Read and Write for Google in Writer's Workshop

Today's blog will tell you exactly how we used Read and Write for Google during a 4th Grade Writer's Workshop lesson. As the Technology Integration Specialist, I was excited to show students exactly how they could use the different features.

Read and Write for Google  is a relatively new extension that allows students to do so much within Google Docs and on the web. 

The Read and Write for Google Toolbar

Features from left to right: Word Prediction, Hover Speech, Dictionary, Picture Dictionary, Play/Pause/Stop, Screenshot Reader, Fact Finder, Speech Input, Highlighters, Clear Highlights, Highlight Collector, Vocabulary, Simplify Page (web only), Voice Comments (in Google Docs only)

After students opened up their Google Doc, they heard their text read aloud using  Hover Speech  since "good writers always re-read their writing to revise and edit." Students were thrilled to hear their writing read aloud to them. They were able to change the speed of the reading by clicking on the settings. They could also choose a male or female voice or even select a different language. Almost every hand in the classroom was raised after I asked them if they heard any mistakes in their writing while using the Hover Speech tool. We then spent a few minutes revising and editing our work. Students really enjoyed this activity!

We used the Speech Input feature to elaborate where students felt they could add more details. Students had so much fun watching the words appear on the screen as they spoke! We discussed the importance of typing skills agreed we would use this feature only in certain circumstances, such as elaborating or brainstorming. This tool would allow them to collect their thoughts while not limiting their idea flow due to typing skills. Although the Speech Input feature was pretty accurate, Read and Write for Google is not foolproof.  We still had to go back and revise and edit some of the new text. But, it was fun and engaging for students.

Next, students clicked on their subject and used the Fact Finder to find more information on the Internet. Google opened up a search with educationally appropriate websites. Students were instructed to find a website that may offer more facts for their research. They were encouraged to use the Read Aloud tool or the Simplify Page feature which would simplify the websites to just plain text. Students agreed that the Hover Speech tool would be great for reading text that may be challenging, and not just having a whole website read aloud. We then used the Dictionary and Picture Dictionary tools to learn about unfamiliar words! Students just loved seeing the visuals along with the definitions!

The Vocabulary tool was then introduced to students. They couldn't believe that Read and Write for Google would collect their vocabulary words for them in a separate Google Document. The teacher was thrilled to see how this tool would truly allow for differentiation and students would have their own vocabulary lists saved within their Google Drives! Students mentioned that this new Doc could be used as their own personal glossary.

Students were told to use the highlighters to highlight a fact they may want to include in their research. We then used the Highlighter Collector and students were amazed to see their highlights appear in a new Document along with the source! They mentioned how wonderful this tool would be while researching multiple websites. Students could also go back and use the EasyBib Extension or website to cite their sources.

We then shared our drafts with our peer-editing partners and opened up our partner's document. 

The next feature we explored is the Voice Comments tool. Students read their partner's paper and then offered voice comments instead of using the regular Comments tool feature within Google Docs. Students shared that they really enjoyed this tool as it was easier for them to explain their ideas and comments to their partner. They were very excited for this tool to become part of the peer-editing routine.  We discussed how text commenting may be appropriate if you just want to write a sentence such as, "Where did you get this information? Maybe you could cite your source." But, you may want to leave a Voice Comment for more detailed thoughts such as, "I'm not sure this information is accurate. Did you get it from the Internet? If so, maybe see if it's a credible source because I'm sure dolphins are mammals and not fish."

Overall, I am so pleased with this tool. There is no doubt that Read and Write for Google will become a regular part of our Writer's Workshop stations this year!

Here is an amazing instructional screencast created by David Salmon: