Classroom Blog and Website Creation Tools

Lesson Idea Name: Author Study

Content Area: English Language Arts
Grade Level(s): 2nd Grade
Content Standard Addressed: ELAGSE2W7 Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a
number of books on a single topic to produce a report; record science observations).

Technology Standard Addressed: 3. Constructing Knowledge

Selected Technology Tool:

☒ Blog ☐ Wiki ☐ Other: Website Creation Tool (list):

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☐ Remembering ☐ Understanding ☐ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☒ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level): (Level determined by the specific lesson idea)
☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration
☒ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

This project would support all the different learning styles of the students in my classroom because it
provides them with various ways of how the information is presented to them. Dictionaries and online
dictionaries can be given to them as needed. Spellcheck and grammar software can be used when preparing
their work as well.

Lesson idea implementation:

This project will take place over two weeks. Students will be assigned to groups of five with their reading
group peers. Each group will agree on a book to create their presentation on. Within each of the groups, the
students will be given jobs: Reporter, Illustrator, Connector, Detective, and Manager. As the groups read their
chosen book, they will compile all the information they can. After compiling the information, they will then
use the new information to create their presentations. Students can choose how they wish to present their
presentation to the class. Some options can include: Discovery Education, Nearpod, Trifold, or regular
presentation like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Powtoons.

Students will meet with their groups over the course of the three weeks to prepare their presentations. I will
meet with them each day to discuss their progress. Also, during the meeting I will also be assessing the
students understanding of the text and their job roles within the group. To guide each student with their
group role, they will be given a graphic organizer to help further their understanding. After meeting with their
groups, students will be given class time to conduct their own research of their author. Once each student has
been given the opportunity to research the author, they will then meet together write one paragraph with
the new information they learned about their author. Their paragraphs will be presented to their classmates.
To further extend this lesson students will take part in a peer editing. Each group will look for be looking for
different mistakes that might be found in their paragraphs. One group will be capitalization, another will be
punctuation, one will be spelling, and another will be looking for complete sentences. Groups that complete
their work early will work with other groups to ensure everyone gets their work completed. As each

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 Classroom Blog and Website Creation Tools
presentation is completed, if consent is given, pictures of the students presenting will be posted on the
classroom blog. This will keep families updated on what their child is learning at school.

Importance of technology:
By using technology in this lesson, it allows students to use technology when they might not get the chance to
otherwise. Also, students have the option to create their presentations using interactive websites. Although
the project could be completed without the use of technology, my students will be encouraged to incorporate
some sort of technology into their presentations.

Inspiration (optional):
In my first semester of the education program at Kennesaw State University, I participated in and Author
Study in my Teaching Reading/ Writing class. By doing this lesson with my students I hope to encourage my
students who maybe struggle with reading and make it a more enjoyable experience for them.

Internet Safety and Student Privacy:

Student’s safety and privacy is always my TOP priority and this will extend to internet usage as well. Student’s
information or work WILL NOT be posted on the classroom blog without consent from a parent or guardian.
To further guarantee students privacy and safety students full names, contact information, ages, or any other
personal information will not be published on the blog.

Reflective Practice:
I hope this activity greatly impacts my student’s literacy skills no matter their literacy level. It will provide
students with a variety of different comprehension skills as well as social skills and interaction from working
with their peers. These skills will be used throughout the rest of their education and lives beyond.

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