book + flickr = bookr

http://www.pimpampum.net/files/imagecache/normal/captura/16_bookr_01.jpg

Continuing along in the same vein as the previous post, digital storytelling, this post shares a web resource, bookr, that teachers and students can use to create, write, illustrate, recreate and share stories.  Bookr is limited in the sense that are no video or audio capabilities, but it is linked with flickr, the photo sharing website.  It uses Creative Commons licensed photos to promote legal and ethical sharing.  It is simple to use and can facilitate language learning from fundamental phonics to figurative language.  I created my own bookr, My Daily Routine, which is geared for beginners.

Here are some purposes for the use of my bookr in the classroom with ELLs [connected to the ISTE | NETS Student Standards]:

VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR: It uses daily vocabulary that students will be exposed to immediately, as well as captures how most children [in the U.S] get ready in the morning.  If you are working with students with disabilities, this could be a life-skills tool.  Students might compare and contrast how they get ready in the morning using a Venn diagram or other graphic organizers.  For extension activities, students can create their own book about their morning routine or continue the teacher's book to write about the rest of the morning [getting on the bus, going to school, etc.].  Depending on ability, it can be scaffolded with a template, created by the teacher.  The students can 'recycle' the template to complete their own bookr.

This book also uses sequence and simple sentence structure.  Sequence transition words could become integrated into a lesson surrounding this book, as well as nouns, verbs, subject and predicate.  I think it is always important to integrate some grammar or language focus in lessons.  

ISTE | NETS: Students are able to use their own creativity to design and sequence a book about their daily routine. Students will become more familiar with technology operations and concepts, like using flickr, Creative Commons, and photo tags.  

____________________________________________________
For more advanced learners you can also connect bookr to:

STORY STRUCTURE | GENRE:  Students practice writing in a specific genre and/or following a specific format.

LITERARY DEVICES & TECHNIQUES:  Students use images to visualize the meaning of figurative languages, such as metaphors. 

POETRY & IMAGERY:  Students can illustrate a poem using photos to capture it's meaning and imagery.