ipad Blog-QRI

Every year teachers are to perform 2 QRI's (Qualitative Reading Inventory) on students; once in the fall and another in the spring. A QRI provides diagnostic information  on how students identify and decode words as well as text comprehension. The QRI was designed to provide a variety of different opportunities to observe a student's reading behavior. There are 3 components to completing a QRI; word list, assessment of prior knowledge, and comprehension of reading passages. In order to successfully assess a students reading each component must be performed. This week I completed 5 QRI's and the results thus far has been amazing. Every one of the students that I tested have improved in recalling words, fluency and comprehension of text. I would like to presume that the usage of K12 Reading Practice Lite had some impact on improving my students reading. The repetition of allowing students to read short stories daily improved their fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Thus far my students have increased their reading by 1 - 3 levels. One of my lowest students who began as a Pre-Primer (kindergarten level)  is now reading on a 2nd grade level. Even though he is still reading below grade level he has made much growth. 

iPad Blog-Week 7

This week my students were able to integrate reading with math. They used the skills that was learned in math this week on median, mode and range to find their reading average. My students were very impressed with using their numbers to locate each average. Some of them saw where they have made great leaps and jumps and others saw where they need to make improvement. Every student made goals to where they would want to be and as a class we have decided to look at averages over the next few weeks. I am still excited about their engagement and excitement with reading or trying different things to help improve their reading. The whole goal of this activity was to help my students understand data and how it can be used to set goals, show a trend in reading achievement.

iPad Blog-Week 6

Another week has passed and my students are still working hard. I am enthused that they are still engaged and making improvements in their reading. After seeing the results of their reading benchmarks I conclude that the app that I am using to help improve their reading fluency has produced positive results. Many of my below level readers have made progress in their reading. Even though they are not reading on grade level, gradually improvement are being made. Reading fluency is not the only thing increasing but self-esteem and self-confidence as well. As students make progress in reading, they gain self-confidence and begin to experience the joy of learning. This improved self-esteem often carries over to improved academics and behavior. They are no longer ashamed to read aloud in class, their participation has sparked and when reading tries to decode words by themselves or asks for help. My goal is to continue to utilize the app to uplift and help my students reach success. I do predict that my students will continue to grow both academically and personally.

iPad Blog-Week 5

I am so impressed with the improvement my students are making in their fluency with reading. To be honest I was a little skeptical in the beginning because I did not know if this application would really be successful but
as I researched ways to help student reading and comprehension I learned that “Fluency provides a bridge between word recognition and comprehension.” so I continued with the study to see if it would really improve their reading skills. As time progresses so have some of my students fluency. I now have 5 students who have skipped 2 reading levels on the application that is presently being used. The amount of words that are read with no miscues or errors is amazing. When comparing the amount of words read by my students to the required expectations, my students are making great progress due to the fact that I have (4) K-1 grade readers, (12) 2nd grade readers and (4) 3rd grade readers.                                                                            "Typical” first graders read 60 wpm.
“Typical” second graders read 70 wpm.
“Typical” third graders read 80 wpm.

Quiz, Survey, Benchmark Schedule and Strategies using Voiki and Quia

I have created an Inference Quiz and a Math Survey using both Voki and Quia. I used the Voki to create a personalized speaking avatar that will read the questions on the quiz along with a personal voice recording of myself to remind both students and parents about the upcoming 1st Quarter Benchmark. Using Quia and Voiki is a great way to motivate and improve my students' reading and listening skills in an engaging and innovative way. The Voki recordings will allow students and parents to listen to recording as many times as they like.

iPad Blog-Week4

This week was quite interesting due to my students having to take the Math Benchmark, finding time in time in the schedule to work with my students and bringing the iPad back into the classroom after being stolen. Thankfully it was returned in solid condition. As soon as my students noticed that the iPad was back in my possession the questions were set in motion. I tried to disregard some of the comments by just exclaiming that we were very fortunate to have it back but I will be very reluctant and careful about leaving the classroom unlocked. At first my students were a little nervous about using the iPad but after a few moments it was like the weeks before. I think that we all were able to let out guards down just a little in order to have fun using it once again. As the week progressed my uneasiness slacked off a bit. My students were just as eager as day one to read with me. I can see how much some of them have improved over the small course of time. In math class we discussed line graphs so I am now going to integrate that in with using the iPad so that my students can log their own progress to see how their reading fluency has changed over time.

Benchmark Schedule and Test Taking Strategies

I used the Voki as a recording to help remind both students and parents about the upcoming 1st Quarter Benchmark. I also used it as a tool to review math and reading test-taking strategies. The Voki recording will allow students and parents to listen to recording as many times as they like.