A Good Read 
Creating class reading lists with Google Reader

Make your class reading lists dynamic and collaborative! Set up a class or content area RSS feed via Google Reader.  Teachers or students can add specific articles to share with the class and can also add notes with comments as they research.  Students will be able access the class "reads" in their Reader inbox so that keeping up and contributing to class materials is easy.

Start with Google Reader
http://reader.google.com

1. Set up a class Reader account and have students each set up their own individual Reader accounts.  

2. Use the "Add Subscriptions" and "Discover" links to search for content and pertinent articles and information that will supplement class materials.
3. As articles are added, they can be organized into folders for easy access.  Folders might be titled with the name of the unit of study or content material being covered in class.

4. Teachers can share articles with students by clicking the "Shared" link at the bottom of any article they have added to the class reader. They can also "Star" the item and add "Share with note" or "Add  tags" to the article.


When items are shared, a public URL is assigned. Teachers can access that URL by clicking on the "Share Items" link at the top of the left Reader menu.  In the right frame there will be a link to access the URL.

5. Teachers share the public URL with the students and students can subscribe to the class reader list by
clicking on the Orange RSS
icon in address box of their browser. 

 6.  Students can also share their own reading finds by emailing the link to the class Reader account and teachers can add the article to the "Shared Items" for the class.

Teachers and students can also use reader as a note taker and assignment reminder tool.  By adding "Note in Reader" to a browser, comments, questions and reading directions can be added to the shared reader items.



With the "Note in Reader" function, snippets from websites can be shared with the class as writing prompts or discussion items.


Continue your reading list collaboration by adding Reader to Blogger, or iGoogle.

Adding class or student RSS feeds to a class Blogger or iGoogle allows students another way to build, collaborate, discuss and debate content material throughout the school year.

1. To add a Reader feed to Blogger, click on setting/tags in Reader and then check the box next to your shared items.  Click on the link "add a clip to your site" and then click the "Add to Blogger" button.  On the "Add page element" screen click              



2. For students and teachers to add their Reader feeds to iGoogle, click on "Add Stuff" and search for Reader.  Then "Add it Now".  Now your "Good Reads" will be delivered to your iGoogle home page!





Cheryl Davis -Acalanes Union High School District