Tools for Building Vocabulary

Are you looking for simple, fun ways to build your students' vocabulary? 
We have collected a few suggestions to help you out!

As a classroom teacher, one of my favorite vocabulary building tools was the Vocabulary Anchor.  We used a large laminated poster of a sail boat and anchor, set up as the illustration below, without the words on it.  Each day the class would work together to fill in the chart using the new word of the day.  As a quick way to review, during short transition times, I would call out past vocabulary words and they would respond with the anchor words.

 

Vocabulary Anchors

 

With young students it is fun to build basic vocabulary with a game we called "Name It."  On small slips of paper create Name It cards with simple prompts such as: an article of clothing, a body part, a state, a fruit, etc.  With the children in a line or a row have the first child pick a card.  The teacher says, "A fruit, name it!"  The first 3-5 children each think of one word that fits the category.  Each word must be different from the person before them.  After 3-5 students, have someone pick a new category and continue listing new words.
 

What's My Word, from Classroom Game Nook, is an interactive way for students to really get to know a new vocabulary word while recording their new learning.

On our Pinterest board, titled Vocabulary Building, we have collected links to several other favorite Vocabulary Building Games you may be interested in trying with your students.

Multimedia Vocabulary Tools
To encourage interaction with technology while studying vocabulary, the following sites are fantastic.

EGlossary provides interactive definitions that are read aloud to students and provide animated graphics.

VocabAhead offers an email subscription for a Word a Day as well as a great vocabulary guessing app that is available online.

 

Science Glossary, Geography Glossary, and Math Glossary offer online alternatives to practicing content vocabulary.

Listing synonyms and antonyms for a new vocabulary term becomes a creative outlet if you use Tagul or Tagxedo.

What are your tips and tricks for making vocabulary instruction entertaining and effective?

Disclosure: None of the links above are sponsored.

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Back to School with Balefire Labs, Inc. {Giveaway}

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Balefire Labs, Inc. in conjunctions with Mom It Forward Blogger Network. The opinions, stories, and homework drama included in the following post are my own. 

There isn't an hour that goes by that one of our four children doesn't ask, "May I use your phone?  May I play the iPad?"  We have always had what may be considered strict technology limits for our children. On school days they are not given any time on the computer, watching TV, or playing electronic games of any kind unless it is required for academic extension.  On the weekends and over summer vacation we are a bit more laid back about the iPhone and quickly hand it over while we sit at appointments, ride in the car, or wait in long lines.  However, the more time I spend myself examining the amazing educational apps and opportunities offered by smart phones and electronic readers I recognize their function in developing usable skills.  I realize our family needs to balance our technology limits accordingly.  It has also become very evident that having a system for deciphering which apps are indeed high quality and instructional is necessary to avoid mommy guilt technology time off task.

As part of this year's daily homework, my oldest son is required to practice multiplication facts for 10 minutes a day. His teacher copied a set of paper flashcards for each student, but highly encouraged the fourth graders to research online games for quick multiplication practice. Without exaggeration...the first night my son spent and hour and a half trying to find one game intended to develop fact chart confidence, with minimal pop up ads, and age appropriate graphics.  Needless to say we were both frustrated with the "10 minute assignment."   Offering him my phone for a search of the app store might have seemed like the next best answer, but again there are over 100,000 options considered educational.  And...how many times have we paid the small amount to try an app that turns out to be a total dud?!

I wish I would have known then about the online service offered by Balefire Labs, Inc.  Balefire offers objective reviews of educational apps to make searching for the right app quick and easy.  Evaluations, including a letter grade and a quick reference features chart, are available for apps intended for students from PreK to 12th Grade.

After familiarizing myself with this tool, Gavin and I worked together to create a great list of possible apps for him to use when practicing his multiplication facts. Balefire Labs features an easy search by topic, grade, and subject area.

Once you have reviewed the easy to understand feature chart, it is helpful to click through and read the detailed reviews which have been compiled using a strict criteria.

