I love the classroom collaboration with the book group wiki!  While I haven't done this yet, I'm parterning with another school using Skype to have class to class book discussions and reviews.  Once we get it up and running, I'll report back!

We also have students podcast their reading-- this can be a good upper grades "gift" to a lower grade teacher too!

I also use a wiki.  Last year I worked with a teacher in South Dakota (I'm from Kansas) and we had both classes reading the same novel/s and then they participated in a literature circle through the wiki.  I am currently working with a teacher in New York to do the same thing this year (I'm actually trying to get all three classes on the same one).  This did take time to set up but the students were so excited!  Here is one of the sites: http://wrinkleintime.pbworks.com/ if you are interested.

I also had my students take a scene from another novel and create their own movie.  They were in groups and had to choose the scene, write the script (including props and costumes), they had to plan each scene including any background music and then they had to film.  They then took all of this and used Mindows Movie Maker to create the movie.  We then had a screening party and invited the parents and the rest of the school.

Those are the 2 "big" ones that we did last year.  Good luck!

Kathy,

I love the idea of having the students record themselves reading with a webcam.  I can see them being very eager to go to that center.  It would also be helpful to be able to watch the recordings later.  I will give this a try this year. 

I agree with your thinking that reading and writing go together.  I have students respond to a blog about the books that they are reading.  I have found that this works well, and more than one person can post at a time. 

Thanks so much for your suggestions.  I am really looking forward to trying it out!

Erin

Hi Erin,

One way I have integrated technology into my fluency lessons is to set up a computer w/webcam.  While I am working with a small group, students can go to the computer and record their reading.  This way, they can listen and watch themselves read when they are finished, and I can listen to them at a time that is more convenient for me.  I still work wth students one on one, so this is just a center that is used.  The students love it!

Also, I will post questions about what students are reading on our class wiki and students must respond within a certain amount of time.  This way I can go back and read, again, at my convenience, their responses and can see how well students are understanding what is going on in the story or text.  I use this information to help me intervene when needed.  I know this sounds like writing, which it is of course!  But, I feel reading and writing go together. 

Finally, I find my Elmo very useful in presenting my reading lessons.  It is great to use when reading allowed, or having students follow along with you as you read.  My students really love to share what they are writing using the Elmo as well. I have found that they are much more inclined to write and read when they know they are going to get to share using the Elmo!

I hope this helps!

Kathy

Hello!  I am a fourth grade teacher from Delaware.  I am trying to find new ways to integrate technology into my reading lessons.  I find that this usually focuses more on writing.  I would love suggestions and ideas.  Thanks! ~Erin