Are you teaching writer’s workshop or looking for resources for your ELA classroom? Integrating technology tools into writing is important for so many reasons. Technology tools can energize your writer’s workshop and prepare students for the digital world. From interactive concept maps to online publishing tools, there are a handful of fantastic websites and mobile apps for writing teachers.
As writers, students can benefit from brainstorming in fluid, online spaces and taking notes in documents they can access on any device. Kindergarten students can capture their ideas by snapping pictures and recording their voice while tenth graders can collaborate on a document for a shared writing experience. This list includes a handful of my favorite tools to use in Writer’s Workshop!
Looking for more tools for your classroom? Grab these free resources!
Writer’s Workshop Websites & Writer’s Workshop Apps
Book Creator
You may have attended one of my webinars this year where I featured the publishing tool Book Creator. Perfect for writer’s workshop, this app lets students create eBooks with multiple pages. There is the option to add audio, images, video and text so the final product is customizable to any type of student writing.
WriteReader
Earlier this year I shared six reasons why I’m super excited about this tool. You’ll find that WriteReader guides students throughout the writing process. Designed with elementary students in mind, WriteReader also supports English Language Learners.
Revision Assistant
If you’re looking to give students feedback during the writing process, Revision Assistant can help. I’m a big fan of formative assessment tools (aka #FormativeTech) where you can give students immediate, actionable feedback.
WriteAbout
This webtool and app gives students access to lots of different prompts to help spark ideas for writing. It also gives users access to writing lesson plans and resources for teachers.
Pages
Whether students are on iPad or Mac, Pages is a terrific tool for lots of different types of publishing. Students can integrate different types of media for the their writer’s workshop published product. Teachers can also earn an Apple Teacher badge for Page – learn more.
Popplet
If I’ve visited your school, or you’ve heard me at a conference I often share different ways to integrate tech tools into your instruction. Whether you attended a professional development session or a conference workshop, I probably mentioned Popplet. Available for iOS, Android and web browsers (Chromebook friendly), this interactive mind-mapping tool is perfect for brainstorming ideas and organizing thinking.
Spark Page
This free tool from Adobe can be used to share student creations when they are ready to publish their work. I love how Spark Page is so easy to use, whether you’re on a Chromebook, iPhone, or web browser.
Google Docs
Popular in schools using Google Classroom, Google Docs are collaborative documents accessible online. Students can share a document with a classmate for peer editing or collaborate as they pull together research for a writing assignment.
Evernote
If your students are working in a BYOD (bring your own device) classroom, or accessing their work on multiple devices, you’ll want to check out Evernote. This cloud-based tool lets students take notes, brainstorm and draft their writing.
Do you have a favorite tool or activity for Writer’s Workshop or your ELA classroom? Share it in the comments below!
