Google Story Builder

I recently stumbled upon Google Story Builder and found it to be a great way to engage students in writing while applying an understanding of a concept or story line. If Google Story Builder is new to you, it basically allows users to create short video stories that appear to be done inside of a Google Document while collaborating with others. Students create characters, develop their lines that show the interaction, explanation, or plot, add music, and save as a video. In this post I wanted to share a short demonstration of how Google Story Builder works along with some ideas for using this collaborative writing tool in the classroom.

To begin, simply go to http://docsstorybuilder.appspot.com/.  You will see a screen similar to this one:

 

Click the “Get started” button to start writing your story.

The first thing your story requires is characters.  I chose myself, my dog Lucy, and my daughters as characters for this story, then clicked the “Write story” button.

Now the writing begins.  Simply type a sentence or two to start your story.  As the image below shows, I wrote “Lucy, I can’t believe what a good dog you are.” From there, I switched to my daughters and had their replies.

Once finished, I chose to “Add music” and then “Finish up.” 

Educational Relevance

My first thought after using Google Story Builder is that students will love it. The program facilitates idea building and story writing, but on top of that, encourages peer editing, self-correction, and most of all, collaboration! Google Story Builder allows children to discuss, create, edit and share ideas on one site. The site allows the children to go through the writing process in one step. They write, edit, collaborate and publish all within one site! I can see this tool being used at almost any grade level and content area. Students can use to demonstrate their knowledge on a variety of topics while working independently or in groups. I also like the fact that the end result can be shared with a larger audience, which is a key component in getting students to put more time and effort into writing. Here is an example of a student version of Google Story Builder

http://goo.gl/ynIe5w

What ways can you or your students use Google Story Builder?


Important things to know:

Cannot edit once published- Once the story is published, it isn’t accessible to revise.

Cannot Save- If the students are going to use the same story to enhance their writing, they may want to copy and paste the story into a doc to save for the next topic. They can then re-insert the text into the appropriate character’s box and edit it as necessary.

It is a single sitting application- The story must be published within a single day, as the app doesn’t allow for saving.

Once finished with their story, they will email the link created to their teacher and the other students in the class. This way, the students can view their peer’s stories. The groups will be expected to present and discuss their stories to the class.

Be sure to check out their samples on the start page of Google Story Builder.

Picture Day...Gone Wrong!

Ms. Rinehart's Kindergarten students had their school picture taken recently. We read  a wonderful story about what would happen if picture day went wrong. The children then used their iPads to illustrate and narrate what could have gone wrong on their picture day.

Click here to see what they came up with!

Next Generation Classroom is Here and Now!

Caraway is so excited to introduce our Next Generation Classroom! We are proud of Kindergarten teacher, Jessica Rinehart,  who was selected to be Caraway Elementary's Next Generation Digital Classroom this year! 

The Next Generation Classroom initiative is a pilot program focusing on student learning through technology.  Mrs. Rinehart received a cart of 24 iPads along with a Boxlite Interactive Projector. Mrs. Rinehart and Ms. Costello, ITS, have been participating in professional development throughout the summer months in preparation for the transformational teaching and learning that is about to happen.  You can read more about the Round Rock ISD Next Generation Classroom implementation HERE.

Keep up to date with what's happening by following Mrs. Rineharts's blog and our Caraway Getting IT Right blog.

Everything Your Caraway Reader Needs to Know for the Summer!

Kahoot Gets a Thumbs UP!

Ms. Henegar's third grade class answered comprehension questions in a new way last week. After reading a Time for Kids magazine, students logged onto Kahoot (https://getkahoot.com/)  for a fun (and quick) activity.

In a 20 question quiz designed by Mr. Sosa, students were asked comprehension questions that were found in the magazine but had to be answered within 30 seconds.

Students were given immediate feedback for correct and incorrect responses and class discussions were held between questions.

Ms. Henegar's class gives Kahoot a big thumbs up!

Students using Google Forms

The 4th grade TAG math class has been studying data and graphing. Each student came up with a survey question to ask fellow 4th graders. The survey questions were then placed on a Google form and sent to Mrs. Kolodzinski, who forwarded them on to each 4th grade student to respond. The results were then recorded on a spread sheet and the data will next be displayed on graphs.

IPod Touch Serves PE Well

Thanks to our marvelous PTA who gives Enrichment Funds to grade levels and the Instructional Technology Specialist, Ms. Barnard, she was able to purchase an IPod Touch for Caraway's Wellness/PE teacher, Ms. Cavazos,  to use for the entire campus.
Ms. Cavazos shares, "I love my iPod Touch! I use my iPod Touch for its blue tooth capabilities to connect to the audio system. Students know when the music is playing they are participating in the activity; when the music stops the students know to freeze and look at me for further instructions. The blue tooth capabilities allow me to move around the room and still control the music.  I also use my iPod Touch for its instant feedback when videoing a skill a student has performed.   This summer I plan to make several brain break videos with the iPod Touch.  With the iPod Touch, I can make a folder on the share drive for teachers to access the brain breaks as needed."