Audiobooks saved me SOOOO much time!

I'm fortunate to have 6 iPod nanos in my classroom and I use them to the max!

I use my Scholastic book order points to purchase multiple copies of books and their accompanying CDs for "Listen to Reading".  Kids either listen at the listening station as a group of 4, with a partner (and splitter) or by themselves.

 There are many books that I cannot find CDs for...so I've been using GarageBand to make my own recordings to sync to my iPods.  I've also recorded Readers' Theater plays so kids can listen and practice.

Since it was time for Dr. Seuss last week, I found some cute bags at Target and thought I'd record myself reading 3 of his stories since I already had a CD for 'One Fish, Two Fish'.  

But I decided to use Google to see if I could find something downloadable since it was 11:00p.m....and thank goodness I did...audiobooks in the iTunes store!

The kids loved the novelty of the bags and hearing Seuss favorites read by super expressive readers such as Kelsey Grammar!

My next iPod/Garage Band project is to create a song book of fun kid songs that is accessible on the iPod and has an accompanying book so they can read along with the lyrics.

An Ode to Dr. Seuss....and 3 Seuss FREEBIES!

It's here again and comes but once a year.

The day to honor an author who makes us smile ear to ear.

Silly rhymes and crazy characters too,

From the Cat in the Hat to Horton Hears a Who.

He got his start by drawing cartoons, yes ma'am.

And a $50 bet from a friend produced Green Eggs and Ham.

29 times he was told "No!" for his first book; but he wasn't beat.

Because a friend saw potential in "And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street".

Book after book and rhyme after rhyme,

He wrote 46 books total in his time.

His words will live on forever in kids ages 1 all the way to 92.

So go pick up one of his books....Dr. Seuss would be proud of you!

Readers' Theater

Readers' Theater

Class Book Writing Activity

Have a great teaching day with your class of Who's,

And I hope they have fun with the silliness of Seuss!

The Cat in the Hat

Wherever you are, I hope it's not gray.

Because it's not fun to stay in all day.

But if it is, here's something to try.

Your students will love it and you'll see why.

This won't make a mess, there's no need to fret.

It will help your kids read, oh you'll see just yet!

I Can Read With My Eyes Shut

It's not that hard to read, you see,

With my eyes closed and a book in front of me.

It's even more fun, I swear,

To read this partner play in pairs!

Reading with expression, reading smoothly and reading at a good pace,

Will surely put a smile on any teacher's face!

Come back tomorrow, I've got one more!

You'll love who is knocking at the door...

Green Eggs and Ham

Would I like them on a plate?

Would I eat them at half past eight?

Why yes I would, oh yes siree,

And here is something special and free:

Yes this gem is really free,
So all you have to do is click me.

A short little play, that's only for two

Would you try it, oh say it's true!

If you like it, I have more.

Just come back tomorrow and see what's in store!