1. Poetry Plus: Using Web 2.0 Tools
to Expand Learning
Stephanie Laird
Contact Information:
Stephanie.laird@southeastpolk.org
Twitter: @SLaird2
Website: lairdlearning.weebly.com

2. Overview
• Background Information
• Walk Through Poetry Unit Infused with
Web 2.0 Tools
• Web 2.0 Resources
• Question, Answer and Sharing Time

3. Background Information
• 5th year teaching at the Elementary level
• 4th and 5th Grade Title 1 Math and Reading Specialist
• Co-teacher in 1:1 Classrooms
– 4th Grade 1:1 iPads
– 5th Grade 1:1 MacBooks
• Masters candidate in Curriculum and Instructional
Technology at Iowa State University

4. Poetry Unit (6 weeks)
• Essential Question
– How does playing with words help us interpret language?
• Web 2.0 Tools Used:
– Google Docs
– KidBlog
– Skype
– Google+
– Animoto
– Flipsnack

5. GoogleDocs (docs.google.com)
• Paperless sandbox for student work
• Promotes collaboration
• Streamlines Editing Process
• Easily transferred to KidBlog

6. KidBlog (kidblog.org)
• Student friendly, and COPPA compliant site
• Teacher controls how tight or loose settings are
• Students post final draft of poems and get comments
– Encourage comments from:
• Peers
• Parents
• Administration
• Collaborative classrooms
• Add real world connection through twitter
#comments4kids

7. Skype (https://education.skype.com)
• Skyped with four poets
– Caroline Starr Rose
– Irene Latham
– Mary Swander
– Debbie Levy
• Arranged through twitter and email
• Located through:
– Poet’s personal websites
– http://www.poetry4kids.com/skype
– http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/page/Josie+Whitehead
– Personal connections
• Students generated interview questions beforehand
• Sneak peek of soon to be published works

8. Google+ Poetry Slam Hangout
• Connected with 3 classrooms at once
• Arranged through twitter
• Students shared original poetry
• Provided an audience other than
classroom peers
• Learned new poetry types

9. Animoto (animoto.com)
• Digital Poetry
• Students selected one poem to put to music and
animation
• Posted on KidBlog for comments
• Shared at Parent Poetry Cafe
• Teachers-sign up for education accounts
– Free
– Increases video length
– Easy to create student accounts

10. Flipsnack (http://www.flipsnack.com/)
• Flippable eBooks
• Students uploaded PDF’s from GoogleDocs into
Flipsnack
• Link then posted on KidBlog and Online Portfolio
website
• Easy sign in (linked to school GoogleApps
account)

11. Web 2.0 Resources
• Things to check out
– Twitter
– GoogleDocs
– Skype
– Google+
– KidBlog
– CybraryMan’s Website
– Additional information on my website

12. Questions? Ideas to Share?