Week 5: 2/20 Using Visionthread Instead of Anchor Charts

As a literacy tutor, I spend a lot of my instructional time reviewing reading and writing strategies with students. I've often thought it be wonderful to produce a slide show or video instead of having to draw anchor charts just for them to be thrown away or tossed in a closet for storage when the lesson had passed. Having something in a digital format for students to watch might just be the way to go. When I think about the pros there are many. First, ease of use. What could be easier than having a digital how-to slide show to support my teaching point and mini lesson? Just tap a few keys and there it is. It is accessible and always ready to go. Additionally, this tool could be replayed or paused during a lesson to accommodate questions, think-pair-share opportunities, and even fire drills. The tool could be one of many added to an informational library for students to access during workshop or while at home. Having the ability to also add the tool to a classroom blog or website would allow students access anywhere as long as they have a compatible device.

My goal while exploring Voicethread, was to produce a slideshow that would focus on a strategy I refer to often. As a book club and guided reading facilitator, I remind students to use the TASC strategy when responding orally or in writing. The acronym can be explained in four linear steps. The first step is, Turn the Question Around. When asked to respond to a text, rephrase the question by turning it into a statement. For example, when asked "What color is Lily's plastic purse? " respond with ... "Lily's plastic purse is..."   The second step is to  Answer the Question... "Lily's plastic purse is purple." Third, Support Your Answer with Evidence From the Text. This step is crucial. In order to prove your statement, text evidence is needed. One or two pieces will do... "I know that Lily's plastic purse is purple because I see her holding it in the illustration. The author also says she always carries her purple purse." And lastly, Conclude Your Thoughts with a Brief  Statement. This helps to wrap up your thoughts... "I think Lily's favorite color is purple."

Often I am pressed to reteach the concept in the middle of a lesson without having planned for it. Before I know it, we've run out of time and have not discussed our reading topic. Having a digital tool on hand would make it easy for a student to view while his/her peers continue with their group discussion without disruption and delay.

Check out the links below. Any and all comments are welcomed and appreciated.

TASC Strategy