Link to Storybird
Reflection:
After exploring the website 'Storybird', I have discovered both benefits and downfalls to using the website in an educative setting. The website allows members to read interactive pieces of literature such as comic books, short stories, and novels. It also has a read along portion for students whom require auditory support when reading. However, I found that the website is slightly difficult to navigate and that finding specific books is a challenge. I was also restricted in the various books I could view and read. However, this could be a beneficial characteristic for a teacher as you could filter the types of books that your students have access to. I enjoyed the 'writing' section of the website as it provides various templates such as comic strips, short stories, and chapter books.
A major downside to this website is that there is a membership fee of $8.99 a month. Many educators and schools will not have access to the funds to pay for this website and so it lacks accessibility. Another aspect of the website that I struggled with is that it restricts the words and photos that can be used and implemented into creations. This can restrict student creativity and be a roadblock for some students.
If I had access to this website, I think the restrictions could be used as a creative writing class activity. For example, if I had a junior class I may give each student a specific photo that is available and ask them to create a short story based on that photo in the 'long form book editor' (as seen below). This would be a good way to spark creativity in students and provide the opportunity for a creative writing assignment. The writing section of the website could also be beneficial for students if you were to review the words available and match them to your classes 'words of the week' or 'word wall words'. This would give them practice in using new vocabulary words in piece of writing.
Overall, I think this website could be used effectively in a junior or intermediate classroom if lessons are created with the website restrictions in mind. I would avoid using the website with primary students as it could be difficult to navigate and take more time than necessary to create a piece of writing.
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