Book Creator - inspiring children to write

Hello everyone. Today I would like to share some information about an App that I am using with my Year 4 students. This year we embark BYOD. The children are highly motivated to use their devices for anything! But as a teacher the decision is still what is the best tool for my intended purpose?

We recently participated in a Digi Ed incursion. In this workshop the children created claymation movies using the latest software and editing tools. They thoroughly enjoyed it. I wanted to build upon this experience.

In groups, the children retold the story of Tiddalick. They planned and wrote this following the narrative text structure. I wanted their published copy to be in the form of a digital text. They created scenes from the story as they had from the Digi Ed workshop, (created backgrounds and clay models), photographed each on their device. They are currently using the Book Creator App to publish their stories. They are able to insert their photos, type their text and position using easy editing tools. At home (where it is quiet) they are recording themselves reading each section of their texts. Upon completing, they can import it and read it in iBooks with one click.

Outcome- I am blown away. This app not only enables a professional looking book but it has motivated them to write and to also fully engage in the writing process. They are already planning future books. Students who are normally reluctant writers cannot get enough of this App. Some students have written two or three books at home. One student created a story about cricket with video links and various photos all in a car ride. Hearing a child ask to take his English book home so that he continue his work was astounding!

If you want a way to motivate and engage students to write, Book Creator is something you should consider. There is a free version as well as a paid version.

Thanks for stopping by!

Flip Books - A Creative way to Encourage Writing

Hello everyone. Today I am going to share a resource/idea that a colleague shared with me many years ago. One of the rotations I have in my Reading Groups is a flip book activity. This is a writing task. This format has been one of my successes over the years. The children like the variety of topics, flipping the pages and also the option of creating their own.

What is a flip book?
A flip book begins as a basic A4 page. It is divided into four sections. The majority of my flip books are narratives, but they are so versatile that they can be used for any text type. Each flip book is scaffolded in order to assist the children to create a story quite quickly. I also incorporate pictures onto the page to provide extra support to the children who may need some extra inspiration.

Once the children become familiar with the format of the flip book, they become more independent and really enjoy writing. As each section looks small, it deceives the children and takes the pressure of having to write to fill a page. This works particularly well with children who are reluctant writers.

Examples
I have taught Kindergarten through to year 5 and have used flip books in each grade. They are easy to differentiate to meet the needs of students in any grade. The following example is one completed by a student in my class. We had been focused on writing expositions at the time.

How to make a flip book
For my example, I will share a blank flip book.
Step One: Cut across the middle section. Place the top section to one side.
Step Two: Cut the pages marked 1, 2 and 3.
Step Three: Staple pages 1, 2 and 3 to page 4.

Again, once the children use this scaffold/template they will enjoy writing. I have some students who cut their flip book before they write as they fill up the front and back of their pages.

How I Use Them

I have five activities for reading groups. At the start of the new rotations (when all of the activities are new),  I go through and explain all of the activities. I spend some time in sharing and introducing the flip book. I have a grid which shows what activities the children will be doing that day. I don't go in any particular order. At the conclusion of the reading group activities for that session, the children who wrote a flip book read it to the class.

The children love sharing and also enjoy hearing the flip books.  I usually let the more competent and confident writers complete the flip book task first. This assists the less confident students and it gives them  more time to come up with ideas as well as provide them with models to assist them when it is their turn to write.

Some samples to share

I am going to share a blank template as well as a themed flip book. If you do decide to use them, share your experience with me via this blog. I would love to hear how your students reacted to them.

Thanks for stopping by!