International Literacy Association Newsletter Weekly Project: Effective Literacy Website #6

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 Jerydine Guerrero

ED638-41

Effective Literacy Website #6

 



            Skybrary (https://www.skybrary.org) is a carefully curated interactive library of eBooks and real-world video explorations designed to engage and inspire young readers. It was actually formerly called Reading Rainbow. Skybrary has over 500 books and videos. I think it’s pretty neat because the experience is similar to going to the library but virtually. Kids can choose books to download to their "backpacks" by visiting "reading islands" that organize books by theme such as animals, people, and more. Kids can read a book on their own or have it read to them, and each book includes a few simple animations and a game. Backpacks can hold up to five books, and when the children are finished reading, they place their books in the return slot – just like at a library. Kids can also check out the video field trips that cover history, science, animals, and other topics. The videos are either originals, classics from the TV series, or National Geographic Kids clips. Students can use Skybrary for the first month for free and then purchase a plan to keep using the features it offers. It is also available on the iPhone, iPad, Kindle, and Android tablets so kids can take their books on the go, to read anytime, anywhere.

            I personally like interactive libraries because not all families have access to physical books other than the school or public library. It can be expensive to build a home library so why not pay a plan of $4.99 per month to have access to over 500 books? In addition, students will be able to go on virtual fieldtrips and games related to the stories. Using the Skybrary app radiates the same sense of curiosity, adventure, discovery, magic, enthusiasm, and love of reading as the classic TV series, but in an easy-to-use app designed for the next generation. This tool also includes a sticker system that rewards the children for reading, which keeps them motivated. As for the younger kids who aren’t able to read just yet, there’s also a feature where words are highlighted as the narrator reads to them. Similar to Vooks which I use already, I think this is another amazing resource I will use in my classroom and I feel like every teacher should have Skybrary bookmarked for future use!

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