Beyond-the-Basic Productivity Tools (BBPT)

Lesson Idea Name: Spooky Stories Scribes

Content Area: English Language Arts
Grade Level(s): 1st

Content Standard Addressed:

Write narratives (stories) with 2 or more sequenced events, details, temporal words (e.g., first, next,
then, finally) and closure
Technology Standard Addressed:
Standard 1 Empowered Learner
Selected Technology Tool:
bubbl.us
URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):
bubbl.us
Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):
☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☐ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☒ Level 1: Awareness ☒ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☒ Level 4: Integration
☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

This activity supports all students because the productivity tool utilized gives the option for different versions
of perception. The students can manipulate the size of text, visuals, and the colors used for emphasis. This
lesson also gives the opportunity to activate past knowledge through using an advanced organizer because
the students are required to make their ideas more specific in their organizers. The students can use their
bubble organizer like a checklist to ensure their work is complete.
Lesson idea implementation:
For first grade, one of the English Language Arts standards is for the students to write a narrative. For this
lesson, I will begin by reading the students a spooky Halloween story to give them inspiration for their own
story. I will then take my students to the computer lab, to introduce their new writing assignment and
introduce them to the tool Bubbl.us. The students will use this tool to organize a beginning, middle, and end
to their Halloween story. This tool integrates color coding and online organization that the students can go
back and refer to during all aspects of their writing process. The students will also incorporate an image that
they drew or they found on the internet that represents their story! They will type out their stories on
Microsoft Word and print them out to read during presentation day.

I will give them a week to complete their story, and then we will have a spooky story day. I will bring treats
for the class to have as we share our stories. We will have a “feather circle” type of sharing with all of the
lights off and the student sharing their story will have a flashlight to read! With the parent’s permission, I will
record each student reading their scary story and then post it on our class blog. I will then take up the
student’s writings, after they have shared, grade them and hand them back to the students.
Reflective Practice:
I think this lesson will really have an impact on my students because of the fun experience that will be
attached to their story. If I could, I would definitely try to integrate more technology. I would have to do some
research for programs that can elevate my students ELA curriculum. I could also make the activity broader, so
instead of making them just write scary stories. I would give them a choice to write about whatever they
choose.

Spring 2018_SJB