Tarheel Reader – Write Social Stories

Tarheelreader.org is a website full of free, easy to read books that are accessible via computer, tablets, touch screens, IntelliKeys and switches.

The awesome thing about this site is that you can write your very own short stories.  You may upload your own images or use the large collection from flickr.

Another great thing about tarheelreader.org is the fact that you can save the books to your computer as well as print out books as a powerpoint.  This way it can be treated like a real book.

going to the library book 

The benefit of having the stories online makes reading a bit easier for those that cannot read.  You can pick from different types of voices, though all sound a bit robotic.  Most of the time I chose the male voice because my students with Autism respond better to a lower tone voice.

speech controls

I have used this site multiple times.  From the example video below (going to the library) to preparing my kids for the dentist.  It’s a great way to help with transition as well as learning new tasks (riding a bike, using the vacuum, etc).  It can also be about topics of interest, like the image below.tarheel book example

The biggest thing I love about this site, is the fact that you can create age appropriate books.  Meaning, books can be created for an adult with special needs that may be on a 1st grade reading level.  If you think about it, there aren’t many books available that discuss high school or adult related topics at lower reading levels.

Back when I taught adults with special needs at the high school level, an english teacher had her regular education students create books for my students.  She also had her students read/present the books to my students.  There were topics about dating, going to the movies, prom, etc.  It was one of the best service learning projects I have ever done with another teacher.   Now she had students type the words/sentences and used pictures from magazines glued to paper and laminated them.  How much better it would have been if we had know about this program back then.  I think it would have been more interactive and professional for both groups of students.

If this gets you interested you’ll need to follow the steps below: login infor

I hope you’ll take the time to try it out.  Check out my example video to help prepare and guide you for your future book making.  I apologize in advance for the blurry video taping.  I’m not as tech savvy as I’d like to be.

Thanks for taking the time to watch my how-to video.  I’ll be sharing more programs and apps like this one in the coming months.

Katie

https://tarheelreader.org

 

Winthrop Art Festival

If you have lived in the Brandon/Riverview Florida area for the past few years, you’ve probably heard about this local art festival.  I have had the privilege to participate in this event multiple times.  Winthrop Town Centre is a wonderful location full of people who enjoy community, art and some great food.  If you have a chance to stop by, do so.  There are some really talented people in our area.  You would be so amazed by some of the artwork and crafts that are for sale.

Not only is artwork and food on sale at this festival but you get free entertainment too!  Local musical artists, Winthrop Charter School students music, entertainers and performers of all walks of life.  Seriously, this a great weekend get away that is so close to home.  Support your local small businesses and artists and connect to the community.

winthrop entertainment
Photo by Winthrop Photographer

For about four years my class participated in this event and the students loved creating works of art and crafts!  Even more, they loved working the booth and seeing people enjoying their work.  Here are a few pictures of some of the unique work my students have done.  Trust me there are a lot of booths with many different items and interests that you’ll be sure to find something you admire.

There are many opportunities for children to enjoy this event as well.  So bring the kids and encourage them to enjoy the arts. The Art Factory will be open to help kids get inspired and create something to take home to remind them of the artist in them.

Art lovers of all sorts are selling their priceless works of art as well as crafts on March 25th and 26th (2017).  The Art Festival is located in Winthrop Town Centre area off of Bloomingdale and Providence.  There is a large field area behind Boca’s Restaurant that will be filled with tents ready for customers. Hope to see you there!

IMG_0068
Google earth – Winthrop Town Centre

Visit their website for more information and multiple ways to get involved in and support our community.

http://www.winthroparts.org/2017-arts-festival-and-artisan-market/

Their facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/WinthropArtsInc/

 

winthrop arts
Winthrop Logo