Podcasting and ebooks

I am curious about how ebooks and podcasts fit together. My initial thought is that the people who listen to podcasts probably also read ebooks. The tech savvy nature of the activities would seem to attract a similar crowd. I have no proof of this, it is just my impression as I view these landscapes. Based on that viewpoint, I thought I would add an ebook about podcascting to the blog.


Podcasting for Profit: A Proven 7 Step Plan to Generate Income

from Maximum Press

This podcasting business strategy presents guidelines for developing a podcasting concept, building an audience, and turning a hobby into income through sponsorships, advertising, and online sales of products and services. Along with a proven plan for turning passion into profit, readers get a complete starter kit of podcasting software and services through a members-only companion website, as well as consultation with the author. The starter kit includes audio and video editing software, hosting services, background music, sound effects, promotional tools, and advertising sales tools. Businesses or individuals will find concrete steps to create a podcast or increase revenue through existing podcasts.

Gifted Readers

Differentiating the Curriculum for Gifted Learners

from Shell Education
(Early Childhood, Primary, Intermediate, Middle School, High School)

Just what you were looking for-books especially designed for new teachers, pre-service educators, or anyone who is interested in current educational theory and practice. Up-to-date, research-based theory and practical applications make these an invaluable learning tool as well as a perfect quick reference. Perfect for staff development sessions!

Grades: PK - 12


Creative Activities for Gifted Readers, K–2

from Good Year Books
(Primary)

Even the youngest gifted children need dynamic, fresh, and challenging activities to stimulate their creativity and enhance higher-level thinking. Creative Activities for Gifted Readers provides that and more. The numerous single-period and multi-week activities are designed to foster involvement across the reading curriculum. Includes activity sheets, word puzzles, analogies, short-term research activities, reader's theatre scripts, and a booklist for gifted readers.

Grades: K - 2



Creative Activities for Gifted Readers (Grades 3-6)

from Good Year Books
(Intermediate, Middle School)

Gifted students demand original, fresh, and mind-expanding activities that stimulate their creativity and enhance high-level thinking abilities. Creative Activities for Gifted Readers provides that and more! The numerous single-period and multi-week activities in this book are designed to foster active involvement across the reading curriculum. Lessons correlate to NCTE standards, and include activity sheets, word puzzles, analogies, short-term activities, long-term projects, and story energizers.

Grades: 3 - 6



Challenging Gifted Children A Professional's Guide

from Teacher Created Resources
(Primary, Intermediate, Middle School, Staff Room)

Easy-to-read interpretations of theory are accompanied by practical applications.

Grades: PK - 8

Making books

While the book highlighted at the end of this post doesn't deal with ebooks, it does talk about creating alphabet books for young students. I believe this would transfer well into a digital format. Create the books using word processing, page layout, or a graphics program, and then save it as a PDF. Students are able to create and share their own books and become authors and publishers.


Making Books A to Z

from Teacher Created Resources (Early Childhood, Primary)

Two book ideas and complete lessons for each letter of the alphabet.

Grades: PK - 2

Mini books

Mini books can be a great way to interest young readers. Here is an example.

My First Little Readers: Level C

from Scholastic

These adorable little books, written to correlate with Guided Reading Level C, are just right for beginning readers with just a little experience! The simple, predictable stories on favorite topics such as bugs, shapes, and playtime include high frequency words, rhyming, repetition, and supportive illustrations that give new emergent readers the help they need to get a great start in reading!

Grades: K - 2

Using eBooks to Help Students Learn to Read

I have been doing some thinking about using ebooks to help young students learn to read. I see great potential to use the lure of the computer with books designed to guide the young reader. Whether at home or school, this combination seems to have great potential.

One example is Decodable Little Books, with a goal to get beginning readers on their way to successful reading with 20 reproducible little books for short vowel sounds. Developed by a respected expert in emergent literacy, each illustrated book is designed to be reproduced, colored, and taken home for sharing with families.

I will share more ideas on early learning and reading with ebooks. If you have anything to share in this area I would love to hear about it.