Technology:

Technology is everywhere. As the world develops new, innovative technology, it causes a ripple effect of change in other areas.

Since the implementation of Common Core, there has been a large emphasize on “thinking with the end in mind”.

What does this mean?

This means that all teachers will be looking at the above grade levels in order to plan for the year. The students are now required to master harder skills in order to be successful in the next grade.

Technology has always been around. We now see it more, than ever before, in our schools.

Technology changes quickly. As educators, parents, and students, we have to adapt just as quickly. With the high pressures of achievement tests, students do not need the added pressures because they lack the knowledge of how to use it.

Most State Assessments have moved from paper based to computer based.

How is this a problem?

Many students do not know how to use a computer effectively. If the student is struggling with reading, writing and math in the traditional sense, the use of this foreign instrument will only hinder the student and cause much more testing anxiety

Students need to be taught how to use technology to improve their literacy skills

How can you help?

Reading Interactive Stories

There are websites, like tumble books, that provide free interactive stories for students.

How do they help?

• Students are engaged in the story
• They control the pace (by clicking)
• Animations and audio provide stimulation
• Offers assistance with unknown words
• Offers a different mode than traditional books

Parents should set aside time (10-15 min) nightly to read these interactive stories with your child.

By reading together, you offering the child support. You should ask them questions about what they are reading.

Sample Questions

• "Whats going on in the story?"
• "Whats the problem?"
• "Who are the characters?"
• "What was your favorite part? Why?"
• "Would you change anything about the story?"

The student will now connect reading with "family time". This can ensure that they feel more confident and less that reading is a chore.

When the child is at home,allow them to chose what they want to read. It is important for them to read things that interest them. This will again keep the child from resenting or "burn out" from reading.

Book Clubs

Book Clubs are done when people gather to discuss a book that they are all reading.

At home, you can allow the child to choose a book. It can be interactive or hard copy. Then, you and the child will read the book.

Select a day and time when you will come together to read passages and discuss what is going on in the book.

Book Club

Ideas for a Technology book club

• Have a text message based meeting
• Send Emails to each other about the book
• Have a Phone conference 
• Face time 

Positivity is key

Set goals for the student at home. Start off with simple expectations and gradually work your way to higher expectations.

When the student reaches the goal you have set, offer a type of reward or positive reinforcement. This will encourage the student to continue reading at home.

Resources

Here are a a few resources that you will be provided with in order to help you make a difference :)

Websites/ Online Communities

• http://www.edutopia.org/parent-leadership-education-resources
• http://angiesangelhelpnetwork.com/help-for-low-income-families/free-to-low-...
• http://interconnection.org/low-cost-laptops.php
• http://www.smartriverside.org/digital
• http://www.kidwaresoftware.com/kidtype.htm

Applications (Apps)

• ABC Expedition (Prek-1st)
• Read & Write: Letters, Sounds and Combinations (Prek-1st)
• iWrite Words (K-2nd)
• My Colors – Level 1(A) – Learn to Read Books (K-2nd )
• Pictello (K-5th )

Articles

• Empowering Parents Through Technology
• http://www.childrenspartnership.org/storage/documents/Publications/TCP-Pare...
• Kids and Technology: Tips for Parents in a High-Tech World 
• http://www.cdc.gov/media/subtopic/matte/pdf/cdcelectronicregression.pdf

Any Questions?

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