LauraJean's Technology Blog

ReadWorks is a free online reading comprehension tool that uses cognitive and science-based research and standards-aligned content to create engaging resources to enhance skills taught in the classroom. The website includes different types of texts and assessments that are easy for teachers and students to access at school and at home.  ReadWorks Site Tour

Progressive Phonics is a phonics program that gradually introduces skills and uses a lot of repetition. The stories include humor to make reading more enjoyable and for better retention. Stories are meant to be used for guided oral reading, so the print is color-coded so that it is easy to identify who is responsible for reading what. Lesson plans and worksheets aligned to the books are also available on the website. Progressive Phonics does not provide a suggested time to spend on each book or activity, which puts no pressure on the adult or the child.

  Quizlet is a study tool that was created to make studying less stressful, more enjoyable, and more effective. It was created in 2005 and is now used by 60 million people every month. There are currently seven different study modes available and there are plans in motion to make learning more personalized for each student by providing an assistant. This tool uses learning science principles such as repetition, spaced-learning, and retrieval practice. Repetition and retrieval are done through using the same information in different games and activities. Spaced-learning is made possible by data provided to help you plan your study sessions so that there is an increase in retention of information being studied. What is Quizlet?

Effective communication between school and home has proven to make a difference in a child's attendance, behavior, socio-emotional development, and grades. I have always appreciated parents that are ready and willing to create a partnership that focuses on their child's needs. But, this does not always come easily. The most common barrier would be lack of or incorrect contact information provided. However, there are also language barriers that we struggle with from time to time. 

     As a first grade teacher, I am constantly looking for online resources that are easy for my students to navigate through independently and interesting enough to keep them engaged. Unfortunately, the free version of Pink Cat Games is extremely limited and does not offer access to enough features to entice people to pay for the yearly subscription. However, I would highly recommend purchasing the $49.99 yearly subscription if you teach primary grade levels.

Starfall has been around since 2002 and continues to expand with resources and activities that will help students enjoy learning with multisensory interactive games. Although the main focus is on learning to read, it also includes language arts and math activities.