1. Literacy Re-Launched
Using Digital Tools in Language Arts Instruction
By: Jeanette Barreiro
Language Arts Digital Curriculum Developer
Owensboro Public Schools

2. Today’s Agenda
Some digital tools to use for FORMATIVE
ASSESSMENTS for Reading and Writing.
Webtools for Reading
Webtools for Grammar and Writing
Q&A

3. Formative Assessment
Tools
Google Docs
Sign up at www.docs.google.com
Uses of Google Docs
Collaboration
Presentation Creation
Google Forms—surveys, quizzes, exit slips, etc.
Poll Everywhere
www.polleverywhere.com
Great for anticipation guides, classroom
discussion, sharing out in groups.

4. You Try It!
Decide if you agree or disagree with this
statement:
Students become better readers just by reading.
If you agree, text 449514 to 37607.
If you disagree, text 449515 to 37607.
*Note: You don’t have to use cell phones for this.
You can also submit the code at http://PollEv.com

5. Another Option
Answer the following question with a sentence or
two:
How can you use technology to assist you with
formative assessment?
Text 449621 and your message to 37607.
You can also submit your response to
http://PollEv.com. Use the code: 449621 before
typing your message.
Check out the added bonus of open-ended
responses!

6. Webtools for READING
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/
Allows students to rate books (1-5 stars), write
reviews, and recommend good books to
classmates/friends. Teachers can also make groups.
Reading Plus: http://www.readingplus.com/
Online “speed” reading course that really works on
fluency. Expensive, but worth it!
Reading Blogs I Love
The Reading Zone: http://thereadingzone.wordpress.com/
The Book Whisperer:
http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/book_whisperer/

7. Resources for Reading
Online Newspapers
New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/education/index.ht
ml
Tween Tribune: http://tweentribune.com/
Time for Kids: http://www.timeforkids.com/

8. Webtools for Grammar and
Writing
SAS Curriculum Pathways—Writing Reviser:
http://www.sascurriculumpathways.com/portal/
This is a FREE tool, but you have to sign up at the
district level for it.
Grammar
BBC Skillwise: http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/english
Big Dog’s Grammar:
http://aliscot.com/bigdog/index.htm
Power Proofreading:
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/k_5/proofread/proof
.htm

9. Other Resources
Blogs: http://www.freetech4teachers.com/
ReadWriteThink: www.readwritethink.org
English Companion Ning:
http://englishcompanion.ning.com/
Teaching That Makes Sense:
http://www.ttms.org/
Dare to Differentiate:
http://daretodifferentiate.wikispaces.com/

10. Q&A
Contact me!
jeanette.barreiro@owensboro.kyschools.us