Week 7: 3/8 Using Digital Tools for Writing Instruction

I work with a small group of first grade students on a daily basis, helping them master their handwriting skills. In addition to using paper and pencil for writing sight words and sentence dictation, I also have students use an iPad to practice correct letter formation using the app LetterSchool. A basic form of the app is free and is available in ten different languages.

My students were first introduced to Letterschool in kindergarten and they love it. They see the app more as a game than as a handwriting tool and ask to use it daily. I like the app because it teaches young writers how to form the letters of the alphabet correctly. With repeated practice on this app, students learn to let go of the bad habits they acquired before they were formally taught how to hold a pencil and form letters. The app is designed to work in four stages. First, a letter is introduced visually and the sound the letter makes is introduced by a child's voice. Second, points are made visible on the letter so that young writers know where to put their pencils down (index finger), and in what order. Third, young writers learn how to trace each letter form by tapping their index finger and then dragging to form letter strokes. Finally, young writers are tested by writing their letters from memory.

I introduced the app to my 5 year old son, this afternoon, (who is not yet in kindergarten). Evan sat and used the app for 15 minutes. I could tell he was enjoying himself as he gestured and said, "Yes!" when he completed individual letters. This app is perfect for mastering kindergarten writing standards. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.K.1.A Print many upper and lowercase letters.

I also explored Bubbl.us Bubbl.us is a website that allows users to create mind maps for organizing and categorizing thoughts, ideas, notes, and almost anything else because the possibilities are endless. I signed in for the free version, which includes 3 free mind maps. The full version allows users to attach images, and documents, and allows users to play around with color options for the bubbles. I began mapping personal writing ideas. Within a few short minutes I had mapped out three categories that each contained sub-categories. Even though I've only explored the free version and was unable to add images or documents, my exploration was a good one because I really like the site.  It is great because it is easy and quick to use. If I had known about this resource last year when I was teaching grade 5, I would have had my students use Bubbl.us for generating writing topics during our first writing unit. I know my students would have enjoyed the aspect of organizing their writing ideas by categories and sub-categories. I would have had each of my students print out their maps so that they could tape them into the writing journals for reference on days they had opportunities to free write.