Independent Activities - Adjustments

 At our last Reading Practise Intensive (RPI), we looked at our Reading timetables. We spoke about how we can use independent activities, especially the online resources, that our learners can explore and use. The two that I looked at were EPIC and Literacy Planet. 

I already use EPIC in my classroom, but I only really use it as an activity for my choice board. I didn't think to explore this resource until our RPI session, where we shown just how we can EPIC effectively in our classes. EPIC works really well with my class of learners as most of the time, I am finding them texts to read and this is a way that they can choose their own texts - anytime, any place. I also give research tasks to my learners every week, and EPIC can help find additional texts that support or give new knowledge about the topics that my learners are using. My learners are still using EPIC as a choice board option, when they finish their work or at home. But my learners are showing more enthusiasm towards my research tasks knowing they can use EPIC to support their learning. They are also using EPIC more at home, and I can see what texts they are reading (and are interested in) instead of them just using guest.

Literacy Planet was another exciting resource for my class. They were excited because it was new, and also because the resource is "game-like". They liked the fact that even though they were still learning, it felt like they were exploring a new game - like one of our Maths resources that we use. The different vocabulary games have given them more practice with their vocab and reading skills that we don't always focus on in group or class sessions. I also have my teacher aide working with an ESOL learner, helping her to learn and navigate the English language - huge win for my learner!

These resources will be used effectively more often, and will most definitely remain a constant on my taskboards.