by 11 to 12 year olds.
Readability Indices
| Flesch Kincaid Reading Ease | 73.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Flesch Kincaid Grade Level | 6 | |
| Gunning Fog Score | 8.1 | |
| SMOG Index | 6 | |
| Coleman Liau Index | 6.6 | |
| Automated Readability Index | 2.6 |
Text Statistics
| No. of sentences | 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. of words | 109 | |
| No. of complex words | 9 | |
| Percent of complex words | 8.26% | |
| Average words per sentence | 12.11 | |
| Average syllables per word | 1.43 |
This paragraph is already at its easiest readability level.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Spellchecker
Spelling is an important part of the reading process. If we do not learn how to spell words correctly, we will not be able to fully comprehend the material we read during our lifetimes. When I was in elementary school, I remember having weekly spelling words and tests. On Monday, we always received our list of new words for the week, (there were usually anywhere from 15 to 20 words each week). Every day, we had spelling homework along with homework from our other academic subjects. One night, we would have to write our list of words in ABC order. Another night, we would write sentences using each of the words correctly. We also wrote paragraphs with our words, and looked up the definitions in the dictionary which were then handed in. Fridays were always used for our spelling tests. I always loved this part of language arts, (spelling), because it helped me to recognize new words whenever I read a book. Since I was now familiar with the word, I understood what I was reading better. This new skill has been beneficial throughout my academic career. I was therefore surprised when I learned that teachers are not allowed to teach spelling and grammar anymore in school. When I started my internship as an undergraduate, I was placed in a 4th grade Writing and Science class. These students had trouble spelling even the most basic words, had terrible handwriting, and their grammar and punctuation usage needed a lot of work. They were expected to take the FCAT Writes test in February, and here we were in October trying to understand what they had written. After explaining the problem and gaining support from other teachers, the principal finally allowed us to teach spelling again. The students were able to show some improvement by the time I left in December, and I hope that it made a difference when the the time came to take their writing tests.
Spellchecker strategies are a great way to help anyone who is having trouble spelling a word. As a young student, my teachers would encourage us to sound out the words first, then correct us as needed. Some teachers would tell us to look up the word in the dictionary, which a few people had a hard time with, (how do you know what you are looking for?) As I got older, and began writing more reports on the computer, I paid close attention to my spelling. Even today as I write papers for my college classes, I know that something's not quite right when that little red squiggly line appears! I always try to proofread my papers at least twice before they are submitted for grading. Sometimes, I even ask one of my family members to read through something so that I have a fresh pair of eyes when I work.
As you see from the above paragraph, I think that spelling is very important. Everyone can benefit from learning the correct way to spell words. The English language can be tricky to learn, (especially for people from other countries), and having words that sound the same, but have different meanings and spellings makes things even more difficult. I am a native English speaker, and sometimes, even I have a difficult time spelling certain words!
There has been a lot of research conducted that stresses the importance of teaching our students spelling. Deborah K. Reed, a researcher at the University of Texas at El Paso, created a guide to inform teachers and educators why they should be including this all important subject into their curriculum. She believes that accurate spelling "reflects more advanced linguistic knowledge". It is often difficult for students who struggle with reading to be proficient in spelling. However, research does suggest that even the best readers have trouble spelling words correctly. Reed has also included tips for linking spelling to the Common Core Standards. For more information, visit http://www.readingrockets.org/sites/default/files/Why%20Teach%20Spelling.pdf and read her guide for yourself.
Spellchecker strategies are a great way to help anyone who is having trouble spelling a word. As a young student, my teachers would encourage us to sound out the words first, then correct us as needed. Some teachers would tell us to look up the word in the dictionary, which a few people had a hard time with, (how do you know what you are looking for?) As I got older, and began writing more reports on the computer, I paid close attention to my spelling. Even today as I write papers for my college classes, I know that something's not quite right when that little red squiggly line appears! I always try to proofread my papers at least twice before they are submitted for grading. Sometimes, I even ask one of my family members to read through something so that I have a fresh pair of eyes when I work.
As you see from the above paragraph, I think that spelling is very important. Everyone can benefit from learning the correct way to spell words. The English language can be tricky to learn, (especially for people from other countries), and having words that sound the same, but have different meanings and spellings makes things even more difficult. I am a native English speaker, and sometimes, even I have a difficult time spelling certain words!
There has been a lot of research conducted that stresses the importance of teaching our students spelling. Deborah K. Reed, a researcher at the University of Texas at El Paso, created a guide to inform teachers and educators why they should be including this all important subject into their curriculum. She believes that accurate spelling "reflects more advanced linguistic knowledge". It is often difficult for students who struggle with reading to be proficient in spelling. However, research does suggest that even the best readers have trouble spelling words correctly. Reed has also included tips for linking spelling to the Common Core Standards. For more information, visit http://www.readingrockets.org/sites/default/files/Why%20Teach%20Spelling.pdf and read her guide for yourself.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Action Research Project Topic
For my Action Research Project this semester, I will be focusing on the concept of vocabulary. Since I am not yet a permanent teacher with my own classroom, I will work on strengthening my own skills on this topic. Stay tuned for more updates!
What Literacy is to Me
Literacy opens up the doors to knowledge! It is one of the most important concepts we will encounter in our lifetime. Without the ability to read, we would be lost in the world and would not be able to succeed in life.
Like mathematics, reading and the concept of literacy is everywhere. It is almost impossible to walk out your front door in the morning and not see at least one form of literacy at work. Our cars, streets, businesses, schools, phones, and even the media all use examples of literacy. This form of language allows us to communicate and share our ideas with others in a non-verbal setting. When we are able to communicate with each other, our world doesn't seem to as large as we think it is.
Technology helps bring us closer together as a global community. The technology we use every day, (such as our smartphones, tablets, and the Internet), works hand-in-hand with the concept of literacy. As technology changes, so does literacy. There are hundreds of interactive educational games and apps on the market that are both fun and helpful in building important literacy skills. Thousands of online and printed resources are also available for anyone to use. The future of tomorrow's literacy begins today!
Like mathematics, reading and the concept of literacy is everywhere. It is almost impossible to walk out your front door in the morning and not see at least one form of literacy at work. Our cars, streets, businesses, schools, phones, and even the media all use examples of literacy. This form of language allows us to communicate and share our ideas with others in a non-verbal setting. When we are able to communicate with each other, our world doesn't seem to as large as we think it is.
Technology helps bring us closer together as a global community. The technology we use every day, (such as our smartphones, tablets, and the Internet), works hand-in-hand with the concept of literacy. As technology changes, so does literacy. There are hundreds of interactive educational games and apps on the market that are both fun and helpful in building important literacy skills. Thousands of online and printed resources are also available for anyone to use. The future of tomorrow's literacy begins today!
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