Many of the apps Gavin and I discovered to help with his times tables actually ended up being free.  Bonus! {Thought: the small amount you might invest in subscribing to Balefire will save you a load in app fees for activities that might not teach just what you were hoping to teach}

As a family we are appreciative of the option to search apps for the 0-4 year olds in our home as well.  We have found a few favorites and have organized them in a separate bookshelf just for our toddlers.  They are able to build their confidence in navigating age appropriate apps and don't end up distracted by Minion Rush or Temple Run, which teach very little and cause a lot of frustration for their age.

It seems, as more and more classrooms integrate technology, using Balefire Labs when planning for a new year of subject area lessons will save teachers time and hassle while ensuring they are giving their students the best possible opportunities within the limited time.

If you are interested in getting to know more about this product consider finding Balefire Labs on Twitter, Facebook, or Google+.  Then, give it a try for yourself!

Giveaway

3 Readers of ABC & 123: A Learning Cooperative will receive a FREE 1-year subscription to Balefire Labs! Use the rafflecopter below to enter before the giveaway closes at 12:00 AM EST on October 4, 2013.

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Educational App from PBS Kids

According to a new study from market research firm NPD Group, tablet usage among kids increased 13% from 2011 to 2012.  I will admit, I held out quite awhile on getting an iPhone and even then did so with the notion that I would not use it for entertaining the kids.  Silly me!  I quickly realized the value of an entertaining app for keeping my 4 quiet and occupied in lines and waiting rooms.  It was still important for me to sneak in a bit of learning, rather than just encourage angry bird tossing.  

There are so many apps for children it can be a bit overwhelming to pick through to find the best of the best.  I started my search by looking for apps based on the educational programming offered on PBS Kids.  One of our first favorites is Sid’s Science Fair. 

On August 16^th PBS Kids released their newest educational app designed for children ages 3 to 6.  Super Why! ABC Adventures: Alphabet is the 4^th mobile app based on Super Why!  The alphabet app offers opportunity for practicing sound recognition, upper case, and lower case letters.  With the Super Readers hosting the 5 engaging adventures and offering souvenir sticker rewards.  Games include: Alpha Pig’s Lickety Letter Safari, Super Why’s Z Marks the Spot, Wonder Red’s Let’s Letter Fly, Princess Presto’s Under the Sea Sounds, and Woofster’s Golden Letter Bones.

ABC Adventures: Alphabet is a great tool for families to use to build reading skills wherever they are – covering core areas such as the alphabet and letter sounds.  All of these skills are useful in preparing children for success in school. 

While interacting with the app users can access a collection of alphabet themed music videos from Super Why! to gain further exposure to the alphabet.

This app is available for download from the iTunesstore.  $2.99 for the iPhone or $3.99 for the iPad. 

For more information on the specific PBS KIDS programs supporting literacy, science, math and more visit PBSPressroom.com.

My 2, 3, and 6 year old all enjoyed interacting with Super Why! on his Alphabet Adventure.  My 6 year old especially likes the alphabet dot to dot treasure hunt hosted by Super Why! I enjoyed the graphics and letter sound practice hosted Under Water by Princess Pea. 

Disclosure: ABC & 123: A Learning Cooperative was given a complimentary download of SuperWhy! ABC Adventure: Alphabet to explore before sharing the press release information with you here.  

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Technology Tool: hearAll Assessment Recorder {Giveaway}

Today I would like to introduce you to the hearAll Assessment Recorder from Learning Resources.  This tool is perfect for setting up authentic assessment activities with small groups of students.  By adding the hearAll Recorder to a small group discussion you, as the teacher, can easily check up on individual participation and skill development.

The hearAll is designed with 4 microphones to capture clear recordings from all sides of the table where students are working.  Since there are directional microphones the background noise is dramatically reduced.

Here are just a few of the practical applications I came up with for using the hearAll Assessment Recorder:

~Set up a math center where students have to work together to solve a problem and discuss their process.  Record the conversation to assess student understanding of the mathematical concepts.

~Capture students' natural speech patterns and interactions

~Hear which students are invovled, participating, or leading the group

~Record a Reader's Theater read through

~Facilitate passive assessments for students who get nervous talking with an adult present

~In a preshcool classroom the hearAll left in the dramatic play station is a glimpse into the social and emotional learning that is going on while children interact.

