Online BooksThe
Internet is another resource for stories and books for elementary students. Some
sites offer stories at various reading levels to download. Some of them are "classics"
or well-known eBooks; others can be found only online. These stories can
be read aloud with a screen reader or by importing them (with copy and paste commands)
into talking word processing programs. ExamplesOnline
Book Page Kids
Domain Traditional
Stories Online Children's
Literature Web Guide 101
Fairy Tales and Fables Classics
for Young People Story
Plus
StoryPlus is an online children's publisher offering a large choice
of stories. Some books are free, others have minimal charges (i.e. $1.00- $3.50).
Format options in clued text only, text with audio, illustrated text and audio
with illustrated text. TumbleBooks
TumbleBooks™ are animated picture books, complete with text, music, sound
and narration, for children five to eight years old. Purchase and download stories
from the web. TumbleReader allows you to read the books on your
computer or Pocket PC. Project
Intersect
The project offers digitized books and support materials to
support comprehension and extend reading strategies. Includes subject archives
and suggestions for curriculum integration. Subcription Sites Websites
exist that require subscription opportunities to "users with print disabilities"
to legally share books in specialized formats, including braille, audio or digitized
text. Organizations that serve individuals with print disabilities may sponsor
subscriptions for their students or clients.
"... it is not an infringement
of copyright for an authorized entity to reproduce or to distribute copies of
a previously published, non-dramatic literary work if such copies are reproduced
or distributed in specialized formats exclusively for use by blind or other persons
with disabilities." [Copyright Law, Chaffee
Amendment, 17 U.S.C. § 121]
BookShare.Org
Site offers thousands of books for download by members in accessible
digital formats. With wide range of current books, subscription available only
to U.S. residents who have a visual or other print disability or to organizations
that serve individuals with print disabilities. Go to the Demo
page for book examples and reader features. Accessible
Book Collection
A collection of e-books where the reading level has been
determined along with an interest level and the # of words. Includes Picture Books;
where the pictures can be used in creating your own storybooks- subscribe for $49.95
per school year per school!
Reading
CurriculaSeveral publishers offer series of computerized books and/or
complete reading programs which offer literacy opportunities for students at different
interest and reading levels. The programs often combine interactive software,
quality print materials, with take-home materials. Digital versions lend themselves
to easy adaptation for students with disabilities. Software Resources WiggleWorks
(K-2); Literacy Place (K-6) Solares (Spanish K-6) Scholastic Breakthrough
to Literacy (K-2) Wright Groups Start
To Finish Books Series (high interest/low reading level) Don Johnston, Inc.
· Classic Adventures
· Nick Ford Mysteries Ukandu
Little Books (K-2) Don Johnston, Inc. Stories
& More (K-1) Riverdeep
Well-known children's storybooks are electronically
reproduced and available with related activities. Earobics
(Pre-K - 3) Cognitive Concepts
Earobics Literacy Launch is a research-based
early literacy solution designed to ensure that all students have the foundational
skills they need to be successful readers. Balanced
Literacy (K-1) (IntelliTools)
This nine-unit program provides a complete
year of literacy instruction at a first grade skill level. Over 117 story, pattern,
and letter books provide ample opportunities for students to read Literacy
ResourcesTechnology in Literacy
Resource
A print and online publication of the Technology
in Literacy Education Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association.
Provides articles, print & web resources and suggested uses of technology
in the classroom on balanced literacy. Reading
Online Journal
The journal focuses on literacy practice
and research in K-12 classrooms, including print, digital and visual uses. It
looks to support professionals as they integrate technology in the classroom.
We have included 2 articles for review: Research
on Children's Literature
A Chapter Summary from the Handbook of Reading
Research
by Gwynne Ellen Ash, Bernice E. Cullinan and Lee Galda
(Posted
April 2001)
Our
Children's Future: Changing the Focus of Literacy and Literacy Instruction
Dr. Donald J. Leu presents foundational principles to guide educators as we
transition from books to new forms of literacy and learning.
(Posted March
2000)
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