Happy Sunday!
I hope you're enjoying a restful weekend. It's officially chilly here...great for cute outfits with boots, not-so-great for someone who gets cold anytime the temperature dips below 70 degrees!
I wanted to share an app I've been using for the past few months with my small reading groups. I had actually been eyeing this app for awhile, so I jumped when I was offered the opportunity to try this out with my students:
.PNG)
Although I'll be sharing my thoughts, I highly encourage you to check out Rhyme to Read's Facebook Page (there's a wealth of information, as well as multiple screenshots for a closer look)
and iTunes.
.PNG)
Although I'll be sharing my thoughts, I highly encourage you to check out Rhyme to Read's Facebook Page (there's a wealth of information, as well as multiple screenshots for a closer look)
and iTunes.
I'm working closely with a group of first graders who are below grade level in reading. These students receive small group instruction with all hands on deck...the general educator, interventionist, and special educator (me). Several of these students have I.E.P. goals and objectives in the area of early literacy.
Although all of these students are reading at Guided Reading Level B or below, their strengths and needs are not the same. Differentiation is key to targeting what these struggling firsties need and this app meets their needs beautifully.
It's clear that this app was designed by educators. Teachers who have sat on the floor with a group of friends. Teachers who were searching to find the "just right" materials to reach their learners.
Sara Hines (PhD in Special Education) and Lynn Klaiman (M.Ed in Reading) worked together to create a program to meet the needs of their own students and it has definitely helped my students find success.
Rhyme to Read includes TWENTY sequential "books" for the students to read that builds upon a phonics scope and sequence. Adults (parents and teachers) can view what each book includes with the provided cumulative (thank you!) word list of both pattern words and sight words. This could easily translate to data collection as the students progress through the program.
.PNG)
Each phonics book focuses on a word family and then spirals in previously learned word families. This is a tremendous asset to the program. I've found word families to be a very successful approach with struggling readers, yet many times they are featured in isolation. The most wonderful news?
The words families are
C-O-L-O-R-C-O-D-E-D
Check it out:
Did you also notice the sight words in the top right corner?
So helpful!
My students enjoy using technology and I have tried many apps to provide the differentiation they need while also increasing motivation. I found myself reaching for this attractive app again and again, not only because it met my students' literacy needs, but because they asked for it! I'm sure the amusing graphics and sounds caught their attention, plus the feeling of being successful at reading and moving through the leveled books.
Win-Win!
If you are already using this outstanding program,
I would love to hear how you're incorporating it.
Thanks for reading & enjoy the rest of your day!
Although all of these students are reading at Guided Reading Level B or below, their strengths and needs are not the same. Differentiation is key to targeting what these struggling firsties need and this app meets their needs beautifully.
It's clear that this app was designed by educators. Teachers who have sat on the floor with a group of friends. Teachers who were searching to find the "just right" materials to reach their learners.
Sara Hines (PhD in Special Education) and Lynn Klaiman (M.Ed in Reading) worked together to create a program to meet the needs of their own students and it has definitely helped my students find success.
Rhyme to Read includes TWENTY sequential "books" for the students to read that builds upon a phonics scope and sequence. Adults (parents and teachers) can view what each book includes with the provided cumulative (thank you!) word list of both pattern words and sight words. This could easily translate to data collection as the students progress through the program.
.PNG)
Each phonics book focuses on a word family and then spirals in previously learned word families. This is a tremendous asset to the program. I've found word families to be a very successful approach with struggling readers, yet many times they are featured in isolation. The most wonderful news?
The words families are
C-O-L-O-R-C-O-D-E-D
Check it out:
Did you also notice the sight words in the top right corner?
So helpful!
My students enjoy using technology and I have tried many apps to provide the differentiation they need while also increasing motivation. I found myself reaching for this attractive app again and again, not only because it met my students' literacy needs, but because they asked for it! I'm sure the amusing graphics and sounds caught their attention, plus the feeling of being successful at reading and moving through the leveled books.
Win-Win!
If you are already using this outstanding program,
I would love to hear how you're incorporating it.
Thanks for reading & enjoy the rest of your day!
Disclosure: Although I was offered this app to review at no charge, the opinions were 100% mine.
Thank you so much for writing about this! This is exactly what I need! I love your blog:)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sarah!
ReplyDeleteMy students really love the app & it makes me so happy for them that they choose it over a "game" app! I appreciate your comment - I use several of your products, so you're famous with my students!!
Thank you for the heads-up on "Rhyme to Read"!
ReplyDeleteI'm always looking for good reading apps.
BL Designs