In This Post:
- Pump up your classroom read aloud with this new tool!
- Read aloud review and useful suggestions for your classroom.
When I find something incredible, I need to tell the world! My most recent obsession is a read aloud tech tool called Novel Effect. Here’s how it works:
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- Download the free app.
- Select a story.
- Secure a print copy of that story.
- Open the app, press play, and begin reading!
The app registers your voice and fills the classroom with background music and sound effects for the story. It’s super high quality. Today, I tested it out with Llama Llama Red Pajama. When it talked about Mama Llama kissing baby’s hair, a big, juicy kiss sounded through the room! I use a bluetooth speaker for even better sound.
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As with anything, there are a few downsides to this app. First, it’s fairly new so the book selections are somewhat limited. There are, however, new books being added all the time. Secondly, most of the books on the site are geared toward younger children.
One idea is to use this in older classrooms with kids who struggle with reading. Students “test out the app” and review it. They can share their opinion on what younger children would think. They are getting reading practice while they offer a review! Older readers could also use this application with a buddy class when they read to students in a lower grade.
How could you use this app in your classroom?
ABOUT KAREN EVANS
Karen Evans is an intensive resource room teacher in Muskegon, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, a Master’s in Measurement and Evaluation, and is currently studying Educational Leadership with an emphasis on Special Education Administration at Grand Valley State University. Her goal in the classroom is to use trauma-informed practices to make all students feel seen, heard, and loved as she equips them to see their own strengths, set and take ownership of learning goals, and achieve excellence. In her free time, Karen enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. She is also very involved in the book community reading and blogging about books before publication, meeting authors, and serving on the board at her local library.
