Jill+Lebiedzinski

=**Web Publishing: Storybird**=

"Every writer finds his or her own truth and ideas." -Charlotte Zolotow, Children's book author and editor

In writing workshop, students are taught to brainstorm, write, revise, revise, publish, then illustrate. Storybird.com tends to shake up that process. Children take original artwork that has been submitted from artists all around the world, and create a story based on those pictures. Opportunities for collaboration abound. Account holders can comment on others' storybirds, they can collaborate with friends and even request a published book be sent to them.

Check out these directions that my third graders made.

=**Connecting Students Globally: Epals**=

"My epal (in Minnesota) likes to hunt, just like me; and she's a girl!" (Christian L) "My epal (in South Africa) is in love with Justin Beiber, just like me!" (Kirsten T)

Through Epals, students are encouraged to share their customs, traditions and daily life activities through email. Teachers can connect with other educators to collaborate on a project that the team from Epals has already planned out. Students also have the opportunity to learn more about other children from around the world in the forums. All of the posts and emails are monitored at various levels from both the epals team and the teachers. The experience you give to the students can be as simple or as advanced as you would like.

Check out my students' thoughts on this wall (link coming soon).