Using Technology to Promote Summer Reading

As teachers we want to ensure that our students continue learning through the summer. Did you know students lose at least two to three months in reading and most students lose two months of math skills in the summer? It's important for us to make sure that all of our children are stimulated. For those who have access to technology, I have a some ideas in using technology to promote summer reading.

Virtual Field Trips With Google Tour Creator

With budget cuts and other restrictions preventing classes from going on field trips and gaining real-world experiences, I have the next best idea for you. Students can visit places all over the world and gain first hand knowledge by going on a virtual tour. Students and teachers can create their own VR Field Trips with Google's Tour Creator.

Celebrate Spring With Wildflowers and Legends

I think the month of March is the busiest time of year in Austin. The city has been packed with people and "scooters" for SXSW. I love the energy but the traffic is unbearable. As soon as SXSW is over, we host a huge Dell Match Play golf tournament with all of the top golfers. In this post, you will learn about my favorite books about Wildflowers and Legends.

Even though the city has visitors from all over the world, I love taking time to enjoy what this season has to offer. The bluebonnets are beginning to bloom and trees are full of beautiful blossoms.

Tomie dePaola has written two of my favorite books to celebrate spring and wildflowers. Your class can also celebrate the season with The Legend of the Bluebonnet and The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush, plus they can learn about legends and plants.

Former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, brought beauty back to our country by blanketing our roadsides with native wildflowers. She also established the National Wildflower Research Center in Austin. They collect and preserve seeds of flowers on the verge of extinction and educate visitors about conservation.

I love sharing my favorite spring reading products about wildflowers.

        

         

Just drop by my TPT Store for more units for spring.

Getting Organized With Project Based Learning

Are you new to project based learning? Do you need a better way to plan your PBL unit? Are you having difficulty staying organized during your PBL unit? Is it impossible to find time to collaborate with teachers? Let me help you Get Organized with your Your Project Based Learning unit.