Integrating Reading and Technology  in an Early Childhood Classroom

Kathy Koporec, St. Martin’s Episcopal School

Atlanta, Georgia

As a first year Reading and Computer Lab teacher, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the 2008 Georgia Educational Technology Conference.  Many of the sessions inspired me to return to my classroom and begin implementing things I learned at the conference.  I attended three sessions presented by Tammy Worcester (visit her website) .  Her experience as a K-8 classroom teacher made her presentations interesting and the material relevant.

The first was Multiple Intelligences and Technology. She began by discussing the work of Howard Gardner and offered some suggestions for assessment.  Once a student’s strengths are determined, the curriculum can be modified to better meet the needs of the student.  The slogan for this presentation was “IT’S NOT HOW SMART YOU ARE ….IT’S HOW YOU ARE SMART!”  She suggested websites and computer activities for each of the intelligences. Since my content area is Reading, I will limit my discussion to those activities which are related to Language Arts.  My students have enjoyed the activities at the following websites:

Wordles (Verbal) – Students create “word clouds” using a variety of fonts, layouts and color schemes.

Chicktionary (Verbal) – Students use letters to spell as many words as they can.

Imagination Cubed (Spatial) – Students create drawings and type text.  A replay button allows them to view their creations.

Type the Alphabet (Kinesthetic) – Students practice typing the alphabet while being timed.  They enjoy trying to improve their scores.

Suggestions for computer activities included:

Tall Tales (Verbal) – Students write a tall tale MS Word; divide it into columns; print, cut and tape the “strips” end-to-end.

Shape Poetry (Spatial) – Students create a shape made of text characters using KidPix.

T-rrific (Intrapersonal) – Students design and print a slide describing why they are “T-riffic” using MS PowerPoint.  The paper is then folded in half and cut into a t-shirt shape.

Now and Then (Intrapersonal) – Students create a document using Kidspiration to compare what they do now with what they think they’ll be doing 10, 20, 30 or more years from now.

For instructions on these activities and others, I recommend the following title 50 Quick and Easy Computer Activities for Kids (K-6).

The second Tammy Worcester session I attended was Rev Up Your Reading and Writing Classroom with Technology. As the title suggests, it was the perfect blend of language arts and the use of computers.  Each project utilized either MS Word or MS PowerPoint. The following is a list and brief description of some of my favorite activities.  My students really enjoyed making greeting cards for their families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Bookmark – Using the line tool in PowerPoint, students divide the document into 4 columns.  Next, they insert a text box and type information about the book (title, author, illustrator, summary.)  Clip art can also be inserted into the columns.

Summary Sleuths – Students locate and insert a text into a slide. Next, students create a summary of the text, then using the drawing tools in PowerPoint, create a magnifying glass (one circle, one large oval and two small ovals.)  The summary is then typed into a text box placed inside the circle. Fill the shapes of the magnifying glass with solid or transparent colors.

Hats Off! –  Students use PowerPoint to create a paper hat that displays text (facts, poems, etc.) First, create an 8 ½ x 11 page, then draw two diagonal lines from the top center to the 1 ½ inch line and three horizontal lines at 0”, 2” and 3”. Add a text box in the top section of the triangle and type a poem or other text, then in the middle rectangle type the name of the author/student or subject.

Greeting Card – Using PowerPoint, students enter WordArt, Clip Art or Text in each of 4 slides.  In the first slide, they use WordArt to type a greeting, then rotate it 180 degrees.  The second slide remains blank.  Students insert a picture in the third slide.  And finally, they insert a text box and type a message in the fourth slide. It is then printed as a four page handout and folded into a card.

For instructions on these activities and others, I recommend the following title 50 Quick and Easy Reading and Writing Activities for Kids (K-12). (Suggestions for adapting activities for young learners are included in this book.)

The third, and final session presented by Tammy Worcester that I attended was Tammy’s Favorite Tech Tips, Tricks and Tools.  These ideas were divided into four categories.  They were Web Tools, Google Tips and Tricks, Time-saving Shortcuts and Activities.  Here are a few of my favorites from each category:

Web Tools:

Image Codr – Search flickr for images that are free to use commercially. Add html code to web page or blog.

vozMe – Turn written text into voice (mp3.)

Google Tips:

Google Advanced Search – Search for PowerPoint presentations on a variety of topics.

Google Search – Use the search window as a calculator, dictionary, or conversion tool.

Time-saving Shortcuts:

Microsoft Office Shortcuts – Discover new ways to work in your documents.

Activities:

Sticky Notes – Design and print your own sticky notes using PowerPoint.  Create a page that is 7.5 inches X 7.5 inches.  Continue to add slides until you have four.  Add text and clip art to each slide.  Print as a handout (4 slides per page.)  The paper that you print on should have 4 sticky notes attached to it.  Print on the page, then remove the sticky notes.

Sense Poetry – Create a slideshow called “Happiness Through the Senses” by choosing photographs that capture the meaning of each of the senses.  For example, “Happiness looks like…….A smiling face.

In her book 50 Quick and Easy PowerPoint Activities, you can find detailed descriptions of these activities, as well as many cool tips and ideas for publishing.

I feel very fortunate to be teaching at a school that values professional development.  I will continue to implement the ideas I learned at the conference by enhancing the reading program through the use of technology.  I am looking forward to next year’s conference.

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