Kindling a Love for Reading and Learning
The goal of the Kindling a Love for Reading and Learning project is to improve the lives of middle and high school students by providing them with the tools needed to make them successful, literate 21st century citizens. Through this project students will gain reading fluency; build their vocabulary, comprehension, and technology skills; and collaborate with others to expand their learning. The Kindling a Love for Reading and Learning project will include students in grades seven through twelve with a variety of academic levels ranging from special needs, English Language Learners, 504, and gifted. Through the Kindling a Love for Reading and Learning project, a classroom set of Kindle Fire e-readers
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Additionally, NCTE (2013) declares “active, successful participants in this 21st century global society must be able to…develop proficiency and fluency with the tools of technology,” such as the Kindle Fire e-reader.
First, students will build reading fluency by using the text-to-speech feature of the Kindle Fire. Readingrockets.org defines fluency as the ability to read a text accurately, quickly, and with expression. Furthermore, Readingrockets.org states “fluency is important because it provides a bridge between word recognition and comprehension.” One way to help students improve reading is through audiobooks, which are available on the Kindle Fire.
Further, students will build their vocabulary using the built Kindle Fire dictionary. As students read text on the Kindle Fire, they will have the option of clicking on unfamiliar words to find a definition. This will encourage students to read increasingly difficult texts. Likewise, there are applications available on the Kindle Fire to assist students in building their vocabulary, such as dictionary apps and fun educational word
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For example, Gregory and Reichen (2015) confirm that “with capabilities such as in-text translation, definitions, hyperlinks, and the ability to upload and download documents, English learners (ELs) can interact with the language and read in a dynamic new way.” Struggling readers, such as those with learning disabilities or dyslexia can use the text-to-speech feature, listen to audiobooks and read along with the text, and easily find word pronunciations and definitions within the text. Another benefit of the e-reader for struggling middle and high school students is that they can gain some independence from their teacher and become successful in reading on their own. This way they would enjoy reading, not feel embarrassed about asking for the teacher’s help in front of their classmates, and become independently successful with reading. Furthermore, students with visual impairments with benefit from the Kindle Fire. For instance, the Kindle Fire has multiple text sizes and line and word