Storybird

=**Storybird**=

Storybird is a service that uses collaborative storytelling to connect students, teachers, and families. A student can create individual stories, work together in small groups, or as a class to create a story in a round robin fashion by writing their own text and inserting pictures. They then have the option of sharing their Storybird privately or publicly on the network. The final product can be printed viewed online or printed (soon).
 * What is Storybird?**

It’s simple. The individual student can start a Storybird by finding an artist and then writing a story based off of that art work. In the round robin approach, one student starts the Storybird, then the other person takes a turn, adding more words and pictures. In as little as one or two turns, they can finish and share a Storybird. It’s that easy.
 * How does it work?**

Although there is no age limit, Storybird works best with kids between the ages 3-13.
 * Who uses it?**


 * How do CMCSS teachers use Storybird as a writing tool?** Teachers have used this site to give students a springboard to enhance writing. Students have written stories individually and collaboratively. They have published these stories on their CMCSS website. Example

It promotes imagination, literacy, and self-confidence.
 * What are the benefits of Storybird?**

It is designed to be a safe place for kids. It is not a virtual world. There are no chat engines, so students cannot have a real-time conversation with anyone. No information is requested to set up a free account, except for an email address. All Storybirds that are shared publicly are reviewed before appearing in the library. If Storybird finds inappropriate material, the story is pulled.
 * Is Storybird safe?**

Important Notes

 * As educators, it is important to instruct your students on appropriate collaborative and online behavior. They should never edit or delete the work of others (this is particularly important since many classes share a username and password for access).


 * Although Storybird attempts to keep all inappropriate artwork off of the site, teachers should remind students to choose artwork that is school appropriate and meets the criteria set for each project.

Sign Up for a **FREE** account:

Choose a Teacher/Class for the account type.

Once you create a teacher/class account you may create student accounts.

If you choose a regular account you will go to []***Note to TEACHERS - If you are creating a single account (one username and password) for all students to use, CHOOSE a PASSWORD that is fa miliar to them and easy for them to remember and spell. (Ex. Tigers, Panthers...other mascot)

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 * You may want to use a personal email address for set up. It is sometimes difficult to receive the Storybird verification email to your CMCSS email account. It is often held up in the Barracuda, and, on occasion, does not go through at all.