Language+Arts+2.0

toc

====**Story Starters**==== //"Here's a quick writing activity to try everyday. First,"// //generate a creative story starter. Pick a format: notebook, letter, newspaper, or postcard. Then print for a cute surprise.//

** Read, Write, Think**
//"Engage your students in online literacy learning with these interactive tools that help them accomplish a variety of goals—from organizing their thoughts to learning about language—all while having fun.//" I have used several of the activities with elementary students. They need to be completed in one class period and printing because saving isn't possible, but they are worth looking at.

**Chatting About Books: Recommendations for Young Readers **
Chatting About Books is a series of podcasts by Emily Manning in which she "chats with kids, parents, and teachers about the best in children's literature for ages 4 through 11. Discussions include reading tips and fun activities to do with children before, during, and after reading". You can access all of the archived episodes by clicking on the link.

====Elements of a Story==== //Elements of s Story// //is an interactive Web site where students can learn about different literary "ingredients" that make up a story. After watching and listening to an interactive version of "Cinderella," students will learn about various elements that are common to all stories: setting, characters, plot, exposition, conflict, climax, and resolution.// //This site features an interactive explanation of each literary element, which is then followed by a series of activities to enhance students' understanding. Students will be asked to put plot developments into the correct order, select appropriate settings and characters, and sort events and exposition. (description from the web site)//
 * Annenberg Media has 2 Interactives for Language Arts appropriate for elementary and intermediate grades.**

====Spelling Bee==== //Spelling Bee// //is an interactive Web site where students can learn grade-appropriate vocabulary by practicing how to spell specific words and using contextual clues to understand their meanings. The activities at each grade level are designed to let students work at a pace that is appropriate to their skill level. Students hear words multiple times that they are asked to spell, typing and retyping words until they are prepared to submit their words for scoring. Students also are able to take advantage of the multimedia aspects of the interactive, imagining words as they appear in print, hearing words as they are spoken, and reading definitions that help them connect spelling to meaning. (Note: Grade 1 does not present definitions as hints because it focuses on sight words and expects that most students will probably be using the interactive with a teacher, parent, or caregiver.) (description from the web site).//

Storybird
Storybird is collaboration tool where students can create short visual stories. This video below will tell you more.

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