Google Docs and Student Reading

Works4Me presents weekly practical classroom tips from real experts -- your colleagues!

1. Using Google Docs

Jim Falbo, an electrical program teacher at Grundy Area Vocational Center in Morris, Illinois:

"Instead of Microsoft Word, I now use Google Docs with all of my students. Google Docs will work with any web browser, there are no updates, there's nothing to download, it auto saves, and it allows for accountability with a date of completion. The collaboration feature allows students to develop Online teams to complete projects, and I can monitor who does what and when in the assignment. I also use Google Spreadsheets for shared online rubrics with each student. Have students sign up for Gmail at the beginning of the school year. I suggest using the format Last Name.First Name @ Gmail.com. Take advantage of Docs, Spreadsheets, and the (shared) Calendar which is great for lesson plans. Google Applications is a bonus plan that lots of schools are using. There's control, added features, and it's free!"
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2. Summertime Reading Assignments

From a seventh grade teacher:

"I feel that sending home mandatory summer reading can turn away the kids who don't like to read. I don't particularly enjoy starting my year correcting summaries or book reports either. I suggest possible family trips and projects such as a compiling a photo essay, designing a poster, sending me a post card and researching the trip destination. The student could plan the itinerary, budget and map. I also let my students know the type of genre I'll be reading the next year (sci-fi, poetry and historical fiction) and the topics that will be covered in social studies and science. I do that in case some would like to read up on a particular topic or do some non-fiction reading. They can create a book marker or concept map to share their reading. They can also do plain old reading for fun! Summertime is fun, and kids can enjoy what they read by having free choice. I just provide a guide not an assignment. Bonus points are given to those who, with parent signature, participate in the activity."
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3. Question of the Week: End of the Year Celebrations

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"It's time to celebrate the end of school! How does your school or community recognize graduates at all grade levels?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Teaching Fluency

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

The ability to read text with speed, accuracy and proper expression plays a crucial role in reading with comprehension. Fluency doesn't guarantee comprehension, but it's an extremely important part of the process. One of our readers is looking for tips, best practices and your finest ideas for teaching fluency. Cindy asks, "Please give your suggestions for teaching fluency."
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