Engagement - Sock Puppets

My Grade 2,3 class LOVE Sock Puppets.  I have learned (the hard way) that just like math manipulatives, students need lots of time to explore apps before the apps are used as tools to uncover curriculum.  So, although we have used planners and success criteria many times for retells, students were not given (nor sought out) either of these items for a retell of their independent reading book using sock puppets.  All students enjoyed using the app.  Many students' plays were related to their book.  Although the quality of retells were lower than pencil and paper versions, this was the trade-off for their enjoyment, "This is SO FUN!".  The students particularly enjoyed...in fact, thought it was hilarious, how the app changed their voice for each character.  All students spoke.  Risk-taking increased...that was a HUGE celebration for many students!  All were happy and proud to share their creation.  For the past two weeks, the students have taken the initiative to use sock puppets independently:)