In my Educational Technology class this week, we were really trying to explore different apps and resources that allow students to be creators rather than always just consumers. We had to choose one resource tool or app and try it out for ourselves and then provide a review. I chose to use the online site Storybird.com Storybird is a great resources for kids and students to access free books to read online but they can also become creators and write their own books. It is super simple to use and students are provided with a huge collection of curated art that they can use to help write their stories. Storybird is an online social platform that where students can act as authors and practice their reading and writing skills in the classroom. And with a bit of creativity it could also be used for other subjects such as history, math or science. Teachers can create a classroom account and create assignments and review and comment on submitted stories. Teachers can also create their own stories to read to the class or incorporate them into lessons. Storybird is completely free to use however, students can purchase copies of the picture books that they create if they wish. Parents would also be able to view student work as well and can encourage their child to keep creating.
The only drawback that some may find with Storybird is that you cannot upload your own artwork to stories, you can only compose text to go along with the artwork provided that you choose for your story. It may be disappointing to some students that they cannot add in their own art to go along with their story but it is great for those students who lack confidence in their own artistic abilities. There is also a poetry format that students can use as well, but they must choose from a collection of words provided already.
Overall, Storybird is an easy to use program that will increase student engagement, encourage storytelling, and allows students to practice their reading and writing skills in a unique way.
Here is a link to a short story that I created using Storybird.
Richele Horachek 