Building a 21st Century Community of Learning in Language Arts In2Books Building a 21st Century Community of Learning in Language Arts Mr. Chris Harris 3rd Grade Teacher St. Elisabeth Catholic School, Van Nuys, CA

Why I Chose In2Books Student improvement in reading, writing, and typing skills Learning is meaningful, relevant, and extended Support provided for teachers and students to ensure success Little to no cost Title 1 Schools may apply for free books!

The Heart of the Program Global: Beyond bell-bound learning Students may work on letters at home anytime Safety: All letters approved by the teacher Adult pen pals are pre-approved and undergo a background check Supportive: Pen Pals encourage and foster a love of learning

Developing a Dialogue In2Books matches each student with a pen pal Students and pen pals exchange friendly letters

Developing a Dialogue 3. Students given guided choice in book selection. In2Books chooses genres (Ex. Fiction) Teacher selects theme (Ex. Bullies or families) Students selects specific book at their level 4. Students and pen pals read the same book, discuss through letters 5. Interactive website assists student writing

Pen Pals Inspire “I am really excited for you to be my friend. I can’t wait to read our first book! … I like all kinds of books. I really like the Harry Potter books! I think it would be really fun to fly on a broomstick! I read fiction, non-fiction, biographies, you name it and I’ll read it! … Hope to hear from you soon!”

Students are Motivated A student’s 1st letter: “I have some answers to the questions you asked me. I like to play soccer. I like to learn about math and reading. When I grow up I want to be a soccer player. … What is your favorite type of food? What type of dance do you like to dance? … To me my family is the most important thing. We like to watch TV and play games. I am looking forward to reading with you.”

Evidence of GROWTH ~ The same student on his 3rd letter ~

Community of Support Students may explore with mentors around the world Students explore at home with family Students explore at school with their teacher and peers Affordable program allows opportunity for all learners

In2Books Connects to Our Curriculum Comprehension skills: Reading and book discussion/ Units match our curriculum Writing skills: The program guides the writing process online with step by step instruction and coaching Go beyond: Student homepage provides additional learning opportunities

Learning Extended Student Homepage provides additional learning opportunities related to the genre, topic and book

Learning Extended Student Homepage provides additional learning opportunities related to the genre, topic and book

The In2Books program provides: Easy to Implement The In2Books program provides: Training webinars for teachers Step by step easy to follow instructions Guided lesson plans and pacing calendars E-mail and phone support

What the students are saying… “I like the In2Books program because I get to send letters to my pen pal. I get to read the same book. I pick a book. When I am doing my letter I get to choose a clipart or background. I like the book so much I can’t wait for it to come. This is why I like the In2Books program.” – 3rd Grader

“I like reading stories and writing with my pen pal “I like reading stories and writing with my pen pal. And my most favorite part is how they show you the pen pal letter when you type yours. So that’s why I like In2Books.com.” -3rd Grader

“I like that you can work with other people “I like that you can work with other people. You can talk about your book and say things you didn’t get. It is fun to talk with other people about the book and tell what you think about it.” - 3rd Grader

Take your class into 21st Century learning today! “In2Books has been fun from the start. I like writing letters to my pen pals. Thank you for In2Books.” - 3rd Grader in2books.com Take your class into 21st Century learning today!