Seeing the Nook As an eReader

Part of the technology I get to introduce to my students is the Nook.  I improved upon my instruction of the Nook from last year (see previous posts). One class period is where the students practice using the most basic functions: turning it on and off, adjusting the volume, locating the library of books, opening books, swiping the pages of the books, going back to the beginning of a book, and finding the way back to the home screen.  

5 rules for the Nook:

1. Hold the Nook with two hands.

2. Always sit down when using the Nook.

3. Turn the Nook screen off when the teacher is talking.

4. Be gentle when tapping the screen.

5. Only use the book or app you have been asked to use.

They also view this video during the first training--

They are provided with some time at the end of the first training to read stories for 15 minutes and then access an app for 5 minutes.

The next step happens during the following class period--students partner up, select a story from the Nook, and answer questions based off their story.  This is to focus in on the Nook being an eReader first--a place for the students to find stories.  Students were really focused and into answering the questions. 

The questions I wanted them to work on answering were:

1. What is the title of this story?

2. Who is the author of this story?

3. Who is the illustrator/photographer of this book?

4. Where does this story take place?

5. What is the main idea of this story?

6. Looking just at the pictures, what other title would you give this story?

Next step is to train them on accessing book sites online so they can explore more reading options.


Video from BNstudio/youtube.com

An eReader a Day

Within the last two weeks, I have introduced my 4th and 5th graders to NookColors. They went from learning the basics to requesting more books be put on the Nooks. It was shockingly quiet in the library during their class times, especially with it being so close to winter break. I'm not going to lie, I planned it that way. But, I never imagined the complete captivation these eReaders would cause.

One of the best parts about their use of the Nooks, is that they have to partner up to share them. There was very minimal complaining because they didn't want to risk losing any time with the Nooks. Some students who don't usually work well with others, were willing or even volunteering to partner up with other classmates (good confidence builder). Students were reinforcing the skills they've learned by reminding each other how to complete a function or what not to do with the eReader.

The most popular titles I purchased for the Nooks so far, are The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney and Pete the Cat: Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin. Yes, my 4th and 5th graders loved hearing Pete the Cat being read to them. A lot of them wanted to know what other books could be read to them, with the 'read to me' feature I mentioned last post.

I've decided to let them have time with the Nooks during checkout days by making an eReader center. This way it allows continual exposure to the eReader, encourages reading, and responsibility.

Exploring NookColor with 4th Grade

This past week, I had two of my three 4th grade classes explore NookColors. I showed them what the NookColor looked like (purchased along with the Nooks were book-like protective cases) explaining that it was an eReader or a tablet meant to hold books for them to read.

I asked them to think of some rules that would be good for the handling of the device. They were told to keep in mind that the Nook was an electronic device, so think of the rules for the computers in the library. The Nook is also like a book, so they needed to think of the care required of library books. After sharing ideas of what should be expected of Nook care, I passed one Nook to each table.

We watched a short clip about Nook Kids, so students would see what they would be experiencing with the eReader. Most of my students haven't used a tablet, so this was a good way for them to visually see what would be in store for their future reading.

Each student at the table was guided through the following aspects of using a Nook: locating the power button and turning it on, turning it off, sliding the green button to unlock the Nook, putting the Nook on sleep mode, waking the Nook, accessing the menu by pressing the "n" right below the screen, accessing the library and more specifically the kids shelf, selecting a book, "turning" the pages, and adjusting the volume. My students were so excited to be using the eReaders that they didn't mind the simple step by step instruction.

Students were given 8 minutes to explore any book on the kids shelf. I purchased the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel, so many of them chose that book. Some of them chose the free books put on the Nook, such as Seymour Simon's Fun Facts About Pets and The Elephant Child by Rudyard Kipling. The 'Read to Me' feature was one of their favorite finds (like the feature indicates, the book is read to them).

This coming week, they will continue exploring the Nook.