Toolkit
The Begin With ME! toolkit includes simple, cost-effective software and hardware solutions for writing. Tools include talking word processors, word prediction software, graphic origination software, note takers, spell checkers and a variety of tech/no tech options. These tools are used in a variety of ways throughout all areas of the writing process; planning, prewriting, draft writing, and editing. Because the tools fit so naturally into the writing process and are available to every student when writing occurs they become a natural part of the writing process.
Tools for Prewriting:
Graphic Organizing Software - Kidspiration
Online Concept Mapping - Bubbl.us
Low Tech Tools:
Highlighter Tape - Reusable
Sticky Notes - Portable Notes
Tools for Draft Writing:
Note Flags - Marking Place
Hefty Tabs - Long Term Durable Place Holder
Tools for Editing:
Write OutLoud Software - Icon Driven, Easy to Use, Speaks Text
Speaking Spell Checker
Headphones
1-Click Answers - Alt-Click Tool - Definition of Any Digital Text
* Link to Tutorial
Tools for Publishing:
Digital Story Options
Photo Story 3 - Link to Download - Link to Tutorial (Free)
Voicethread - Link to Website - Link to Tutorial ($10 Fee)
Blogs (Free)
Visitmyclass.com
PBWiki
Wikispaces
Classblogmeister
Podcasting - Audacity Software (Free)
Cost and Where to Purchase
Low-Tech Tools:
Reading Guides- Really Good Stuff
EZC Reader Primary and Intermediate
Telephone: 800-366-1920
Website: www.reallygoodstuff.com
Hefty Tabs - by Redi Tag - Office Max/Office Depot/Staples
$2.49
See Note Flags- Office Max/Office Depot/Staples
$2.49
Post-it Notes - lined #600- Office Max/Office Depot/Staples
$10.98
Highlighter Tape - Crystal Springs Books
$1.95 per roll
800-321-0401
www.crystalsprings.com
Mid-Tech Tools:
Children's Talking Dictionary and Spell Checker
$59.95
Franklin Electronic Publishers
800-266-5626
http://www.franklin.com/estore/
Neo by AlphaSmart - Renaissance Learning Inc.
$229
877-444-3172
http://www.renlearn.com/
Software:
Kidspiration/Inspiration - Inspiration Software Inc
$40 on the REMC bid
800-877-4292
http://www.inspiration.com
Write OutLoud- Don Johnston Incorporated
$69.30
800.999.4660
http://www.donjohnston.com/
Co Writer
$227.50
800.999.4660
http://www.donjohnston.com/
Resources:
Accessible Books
http://www.accessiblebookcollection.org/
The Accessible Book Collection is a non-profit corporation. It's primary mission is to provide high interest/low reading level digital text to qualified persons with disabilities. Government and non-profit schools and others can subscribe to the Accessible Book Collection and have a large selection of e-books for all their eligible students for $49.95 per year.
A Guide to Co-Teaching - Practical Tips for Facilitating Student Learning
By: Richard A. Villa - Jacqueline S. Thousand - Ann I. Nevin
Corwin Press
A Sage Publications Company
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-2218
800-818-7243
800-417-2466 Fax
Text Forms and Features - A Resource for Intentional Teaching
By: Margaret E. Mooney
Cornucopia Books
99 Wolfe Lane
Suite 4
Ortonville, MI 48462
248-627-2626
248-627-7528 Fax
