Content+Area+Resources

=English and Technology=



E-readers like Kindles and Nooks are becoming increasingly popular for reading. Although it would be extraordinary for all students to be provided with their own e-reader, many schools and families do not have the proper funding for this. If students begin using this new technology of an electronic book, they may lose the benefits of owning the hard copy of the book. Often times the page numbers for the hard copy of the book and the page on the e-reader differ. This could cause confusion in the classroom and also take time out of learning if the students cannot find the page or passage being discussed in class.
 * Issue 1 **

To avoid this only allow students to use their e-readers in their free time. If students only use it on their free time for reading it will reduce students feeling insecure if they do not have one. Also it would cut out the confusion of not knowing what page or passage that is being discussed during class time. Until every student can be provided an e-reader from the school, they should not be used during instruction and learning time. For more information about e-readers coming to a classroom permanently click of this link that will take you to an article about e-readers in the classroom and the steps towards this. http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/classroom_solutions/2011/09/three-questions-to-explore-when-proposing-the-use-of-ereaders-in-the-classroom
 * Suggestion 1 **

Reading on computers for prolonged periods of time can irritate anyones' eyes, especially young children's. This can cause eye strain and irritation that could in turn lead to possible long term damage. When people look at a computer screen for long periods their eyes constantly have to refocus and adjust to the brightness of the screen. This can cause eyes to dry out, become red and blood shot, and possibly sting. Also looking at the computer can cause strain on one's neck and back. This can cause tense muscles and headaches. These are all concerns for young students in the classroom.
 * Issue 2 **

To prevent this from becoming a major problem or health issue, limit the amount of time students use the computer. Another easy way to overcome this is to allow frequent breaks where the student can step away from the computer and let their eyes and body rest from the strain. If there is an opportunity for the students to read out of an actual book, do that instead of reading it on the computer. If your student still struggles with strained eyes after reducing their computer time look at this website for other ways to reduce eye stress http://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/irritated.htm
 * Suggestion 2 **

In this day and age of technology teachers and schools have a lot of access to educational reading and math programs that can help students excel in their learnings. Although this can be very beneficial they will never be better than individual instruction that a teacher can give. Often times educational games and software will not give proper or enough feedback for the student to grow and learn. They often have the student repeat the same activity or game over and over again until the student possibly memorizes the right answer to move on without actually learning the information. Some educational games also do not have the proper tools the student may need while playing like an on hand dictionary or thesaurus.
 * Issue 3 **

To avoid this teachers must do a good deal of research before allowing their students to play these educational games. Teachers should constantly be looking and learning about what is the best way to educate their students. By reading online articles, reviews, going to educational conferences, and asking other teachers what they use, teachers will be able to find the right educational reading program for their classroom. If all the research supports the program, the teacher will know that her students are getting the most out of this educational technology.
 * Suggestion 3 **


 * Educational Links **

PBS kids is a great site where your child can find tons of educational games. The link below will take you to the reading games. Feel free to browse the site for more games and activities involving other subject areas. http://pbskids.org/games/reading.html

Language Arts Read It website. The link below will take you to a website that is a table of contents for many reading games that involve reading comprehension, thesaurus and dictionary use, the writing process, and much more. http://classroom.jc-schools.net/basic/la-read.html

For helpful tips on how to improve your students reading click on the link below! []

Parents, here is a helpful video on how to spice up your daily reading time with your child! This will not only help your child's reading skills and comprehension, but it's also a fun way to bond and interact with your child. These ideas are fun and interactive so your child will enjoy them! media type="youtube" key="QXijm36S_AI" height="315" width="420" align="center"

= =