Amy+Rainwater-Blabberize+Spongebob

**// __Introduction__: //** The Web 2.0 tool that I used was [|Blabberize]. This site takes any picture and transforms it into a talking picture. You can use it for a unique twist on almost any lesson plan! //**__Directions__**//:
 * // [|Amy Rainwater-Blabberize Spongebob]- //**
 * Go to blabberize.com or click on the word __**Blabberize**__ above and it will take you there.
 * Click on the login/sign-up button (which is directly below the search box).
 * It will take you to a page to sign-up, but you do not have to sign-up to try it out. (Below the login it will say "try things out" without logging in)
 * Once on the page it ask you to load a picture (hit browse to upload your picture).
 * Then you will have to add a mouth (a big round circle will appear on your picture click on it and use the white and green dots around the circle to adjust the size)
 * To add audio you can use a microphone on your computer if applicable, upload one, or phone in your audio (the phone in application is not available at this time because of the high volume of calls).
 * I taped my voice on my phone and emailed to myself. I then saved it on the computer and uploaded it that way.
 * However, your audio has to be MP3 or wav. (Ofcourse mine wasn't it was MPEG3)
 * In order to convert I downloaded [|Freemake Audio Converter] to convert my audio. Sounds complicated and long but it isn't...It took about to 2 minutes to download the program and it is free. Then it took less than a minute to convert!
 * Now, just hit upload and insert the audio. It does the rest for you.
 * You can now hear and see your work.
 * However, if you want to save your work you will have to create a login.
 * If you want to save your work just click save and it will take you to create a login.
 * Attached above in the yellow is my Blabberized Spongebob! It was fun making it I had my nephew and sister help with the speaking parts. My nephew really got into it. At first he was changing his voices, dancing, and singing the part. I told him he had to tone it down since it would be for a reading class, but if he had that much fun so could all the students. It was really funny how he was getting into it. Now that I am talking about it I wish I would have uploaded that as well for all to hear, but I erased it :(

__ Diversity __** : ** Blabberize is the Web 2.0 tool I picked for Diversity. Working in a Special Education classroom I am always needing new ideas for reading class. Most of my students are readers that struggle and having a fun way to introduce a story will catch their attention! This tool can be used as a group tool or and individualized center. I would start out by using it as an introduction to the story being read. The picture will be the narrator to our story. I think having different characters, animals, and people read to the kids will catch their attention and they will want to have reading class. This tool will help provide instruction for readers that struggle, audio learners, visually impaired, English Language Learners, and just a fun way to read for those who do not need help. I would have a copy of the story in front of each student while the picture read the story. Then the picture can turn into a center. During center time they can find the story and the blabberizer to practice reading on their own with headphones of course. I say headphones ofcourse because for some reason my students are intrigued with headphones. So use what works! Therefore, how does this work for diversity? It can be almost like an extra aide in your classroom, but with a character or picture that they like. It will help English Language Learners by hearing the words and sounds aloud, along with following the words on the paper or book. It will give them good practice with words that they struggle with. Visually impaired students will be able to enjoy story time, as well, since it is read aloud. Then if it is on the SmartBoard they can enjoy the picture too. The area in which I will use it is with readers that struggle. It will be a unique and exciting start to a book. I would play the book aloud first with out any paper in front of them. Then, give them the story to follow along word for word. That will help with word recognition by hearing it aloud. These students don't always just want to hear the teacher read so having their favorite character read aloud will help motivate them to want to read. This tool will also help with visual learners. Instead of just having to sound the words out they can hear it first. Then all the students can practice their skills in a center. It will be nice for them to be able to pick a book and go to a computer and listen! This tool can also be fun for them to make their own. They will be excited at the chance to make their very own! It will also help the students hear themselves read for two reasons. One they can feel success when they hear themselves reading correctly. Two if they hear what they read aloud maybe they can hear their mistakes and figure out what they said wrong. My students lack in confidence when reading so they don't pay attention to what they are reading. They simple just guess :( Therefore if they hear themselves they can tell if the story makes sense or not. This could also help in reading comprehension. The possibilities are endless!!!!  You can use this tool in any subject really or presentation. It just adds a little spice to lesson or lecture. Unfortunately, I think a kid would rather watch Superman talk about planets than me!!