Unlimited eBooks!

I am enjoying a relaxing holiday break and taking time to read a few books for pleasure.  I enjoy reading eBooks.  I especially love how I can read the same book on my iPad or iPhone and it saves my place.  I am an avid reader and go through many books a month.  The cost can add up quickly!  I recently discovered Kindle Unlimited and love it!  I'm not getting paid in any way to promote this, I don't even have a Kindle.  It is $9.99 a month, but you can get a 30-day free trial.  If I read at least 2 books a month it is worth it.


I know there are mixed reviews out there, but for me it works!  I love that you can cancel at anytime. So during the months you don't have time to read that much, you can cancel it and then sign up when you have more time.  It doesn't have have the latest new releases, but I have found some great books.

I use it in the classroom too!  They have many great children's books. I can open the Kindle Unlimited eBook on my iPad and Airplay it to my class while I am reading it out loud.  The students love seeing the big display of the book while listening to me read it.  I have also read them a chapter book from their collection.

You should check out the available catalog.  I am getting back to my mindless holiday reading for a day or two longer.  I hope you are enjoying your break also!

A Letter to Santa

Everyone loves to send a letter to Santa, but with only 10 days left until the big day snail mail just won't due!  Well you are in luck, I found 2 great and easy websites where you can write your letter to Santa online and get an instant reply.  (No e-mail required!)

My class used www.santaletter.com to write our letters this week.  The students loved it!  First they typed the web address in the address bar.  Then they completed the form.

Then, through the magic of Santa, an instant reply!  The students were so excited!!!

I used this at my writing center today.  It was so much fun.  The kids loved reading their own letters (some with a little help).

Another favorite holiday site of my class is www.elfontheshelf.com  The kids section of this page has some fun and educational games.  I love the hot cocoa stand game.  The students set the price of the hot cocoa based on the temperature.  They have to try and make a profit based on supply and demand.

And don't forget the tried and true www.elfyourself.com  I let the students make these and then show them in the class after our holiday performance.  

I'm getting excited as the Florida Education Technology Conference approaches.  I am excited to be presenting two sessions.  Any fellow Florida Teachers going?  If you want to go, but still haven't registered, you can use my special code SPK392 and get $110 off the regular registration rate.  I would love to see you there!