Rewordify.com...Understand what you read.

"Rewordify.com is powerful, free, online reading comprehension software. It helps people understand difficult English faster, and helps them learn words in new ways."
This tool was developed to help students read complex passages. Rewordify takes complex passages and puts them in simple terms. There are several settings that student can use to help them understand what they are reading. Watch this video to get a better idea of how this tool can support your students on a desktop, laptop, Smart Phone, iPad, iPod or other mobile devices.

 

"PAINLESS" APPS

For students who find subjects difficult and confusing or just plain boring, Barron's Painless Series Apps can help clear up students' confusion and spark their interest. Painless Apps cover a wide range of subjects as they are taught on middle and high school levels.  Barron’s is taking Painless to the next level—FUN!  Each app contains three quizzes to test knowledge and three arcade games to test skill! APPS can be used on iPhone, iTouch, iPad or Android device. APPS in the Painless Series include-Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Fractions, Chemisty, Earth Science, Vocabulary, Grammar, Spelling, and more....

Running Records Calculator Lite APP

Running Records Calculator Lite APP

A free app is now available to teachers that makes data collection during oral reading assessments a breeze. Running Records Calculator Lite allows you to time your student while reading an assessment passage, find the words read in context (reading accuracy percentage) and calculate the fluency rate (words per minute). There is even a caluculator so you can quickly get a comprehension score.  You can upgrade this app for $2.99. The upgrade allows you to record the reader and play it back for error analysis or fluency work.

 

Wonderopolis

http://wonderopolis.org/

The National Center for Family Literacy has created Wonderopolis, a great learning resource for students to tap into. Each day the site answers a question that kids (and adults) might want to know more about. When you click on the question, the site will take you to a webpage of information with links, videos and resources to explore in depth.

Use this resource as a start for daily journal entries or class discussions. Use the search feature to build on lessons with real life applications. Use the questions and class activities to build on your lesson plans or suggest additional resources for your class.

Big Huge Labs

Big Huge Labs will allow you to do "Fun Stuff with Your Photos." There are many areas to explore. You can make a magazine cover, motivation posters, CD Covers, trading cards and so much more. This tool is great to support literature circles or content area information. It provides students with opportunities that allow them to share what they understand in a creative way. Students can use a digital camera to capture images to support what they are learning. Student's will be motivated to make trading cards for the states of matter or a magazine about the main character of a novel. Take a look and think outside the box for ways to use this site. Any ideas you wish to share, leave us a comment below.

Wimp Yourself!

Yes, I agree, I'm a little AVATAR crazy these days! But seriously, what's more fun that creating a digital image of you, a friend, an historical character, or in this case, a WIMPY book character? If you've read any of Jeff Kinney's books from the series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, you may know what I'm referring to. Find out more about Jeff's books by visiting the official Diary of a Wimpy Kid website. What I didn't realize is that the books actually started out online at FunBrain in 2004. You can read the online version here. The books are written in diary format, similar to blog posts. If your students enjoy reading about the wacky adventures of Greg in either the online or book version, they may enjoy creating their own Wimpy Character here! And, yes, that is my Wimpy Self!

Create a Story with Pinky Dinky Doo!

Pinky Dinky Doo is a site where students create stories starring cartoon characters from the animated series of the same name currently airing on Nick Jr.

After selecting a genre of their choice (Silly, Fairy Tale, Mystery, Scary, or Outer Space), they will compose their own story focusing on Beginning, Middle, and End. The text is highlighted and read aloud to the students each time they make an addition to their story providing help with fluency and word recognition.

Once their story is complete, it can be printed onto ONE sheet of paper, folded into a mini-booklet, and taken home for more reading practice!