Plot Mountains and Photostory!

Photo Story is a great software program that allows students to create movies from still images with accompanying music and narration. Many classrooms use Photo Story for digital storytelling or creating book trailers. Mr. Pane's sixth graders used Photo Story to apply their understanding of plot mountains. Instead of filling out a graphic organizer, the students participated in something much more engaging, creative and authentic. The students had to decide on appropriate images and music to represent the rising action, climax, falling action and resolution of an independent reading book. Have you tried Photo Story yet?
Check out some examples of Plot Mountain Photo Stories from Mr. Pane's students.

Using Podcasting to Increase Fluency

Mrs. Nypert's 3rd Grade class recently wrote and recorded stories they've written. As students listened to their recorded voices, Mrs. Nypert used this as an opportunity to work on fluency skills. Podbean.com, a free online podcast hosting site was used to allow these recordings to be shared and saved. Also using Audacity, each student in Mrs. Carpenter's 1st grade class was recorded reading a familiar book. While listening to themselves read during a special story hour (complete with hot cocoa!), students were able to hear how they can improve their expression and fluency.

Listen to these podcasts of the third and first grade at: http://awright3.podbean.com/

*Audacity files were first exported as a .wav file and then converted to a usable mp3 file using this free online, easy to use converter: http://download.cnet.com/WAV-to-MP3-Encoder/3000-2140_4-10060500.html

Audacity and The Morning Meeting

The Morning Meeting is a wonderful way to build community and establish routines. Mrs. Carpenter's first grade class uses 'The Good Morning Song' during this important part of the school day. Using the Audacity program installed on RSD6 computers, a recording of Mrs. Carpenter and her class singing this song was saved. This recording was then embedded into Mrs. Carpenter's daily "Morning Meeting" Smart Notebook lesson. The students enjoy singing along to their very own voices each day. Have you used Audacity lately? Check it out....There are many ways to apply this easy to use program.

Come sing along with these beautiful voices: http://awright3.podbean.com/