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As a media specialist for 15 years, my primary job is to spark enthusiasm in students about reading. One way to do that is through technology tools. To obtain the tech I need, I often write grant applications -- and I recently received $3,000. 

I used those funds to purchase a site license and eight Square Panda Literacy System playsets, which are multisensory, phonics-based, supplemental early learning systems designed to take emerging readers through an adaptive curriculum. 

 Then, of course, the spread of COVID-19 hit and everyone went home. 

 Here’s how I’m pushing back against the “COVID slide” and managing to keep students engaged in reading while distance learning.

Making Student Reading Engagement Virtual

When our school closed, I designed a Google site for all the media, music, art, and physical education activities. This gave students a one-stop shopping experience for extracurricular activities. 

At first, we posted the activities, and students could complete them if they wanted. It was challenging to ask students who were already struggling with keeping up with their classroom assignments to get them to check out the activity page. 

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