Digital Books

I recently created two digital books using a program called Tarheel Reader. Digital Books allow you to put text that is appropriately leveled to a particular children's reading ability and interest. You are able to search for or download colorful and interesting photography to match your text. This is such a powerful tool for reader's that you are having a difficult time matching to a book of their interest or ability. I could spend hours creating books on this website! You can also add speech as the books can be read aloud in a variety of voices. The only drawback I see is that I would not advocate for parents to use the program. It is entailed for teenagers and adults learning to read and the material in many of the books is catered to their interests and maturity level which may not be suitable for many of our younger students.

I am a middle school teacher and I teach reading to students who have lost all interest and desire to read. Fortunately for me, many of the books in my program are made for students at this age group, maturity and interest. This is done so as not to embarass them or bring down their morale even more by asking them to read elementary books true to their reading level. I can see how digital books would be a powerful tool for students like mine. I do not have much versatility with the program I work with, but can see how digital books would be beneficial especially for my BR and/orEnglish as a Second Language students.

Here are the two links to my Digital Books. Enjoy-I know I did!
http://tarheelreader.org/2008/10/26/a-to-z-sports/
http://tarheelreader.org/2008/10/26/tree-frogs/