~Create MP3 files to upload to your classroom website

~Monitor partner reading for accuracy and time on task

~Pre-record instructions for students to listen to {and review as often as necessary} in station activities.

The hearAll Assessment Recorder will hold up to 4 hours of conversation and the files can be converted to MP3 to be saved and shared with specialists and parents.  I found this technology tool to be very easy to use.  The hearAll charges when it is attached to your computer; you do not need to worry about batteries. Young students will be able to figure out the buttons and use the tool effectively.  I appreciate the size of this tool for easy storage and that the hearAll is lightweight. I believe the quality of the voice recording to be true to life, not stuffy nose or robotic sounding.

This is a fantastic tool for a busy teacher who wants to authentically assess student interaction and group work.

GIVEAWAY:

Learning Resources, a leading manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational materials for classrooms worldwide and learning toys, has offered our readers the chance to win a hearAll Assessment Recorder (retail value $99)! We are really looking forward to getting this great technology tool in the hands of one of our teaching and learning families here on ABC & 123!

Entry Details:

Add your entries in the Rafflecopter widget.  This giveaway will close on Thursday, May 24th at 12:00 EST.  A winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter immediately and posted on ABC &123 as soon as possible. The winner's hearAll Assessment Recorder will be sent directly from Learning Resources.

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Disclaimer:  Learning Resources sent us the hearAll Assessment Recorder in exchange for sharing about it here.  They are also providing the giveaway product.  If you would like to learn more about Learning Resources you can do so by checking out Learning Resources on Facebook, Twitter,Pinterest, and YouTube.

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Easi-Speak USB Recorder {Giveaway}

Did you know there are free text to voice services available online?  I usually use Voz.me or Zamzar (if you are curious about checking them out).  It is effective for reaching auditory learners, however the voices are robotic and a bit difficult to listen to during long recordings.  The Easi-Speak USB Recorder is an amazing alternative for transferring text to voice using an AUTHENTIC voice!  Introduce your tape recorder to its’ more efficient 21^st Century counterpart!

Here are just a few of the practical applications I came up with for using the Easi-Speak:

~Have students pre-record their lines for a classroom theatre production and play it back while focusing on the actions during the presentation.

~Record the instructions for your independent work stations for students to listen to on the mini microphone. They can easily re-play the track as often as they need to in making sure they understand the instructions.

~Pair children to read books at their “just write” level and allow other students who are interested in the same books to listen and follow along to their more fluent peers.

~Invite students to record a review of a book their recently finished reading.

~Record a series of count bys (2’s, 5’s, 10’s) as a practice activity.

~Practice and record different tones to make students aware of what they are able to do with their voice (whisper, shout, high voice, low voice, singing, etc.).

~Record a speech sample to share with the specialist when considering intervention for a child.

~Turn it into a fun activity for practicing kind and positive words by passing the recorder around a circle and allow each child to add the phrases that come to their minds.

~Encourage readers to record text-to-text, text-to-self, and text-to-world connections.

~Share a wordless book and allow students to narrate their own story into the Easi-Speak.

This list could go on and on!!!

My own children are memorizing a passage of scripture each month.  They look forward to reciting their passage in whole once they have it down.  This month it was especially exciting for them to make a recording of their verse using the Easi-Speak microphone.  They also all love to sing along to the radio, so I have many recordings of their karaoke versions of radio favorites sung into the Easi-Speak! 

In experimenting with sharing the recordings from the microphone to the computer I was thankful for the simplicity.  The Easi-Speak is a USB so it plugs directly into the side of my lap top for charging and for uploading recordings. 

This technology tool is a winner for increasing classroom productivity and meeting diverse learning needs. I especially appreciate the potential for encouraging reluctant readers and public speakers, as well as inspiring creativity.  Easi-Speak is the perfect size for small hands (about 4" long) and portable.  It is incredibly easy to operate for both adults and students.  The buttons are self explanatory.  The internal chargeable battery is both effort and cost effective.

