Google Docs and Storybird are two of my favorite tools to promote writing skills. They complement other traditional methods and approaches to writing that are taught in the classroom.
Google Docs allows students to write stories and insert their own images. The commenting feature in Google Docs creates opportunities for peer editing. Students can go through each other’s work and practise giving positive feedback to each other on the documents. Teachers can also give feedback as shown here, where Ms Kirstin gave feedback to one of her students to help correct their story;
Google Docs allows students to write stories and insert their own images. The commenting feature in Google Docs creates opportunities for peer editing. Students can go through each other’s work and practise giving positive feedback to each other on the documents. Teachers can also give feedback as shown here, where Ms Kirstin gave feedback to one of her students to help correct their story;
Storybird allows students to create their own picture books based on artwork provided by the website’s illustrators. These can be long form or short form books. Books can be downloaded in pdf or e-pub format to be read on e-book readers or ordered in hardcover or softcover form. The website encourages students by sending challenges periodically.
Click here to read a news report written by a Year 4 (Grade 3) student in Ms Charne’s class. This was the first time Year 4 students used Google Docs.
Below is a story written by a Year 5 (Grade 4) student in Ms Viviana’s class using storybird.com. The website challenged the students to write a fairytale, giving them guidelines and restrictions.
Click here to read a news report written by a Year 4 (Grade 3) student in Ms Charne’s class. This was the first time Year 4 students used Google Docs.
Below is a story written by a Year 5 (Grade 4) student in Ms Viviana’s class using storybird.com. The website challenged the students to write a fairytale, giving them guidelines and restrictions.
Writing skills continue to develop all the way to Secondary school as students learn and practise new skills. Both tools allow us to publish student writing. They encourage students to be creators of content, not just consumers. Ask your child about storybird.com. If they don’t have an account, create one with them. Order hardcover books for them. Let them see that they too can write books and self publish.