Digital Storytelling and Publishing with TikaTok



If you're looking for a fantastic way to integrate science, social studies, writing, and digital publishing, then TikaTok is your answer! TikaTok is a digital publishing platform that makes it fun and easy for students to showcase their research or subject area knowledge.

We're working on plants right now in science and we recently studied careers in social studies, so I combined the two to create a TikaTok project. Once I started to to use the site, I found it quite easy to navigate.




I chose the grade level and content area I wanted to focus on, and TikaTok gave me some suggested projects. You can see I also had the option to choose the exact Common Core writing standard I wanted to focus on.

I saw the Help Wanted template and decided it would be the perfect way to integrate our study of plants and careers. I found this extensive kid-friendly list  of careers in science that involved plants. Score!
So I started by doing an example for botanist.



I clicked on "view in editor" and was brought here. The words are already in the template, the kids just need to fill them in! I would suggest having the kids do their research and have a rough draft of what they are going to type for each section.




Then I was prompted to add a picture. This was one that was in the TikaTok gallery, but you also have the option to add your own graphic or even the student's own illustration.


To complete the book, I'll have each student choose a science career, illustrate it themselves, and create one page for the book.  So what happens next?

You can download a pdf proof copy of the book, and then if you're interested you can purchase a digital copy or hard or softcover book. Of course you're not going to purchase a copy for each student, but you can give parents the opportunity to do so. I'm going to purchase one hardcover copy of the class book and add it to our library. Other class books in my library are some of most read and well-worn, so this is a good investment in my eyes. 

You can also have each student write their own book, which parents might be more likely to purchase. This Help Wanted template is just one of many, many options. Be sure to look at the bottom of the TikaTok homepage for some really stellar student examples.



If you'd like to explore TikaTok a bit more, I have an exclusive coupon code for you! Just fill out the form here and use the code WEARETEACHERS instead of entering a payment. This will enable you to use the site for 90 days, but you need to activate your membership before June 30th.


If you have any other wonderings about TikaTok, be sure to see this comprehensive Q&A page.

Here's a great introductory video too.


So, what do you think about TikaTok? Leave a comment and let me know how you might use it to showcase your students' work. One lucky commenter will win a $15 Amazon gift card just for chiming in!







23 comments

  1. My school just began installing wireless internet last month... I know... we are living in the stone ages, so I am updating my technology library and this website looks perfect! Thank you for sharing! I can't wait to try it out!

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  2. Replies
    1. Such a fantastic resource for publishing and the final step in the writing process!

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  3. This looks like a fun way to publish our year-end animal research projects! Always on the look-out for digital tools to enhance our learning! Thanks for the share!
    SweetSchoolMoments

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  4. This is a great way to integrate technology in all areas of the curriculum. I can see even my reluctant writers becoming excited. Can't wait to try it out.

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  5. We have to expose out students to use of digital tools as part of our ELA curriculum. This would allow us to integrate our science and social studies topics as well. Can't wait to use it. Thanks for the 90 day trial, I'm already sure that I'll be getting a regular subscription!!

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  6. Since our 'publishing' consists of me stapling our stories into a clear folder, I am intrigued by the idea of printing an actual book.

    I like that there are templates and examples to give you ideas, as like a commenter above, we are in somewhat of a technology stone age at my school! Supposed to change next year, when grades 3+ will be BYOD!

    tokyoshoes at hotmail dot com

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  7. Could this be how I will meet one of the common core standards? Publish digitally? I've been brainstorming but this may just be a good fit for second graders!

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  8. Could this be how I will meet one of the common core standards? Publish digitally? I've been brainstorming but this may just be a good fit for second graders!

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  9. I'd use it to come up with new ideas

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  10. This would be a great way to integrate technology and have students publish and share their writing.

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  11. What an amazing online resource!! I plan on using this ASAP in my classroom!!

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  12. I would use it to publish my students best narrative piece.
    Tania
    My Second Sense

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  13. What a fun way to publish student writing! We read The Day the Crayons Quit recently and wrote letters modeled after those in the story. They'd make a great class book!

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  14. It would be great to show off the research we have been doing!

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  15. I think it would be great to use in the class to showcase the students writing. It would be great for Open House.

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  16. This would be great for any research project. It is an exciting way to integrate technology. We are starting a study on countries... I'm going to give this a try. Thanks for the idea. I had never heard of it before.

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  17. I would use this to incorporate social studies with language arts. Next year we no longer teach social studies so I will be incorporating s.s. in writing. This would also be great to showcase student writing and share with parents.

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  18. I think this would be a great way to showcase a years worth of writing for each student! I would have them pick out either one piece a month or one from each type of writing and then put it together as an end of year keepsake that the parents could purchase or if PTO could buy them for each student or even have a classroom fundraiser to pay for them so each student got their own. I need to check this out for next year!!

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  19. I would like to use it to define a character trait

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  20. I can see so many great uses for this! Thanks so much for sharing it!

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  21. Wow what a nice post i am really so inspired here could you more share here i will be back to you as soon as possible.


    Cheap Brochure Printing & Sticker Printing Uk

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