"We Like Apples": A Class Book

Here is the first class book written and illustrated by Ms. Rowntree's kindergarten students. First, we read lots of books about apples. We read both fiction and non-fiction books. Then "we colored pictures of apple things we like", as explained by a kindergarten writer. Finally we recorded our work (using Voice Thread) to share the book we are so proud of. Please click the link below to hear Ms. Rowntree's students read the book...make sure to turn the volume on!

Enjoy!


https://voicethread.com/myvoice/#thread/6174085/31730283/33187425


**NOTE** This post was a shared writing. I have been pulling up the blog to show children on the big screen (the Smart Board) and we have reflected on the great work we do in kindergarten. Their faces light up when they see themselves featured on posts. It makes me so happy to hear students say they look at the blog each week. This is also a special post because I've tried two new professional moves in this particular space:

1) I had the children help me write the blurb about this class book. I want them to own their work, and I want to honor their place in the creation of this blog. So, they recalled all the steps we took in creating this book. Every thought came from a student (including turning the volume up since it wasn't on when we went to preview the book! Oops!). We have written several other class books, which will be shared using various apps and tools. My hope is that students will experience a fresh motivation to do their best work, knowing that their voices will be heard by,  and their work will be seen by a wide audience.

2) I have never used Voice Thread before. I was inspired to give it a go because I am taking a fantastic professional development course offered by the district. It is called Writing, Technology and the Common Core. My professional goal is to share kindergarten writing using new tech avenues and to engage children in technology as part of the writing process. I've had a blog up and running for several years now, but wanted to expand how I presented kindergarten writing beyond just taking pictures. I wanted for you, our steadfast audience, to hear their voices and really experience their work. I introduced the idea of an "audience" to my students. This is a vital word and concept. As writers, illustrators and bloggers, we have a large audience who is interested in the incredible kindergarten work we do. Their writing and illustrating has a purpose, and I thought sharing it here would help my students truly see this.

Stay tuned for more kindergarten writing...I'm excited to push myself as a teacher and find new and engaging ways to inspire my students to do their very best work; and, to share my students' work, which I'm so proud of--but most importantly that THEY are so proud of.