I have never heard of Razkids so I thought I would take a look and see how it could be applicable for my ESL classrooms. Raz-Kids is an online reading program designed to help children develop their reading skills. Raz-Kids provides a library of interactive e-books with comprehension quizzes that are aimed at improving reading proficiency for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It is perfect for the elementary teacher.
It includes leveled reading materials, where students can choose books appropriate for their reading level, interactive quizzes to assess comprehension, and the option for teachers to track students' progress. It provides students with a personalized and engaging way to practice reading.
How we as teachers could use Razkids:
- We can use Raz-Kids to assess students' current reading levels and English language proficiency. The platform provides leveled books, allowing you to tailor reading materials to individual students. The element of student choice is great as it allows students to choose a book based on their level, thus it is engaging and motivating.
- Raz-Kids offers a range of leveled books to accommodate various reading levels. This allows us to provide differentiated instruction, ensuring that each student is working at an appropriate level for their language skills. Differentiation is built into the platform.
- We can assign books on Raz-Kids for independent reading practice. Students can choose books at their level and read at their own pace. The interactive nature of the platform, including comprehension quizzes, provides immediate feedback to students. We can assign it for homework so students can practice reading and comprehension at home, or in our classes for reading time. We can encourage students to read aloud, either individually or in small groups. This can help improve pronunciation, intonation, and overall fluency in English.
- I really liked that after reading each book, students could engage in discussions about the content. Explore comprehension questions together to ensure understanding. This can enhance not only their reading skills but also their ability to comprehend and discuss English texts. We can assign group readings for in class time and individual readings for homework.
- We could also connect Raz-Kids readings with writing activities. Ask students to write summaries, create their own stories inspired by the books they've read, or write about their favorite characters.
- I also liked that we can involve parents. Parents can monitor their child's progress and support their reading practice at home, even if English is not their first language. The teacher can also monitor students progress and identify areas where students may need improvement. Thus we can tailor instruction to meet our students needs
