iLearn Technology

What it is: Skratch Track is an amazing virtual bookshelf for primary students.  It uses the same idea behind Shelfari, giving students a virtual bookshelf where they can track which books they are reading, rate the book, write a little synopsis of the book, and even turn in a virtual book report to earn Skratch Track awards.  The interface of this site is very easy for primary kiddos to use independently.  Students can keep up to 15 books on their bookshelf at a time (for free account).  Parents or teachers sign up for an account and add children accounts to their head account.  Parents and teachers can then receive reports about what books kids are reading, and a copy of the book report they complete.  The book report asks students questions such as: was this book real or make believe?, How did you complete the book? (someone read it to me, I read it by myself), genre of the book, favorite characters in the book, new words learned, favorite part of the story, moral of the story, how hard was the book to read?, how did the book make you feel?, did the book remind you of something that happened to you in real life?, and did the book remind you of another book you have read?.

How to integrate Skratch Track into the classroom: Skratch Track is a great alternative to the paper reading log.  Students will be proud to show off their virtual bookshelves and awards on their Skratch Track account.  No more keeping track of the reading log between home and school, no more extra copies, or ‘the dog ate my homework’ excuses.  Skratch Track is a great way for students to show what they are reading, how it was read (independently or with help) and makes it simple to keep track of what your students are reading at home.  The mini book reports help students to check comprehension.  They can rate the book, think about genre, record new words learned, write about their favorite part of the story, rate how difficult the book was to read, and make connections to their life and connections to other literature.  Each time a student completes a book report or earns an award, teachers or parents are notified by email and on the parent account page.  Skratch Track keeps teachers and parents connected to what children are reading so that they can begin to gauge comprehension and writing levels.

Tips: The free Skratch Track account allows a parent or teacher to sign up 2 children, record up to 15 books, and earn the first 3 awards.  To record additional books, earn all of the available awards, or sign up more children is $19.99 annually.  Skratch Track will work with educators, schools, and libraries to make bulk accounts available and affordable.  If you plan on using this with students as a reading log, it may be worth purchasing an account.

Leave a comment and share how you are using Skratch Track in your classroom.