Reflection

        I used ZooBurst.com to create this activity on story elements for my kindergarten class. I choose to include this artifact in my e-portfolio for several reasons. The activity is:

    1.     appropriate for kindergartners.

    2.    student-driven.

    3.    targeting multiple Common Core State Standards.

    4.    easy to assess.

    5.    utilizing a free website.

    6.    FUN!

        With ZooBurst, the user creates 3D pop up books. The user chooses illustrations from the picture library and can add some limited text for the narration. The user also can add character speech bubbles which are interactive for the viewer. Basic membership to ZooBurst is free and teachers can set up classes without the need for student email addresses. Books can be password protected or kept private.

         I used this activity as written during our ELA unit on story elements. It engaged all students, no matter their skill level. Working with a partner allowed students to spotlight their strengths and help offset any weaknesses. However, I would advise choosing the partnerships carefully! Some students struggle with keyboarding, others with reading and sentence formation. The pairings need to be made with care so that all students feel like an equal part of the pair and experience success.

         I can envision using this website/activity in almost any subject area. In science, students could create the water cycle. In social studies, they could work with famous Americans or report on a holiday. I can see my students creating books with number stories for math.

         There are, of course, some challenges with the activity, especially the first time presented. Five year olds are not familiar with a lot of the terminology needed to navigate the site. They need to be comfortable with keyboarding and using a mouse. They need to know how to use a search box. I would recommend extra adult assistance. Also, extended time with computers (in the lab or on laptops in the classroom) will be needed. My lab time is limited, so I scheduled an extended time in order for the students to finish and I'm glad I did. This activity is so engaging, the students did not want to stop until it was done!