GIVEAWAY:

Learning Resources, a leading manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational materials for classrooms worldwide and learning toys, has offered our readers the chance to win a Easi-Speak USB Recorder (retail value $69.99 )! We are really looking forward to getting this great technology tool in the hands of one of our teaching and learning families here on ABC & 123!

Entry Details:

Add your entries in the Rafflecopter widget.  This giveaway will close on Thursday, May 11th at 12:00 EST.  A winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter immediately and posted on ABC & 123 as soon as possible. The winner's Easi-Speak USB Recorder will be sent directly from Learning Resources.

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Teachers Take Note: 

Learning Resources has also announced the sponsorship of a teacher grant hosted by WeAreTeachers. To apply, teachers must answer this question: “How would you use portable interactive technology to create collaborative lessons?” After the application process concludes, educators can invite colleagues to vote for their favorite lesson ideas. Each of the three top vote getters will win a set of three now! Boards and three GeoSafari Tuff Cams, a prize package valued at $2,000. Additionally, two merit-based winners selected by a panel of teachers will each win one now!Board and one GeoSafari Tuff Cam, a total value of $700. Teachers can apply for the grant online through May 22, 2012. For more information and to apply for the grant, visit http://www.weareteachers.com/teaching-ideas/grant?grantId=102.

Disclaimer:  Learning Resources sent us an Easi-Speak USB Recorder in exchange for sharing about it here.  They are also providing the giveaway product.  If you would like to learn more about Learning Resources you can do so by checking out Learning Resources on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.

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Interactive Projection Camera {Giveaway}

Today I would like to introduce you to the Luna Interactive Projection Camera.  This three in one tool - video camera, still camera, web cam – simplifies your classroom presentation and increases productivity.  The camera is very small and portable – no more bulky overhead needed!  The tool easily connects to either your computer or smart board.

Here are just a few of the practical applications I came up with for using the projection camera:

~Use the video feature with narration to explain how to use manipulatives in math and science center activities.

~Project the pictures for your read aloud book so that no one on the carpet can complain about not being able to see ;)

~Take still shots of student writing samples to include in a digital portfolio.

~Project various blank charts and graphs from the computer to the board where the class can work together to fill them in with information corresponding with the lesson content.

~Share a nonfiction text from a book and search together for key non fiction features and/or details vs. main ideas.

~Use the web cam feature to engage the entire class in a Skype conversation with a career professional whose job description weaves in with your curriculum and/or an author sharing tips on quality writing.

I have to say, I even used the camera at home to project one of my recipes onto my laptop screen. As I was cooking I could walk away from the recipe and still see it projected.  I never had to touch it with my sticky ingredient fingers.

In experimenting with sharing lesson materials under the camera I discovered that jerky movements projected a bit fuzzy, but with smooth movements and the focus tool it was easy to adjust the clarity of still images.

I think this technology tool is incredibly affordable for all that it is capable of doing. I was really impressed with how easy the camera was to set up and use.  I put off getting started with it at first because I thought I would need to read through a manual to figure out all the features, but actually it is self explanatory once the cd is loaded in the computer.  There is a helpful button on the camera to project light on dark images that need to be shared clearly. Luna does not require any batteries, which eliminates a maintenance frustration. This is certainly a useful tool for a busy teacher who is looking for fun and effective ways to enhance instruction!

GIVEAWAY:

Learning Resources, a leading manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational materials for classrooms worldwide and learning toys, has offered our readers the chance to win a Luna Interactive Projection Camera (retail value $199)! We are really looking forward to getting this great technology tool in the hands of one of our teaching and learning families here on ABC & 123!

Entry Details:

Add your entries in the Rafflecopter widget.  This giveaway will close on Thursday, May 4th at 12:00 EST.  A winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter immediately and posted on ABC & 123 as soon as possible. The winner's Interactive Projection Camera will be sent directly from Learning Resources.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclaimer:  Learning Resources sent us a Luna Interactive Projection Camera in exchange for sharing about it here.  They are also providing the giveaway product.  If you would like to learn more about Learning Resources you can do so by checking out Learning Resources on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

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