March is Reading Month!

 

In honor of "March is National Reading Month" I have decided to share with you  a wonderful program I am currently using in my 2nd grade classroom and at home with my toddler!  The program is designed by Scholastic titled BookFLIX (I've accidentally called it NetFlix a few times in my 2nd grade classroom and with a few giggles I'm corrected).  Below is a short description found on their web-site.

"Scholastic BookFLIX is a new online literacy resource 

that pairs classic video storybooks from Weston 

Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from 

Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning. 

 The engaging way to link fact and fiction, BookFLIX

reinforces early reading skills and introduces children 

to a world of knowledge and exploration."

 

Pictured above is the "home" page where a child can choose a topic of a book they would enjoy listening to and reading about.  Topics include; Animals and Nature, Earth and Sky, People and Places, ABC's and 123's, Family and Community, Music and Rhyme, Adventure, Celebrations, and Imagination.

 

Once a topic is chosen several book choices are given (seen above).  You will notice there are two books on the same theme.  The first book pictured above is titled, "Antarctic Antics" which is paired with, "Antarctica."  Each book pair features one fiction and one non-fiction book! The program gives you the option to listen to the books OR read the books on your own.  Once you have finished reading there is a comprehension component labeled "puzzlers!"  This features vocabulary review for the non-fiction book and sequencing for the fiction story.  Lastly, there is a link to learn more about the author of the book and a link to learn more about the selected topic.

Overall I think this is a GREAT resource.  Children need to hear stories and listen to what fluent reading sounds like.  When you enable the sound ON feature they are able to do just that!

My local public library offers BookFLIX through their website for FREE by entering your library card number.  Check with your local library to see if this is available for your family.  If your library does not offer BookFLIX visit the BookFLIX website for a one month free trial then after that there is a fee required.

I would love to hear what you think of this program if you decide to try it!  Happy Reading Month!