After being in school for a while now and learning the procedures in my room, we got out the iPads to start using them.
First came the rules of using iPads:
1. Clean hands- that means no fingers up our nose or in our mouths- Germ-X is our friend!!
2. iPads stay in the box and the box stays flat on the table At. All. Times.
Now, you may be laughing at rule number 1, but I kid you not that it is needed. One little kinder boy announced to me the other day (while I was teaching about something else at that moment) that he no longer picks his nose. I tell you those iPads are powerful! These kids WANT to be able to use them!
Anyway, the rules are being followed and we can leave that gross subject behind.
One of the apps we are using is the Show Me app. Thanks to Aylin from Learning to the Core for this app suggestion! We are now using this app like a wipe-off board. It is amazing to me how even the little kinders can easily find the app you want them to use and get right to what you want them to do!
We have been practicing short vowel words. The kids can choose the color of pen they want to use. That is a big deal in my room because I only let them use black dry erase markers. I learned right away that having different colors out only created problems about who gets which color.
The students also practice blends and digraphs. We use our blends and digraphs linking chart. I call out a word that begins with one of the blends/digraphs. They use the pictures to link to the proper sounds. I don't call out the pictures on the chart, but ones that begin the same.
This app is Writing Wizard. It is not free, but I got it when it was free for a day. I am so glad that I did. The kids love it and it is one that is fun that I like too. There are a lot of educational apps that are more like fun stuff and not the kind of learning I want and need for my students. After I teach a letter to my kinders, they can practice the correct formation. It has both capitals and lower case letters and numbers too. When they trace the letters, flowers, stars, or other pretty things make the line where their finger traced. It is very colorful and captures the students' attention.
One great way to find out how to get great apps free is to download Apps Gone Free. They send you alerts each day on different apps that will be free for that day or for a few days. A lot of the apps, I have noticed, are games. But there are some on there that you may like and some apps are apps you may want for yourself and not just for school!
Dear Teacher Lori,
ReplyDeleteWe would like to introduce you to Home KG, an iPad application designed to teach young children how to write and count. Home KG aims to teach children alphabets, numbers and shapes. It helps kids learn by tracing number and letters on the iPad. Your feedback will enable us to create a better learning experience for children.
best educational apps for kids
Thank you, I will have to check that out!
DeleteSome day when I possibly have ipads in my room, I'll be finding out from you how to best use them. :)
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
Tammy, I hope some day that you get iPads in your classroom too. They are so motivating for the kids!
DeleteThis post made me so happy! I'm so excited that your little friends are able to enjoy the excitement of the iPad too now- ShowMe is still definitely one of our most used apps! Also, I totally get Rule #1- so absolutely necessary...iPads get gross really fast just like our tables and everything else..haha Going to go check out Apps Gone Free- what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteHappy almost Friday and thanks for the shout out!
Aylin :)
Learning to the Core
Aylin, the kids do just love, love using the iPads. It is amazing how quickly they catch on to how to use them. :)
DeleteYou have so many great apps on here! Thanks for sharing! I need to sign up for "apps gone free" it sounds like such an easy thing and way to get lots of great new apps! Thanks so much for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Learning to the Core
Amanda, the apps gone free is pretty good. Lots of different apps that they feature. You can get some good ones! Thanks for coming by!
DeleteI would love to have ipads in my class. One day maybe:)
ReplyDeleteLove your rules!!