Shelfari??? What’s that?


Teachers, parents, and educators are always thinking of new ways to get kids excited about reading. Well, what you're looking for is Shelfari. Shelfari? Now what is that? Shelfari is a social networking site where you can connect with friends and converse about books they are currently reading or have just finished. Shelfari offers many features. Students can add friends, read reviews, join groups, or start a private group. Students can build their own library shelf where they can add books that they are currently reading, books they plan to read, or books they have already read. They can also rate the books based on five stars. Did I mention Shelfari is free?
Teachers can use Shelfari in the following way.

• First off, students can start a reading log.



• They can rate the books and write a short review about them.



• Shelfari can “provide students with the incentive to try reading material that is new and different from that which they usually choose” Ms. B, (2008, July 31).

Students also become writers as well as readers. Students can write summaries and reviews about the books they read. According to Teacher Buzz “it is a great way to get the students in your class dialoguing and writing (yes! writing! and for an audience!) about books, opinions, summaries and recommendations” (Ms. B, 2008) Not only do students benefit but teachers do as well.The teacher can write a review, read a review that is already written, or show students the groups they are currently in.

Shelfari is a great tool to grade students in the classroom. Teachers can go into Shelfari and grade the students based on their reviews and summaries. Students are required to respond to the books they are reading in reader’s workshop. By writing their thoughts in Shelfari, teachers can now grade where ever they may be as long as they have a computer and internet access. Kevin Hurt, author of ed.u.ma.ca.tion blog, says “ This is really nice because I can stay up to date on what kids are reading, they can recommend books to me or their peers, and their reviews can be read by anyone on the website” Hurt, Kevin. (2009, August 2).

Parents could also get involved. “Parents would be able to view the virtual bookshelf to get ideas for great books to buy or check out at the library and kids may want to create their own bookshelf at home!” Holtsman, Melanie. (2008, March 2)

Before you decide to dig into the wonderful world of Shelfari, there are some things you need to check on before you get started.

• You need to make sure you have access to the site while you’re on campus. If your district blocks Shelfari, don’t be afraid to ask permission to use it.


• Students do need emails to access their own account. Many school districts now assign students an email or students may already have one of their own.

As you can see, there are many things you have to consider before getting started. Incorporating technology into the classroom keeps any kid engaged. Shelfari does the job from clicking on their favorite books, reading kids reviews, discussing books with other kids, or just plain rating their book. If you want to be the “cool” teacher on campus, then Shelfari is the way to go.



References

Ms. B. ( 2008, July 31) The Teacher's Buzz. Retrieved from http://theteachersbuzz.wordpress.com/2008/07/31/librarything-and-shelfari-in-the-classroom/ (2010, June 21 ).

Hurt, Kevin. (2009, August 2). Ed.u.ma.ca.tion. Retrieved from http://thehurt.wordpress.com/2009/08/02/classroom-tech-part-iv-shelfari/ ( 2010, June 21).

Holtsman, Melanie. (2008, March 2) Once Upon a Teacher. Retrieved from http://onceuponateacher.blogspot.com/2008/03/classroom-shelfari.html ( 2010, June 21).