I need HELP, though ... I've never had an iPad before, and I have no idea what apps are the best for the classroom. I have pinned a few sites that list some apps for teachers, but I would LOVE to hear from you if you are using one. What works for you? What apps have you found, and what apps do your students love? Please leave me a comment if you have any advice - I could definitely use ANY tips.
For now, it's back to those math tests ... gotta get through them so I can start playing!!! SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!
Happy Thursday!
I too love mine and just having gotten my mom (a digital immigrant:) to get an ipad2, the best way to start was with an app called "Appstart". The other spots/places I love to haunt are...momswithapps.com, digitalstorybook.com (like them on Facebook and get daily updates on freebies for kids) and teachingallstudents.com (although they don't update as frequently). My favorite source is through a consultant named Naomi Harms. Along with her partner Dan King they have created an incredible database of apps for educators. To get to it, go to danking.net, click the iPad icon, Under the "Downloadable handouts" heading locate the "Innovative educator free..." link, you will find a ton of app recommendations...they say pre k, but I have found many applicable for my 3rd-5th graders. I didn't overwhelm you too much with my favorit freebies to get you started:)
ReplyDeleteI used the app Songify with my kids today...they LOVED it! We did a song, where the students read the school rules into the songify app and then are going to present the song at an all school assembly. I bet your kiddos would love this app! Good luck and have so much fun with your new toy!
ReplyDelete~Meghan
Thank-you so much! Sarah - you haven't overwhelmed me - I can't wait to check out these sites to get started.
ReplyDeleteMeghan - that's a fantastic idea!!! I'm totally going to do something like that!
Congrats, Jen!
ReplyDeleteI am saving pennies and nickels to buy one...
By then, you will be an expert and I will re-post this post for you to share your new favorites (or favourites)!
Have fun!
Kim
http://joyin6th.blogspot.com
Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteYou might get some ideas on my apps page:
http://mmeduckworth.blogspot.com/2011/06/educational-apps_07.html
Two apps that I use daily in my class are Confer and Teacher Assistant. Confer is great for tracking and grouping my students. I use it for guided reading, guided math, word study and writing conferences. Teacher Assistant is great for keeping track of student behavior and classroom habits, especially if you are using a clip movement system. It will keep track of clip movement AND you can email parents to let them know about good and bad behavior choices. I love both apps. I will be following your app choices closely to see what else I need! Enjoy your iPad!
ReplyDeleteJen, here are some free apps to check out: brainpop, tour wrist, watch know, discovery hd, photo card lite, bamboo paper, science 360. I have been issued a class set of ipad2s to pilot with my 6 junior high classes. Main drawback isnthe absence of adobe flash and a free word processing program. Good luck. Judy
ReplyDeleteI'm soooooo jealous. Have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteI use the Kindle app on my iPad, and hook it up to my projector. Then, for my read aloud, I can use the Regie Routman recommended method of a teacher or other highly expressive fluent reader reading, while students follow along with written text. That is the single best use I get out of it. I also stream Netflix documentaries with it for science, use it for BrainPop videos, do timed fluency assessments with it, and keep notes for parent conferences on it.
ReplyDeleteI am going to get one for Christmas!! I must wait another month and a half, but I can bear it. I'll be in the same boat as you... :)
ReplyDelete