Storybird

Storybird is a platform for individuals of all ages. This tool will bring out the writer, reader, and artist in everyone since there are multiple ways this tool can be used. One way this tool can be used involves the arts curriculum. This tool has a multitude of artwork that individuals have submitted. Students are able to view this artwork as well as submit their own. Another way this tool can be used is for creative and free writing. Users can choose a specific image on the website and write their own story, poem, play, etc. based on the image. You can then share your writing on the site or through social media or you can keep it private for yourself. Another way this tool can be used is for reading material. Users can read other users’ work if it is openly shared. Teachers are able to look through some of the content on the site and choose a book written about a current topic being discussed in class. For example, there are many books on the underground railroad that I wish I had discovered during my last placement as this would have been highly beneficial; the students were extremely interested in the underground railroad and I found it difficult to find appropriate content on this subject.

You can access this tool on the internet (www.storybird.com) and do not need to download anything. The stories made and read are saved on the site. On the terms of use page, it allows the information to be translated into kid-friendly language. Even so, it suggests that students under 18 still discuss and review the terms of use contract with their parents. It would be beneficial to send a letter home notifying parents that the students will be using this tool. The website explains that it does not post any inappropriate content since many schools and educators rely on this program. The website has full control over what artwork is used and which stories are shared with others. Many students now have an email address through the school that they could use to sign up since this is a requirement for writing stories; however, you can still read stories and view artwork without having an account. This tool is free to use; however, you are able to purchase copies of the work you created. This may be good for the parents if they would like to purchase their child’s writing in hard copy.

This tool could be used for any subject and for any grade; there is really no limit. As a future teacher, I would like to use this tool in my classroom to explore different ways to approach writing and explore art elements. To explore artwork, I would ask my students to view some of the artwork on the website and categorize it by different art elements: use of line, colour, contrast, etc. To approach writing, I would love to try this tool as a whole class experience where the students and I choose a picture related to a topic we are studying and the class can write something together (shared writing). Or each student can write based on that one picture and the class can explore each others’ processes of thought and perspectives with that same image (for those students who are willing to share). Students can also choose their own pictures on Storybird to use as writing prompts. This tool can also be used for group assignments; students can come up with a plot together based on a chosen picture. I would also allow the students to use this tool to add to their digital presence since they are able to share their work on social media sites as well as on Storybird.