When this iPad journey began, I had never even touched one.   It has been somewhat scary, but very energizing, to welcome this new technology into my classroom.

The first reason is AR.  Since I have more iPads than the number of computers I used to have, it has made the AR testing process much easier.  There is always an iPad available for students to grab and take to a comfortable spot in the room and test away!

I also love:

Chatterpix – We read “Dear Mr. Henshaw” as a class early in the year.  When we were done, I had each student take a picture of the main character, Leigh, from the cover of the book.  Then they wrote a summary of the novel and used Leigh’s picture to “tell” me the summary.  I have never had students be so excited to do a summary and it was SO much fun to view the results. 

QR Codes – It is exciting to set up QR codes in the room or hall and let the students move around and scan them to learn more about a topic we are studying.

Make Belief Comix – The students have loved using this to summarize stories or give the most important details of a Social Studies topic.  Having only three or four panels available really makes the student focus on what is most important to communicate.

Popplet – Easy to use and very organized.  We have used it mostly to make timelines and other graphics in Social Studies.

Symbaloo – This solved the ongoing struggle of trying to read novels to my class.   It seemed like someone was always absent and missed part of the book.  This year I put each chapter of “Sign of the Beaver” on my Symbaloo.  I could still read to the class, but sometimes I had them read chapters on their own in stations.  AND any student who had missed a chapter could hop on an iPad to catch up.  Priceless!!

Word Web – With this app students were actually anxious to look up words and learn dictionary skills.   

I am nowhere near as tech savvy as many of you.  However, looking back on the year I am proud of how far I have come and I am excited to keep learning.  I appreciate the opportunities we have had to share information and I thank everyone who has helped me along the way!

EEEEEEKKKKKK!  That was my initial thought of iPads at the beginning of the year.  How was I going to use these little gems in my class?  The URLearning class has given me lots of ideas for engaging apps.  THANK YOU to all of the presenters who have shared their ideas.  I have also discovered apps by using my Twitter network.  I have always been on Twitter, but I realized I wasn’t following the right people.  Once I connected to fellow teachers who focused on technology, it really started to help.  Katie Hathaway and Alecia Perdomo are two people you NEED to follow.  A lot of who I follow now is thanks to these two awesome techies. 

 

My third grade readers have used:

- Toontastic to act out the life of famous scientist, Louis Pasteur.  

-MakeBeliefs Comix to create comic strips where the reader could infer the characters feelings.  

-Skitch to add details to photographs about their biographies

-Popplet to create Frayer maps for vocabulary words

-Chatterpix to record students summarizing their own writing

-Dictionary app to look up definitions of multiple meaning words

-Adobe Voice (MY NEW FAV) to tell the story about the sinking of the Lusitania during World War 1

-Seesaw, of course, so they put all of these creations into one place that is easy for me to check for understanding

 

I am so thankful we have been given this opportunity to integrate iPads in the class. 

This year started with a bang for me!  After being hired right before the school year started, I had many things to figure out quickly.  One of those pressing items was "how in the world was I going to incorporate ipads into my 2nd grade classroom?" 

I feel like I started slowly, but quickly it became apparent that those 7 ipads were going to be my friends and I better jump on board.  I used my ipads for AR, Epic, Xtra Math, and Pebble Go at first.  Then as the year progressed so did my confidence with integration into our daily plans.   

Going to each #urlearning session helped introduce me to apps that I should check out.  It was also extremely helpful when our learning specialists suggested apps or the other teachers on my team suggested apps to use with specific skills.  Now 8 months into the year, we use our ipads daily and I cannot imagine teaching without them.  Some of our favorite apps or websites to use on the ipads are: Seesaw, number pieces, pattern blocks, geoboards, sushi monster, xtra math, pebble go, kahoot, quizizz, chatterpix, pickids, popplet, adobe voice, and did I mention SEESAW!!! :)  

Here is a sneak peek of how we use iPads in room 514!

When naming fractions, we used the app Pattern Blocks and then saved into Seesaw which makes it easy to check for understanding. 

During our 3D Solid investigation, students sorted candy, wrote attributes, and saved a picture into Seesaw for me to check.  Much easier than trying to walk around and check work because we all know they just want to eat the candy!

Students counted coins in math stations and saved into Seesaw. 

                                                                              

We also used Popplet to show our understanding of nouns.  This app can be used in so many ways in all subject areas and it is much more fun than making a list on paper. 

Poetry can be recorded in Seesaw.  I love listening to them read their own poems and I am sure the parents  do too! 

While studying Jack Prelutsky's poetry, we did a visualization activity and listened to the poem Green Giant and drew our mental image.  After this was complete we used ChatterKids to record and practice fluently reading this poem.  

One of the most recent ways that 2nd grade incorporated iPads into ELA was during our research unit.  We started with a whole class research project on Alligators.  Next, students spent several days working with partners to research a new animal of their choice.  

We used Inigma to scan these cute QR code posters (thanks to Mrs. Perdomo) which made it easy for students to navigate from one website to another using iPads.  During the group projects, students researched and saved pictures of their animal diagrams into Seesaw. 

Our final research project was completed independently on different animals. All students made a digital product to be graded with a rubric.  Once all their information was gathered, my kids used PicKids, ChatterKids, and then created a final slideshow using Adobe Voice and saved it into Seesaw!  The products were amazing!

 Iguana Research Project using Adobe Voice

Jaguar Research Project using Adobe Voice

So what are you waiting for?  Try a new app today! :)

Fun new way of picking kids

Ok, so I sometimes have kids that just blurt out and I have been chosing kids names on sticks to decide who goes next during whole group conversations. Well, I just found an app that will transform the way I do this from now on in the classroom.

Decide Now! App is actually $0.99 but seems like I can use it many different ways.

I just wanted to share.

Intimidated, amazed, interested, scared, overwhelmed, excited....these are just a handful of emotions that come to mind as I reflect upon my journey of using iPads in the classroom thus far.  I'm definitely not the most tech savvy teacher, but in the last 7 months I've learned a great deal from coworkers, teaching blogs, district learning specialist and most frequently MY OWN STUDENTS.

In 2nd grade the"buzz phrase" lately has been "App Smashing." A week ago, I had NO idea that that there was a term for this, but it's actually something we've been doing for quite some time.  So what is APP SMASHING you might ask?  It's the process of using MULTIPLE apps to CREATE projects or complete tasks.  App smashing really provides students with creative ways to showcase their learning and can even give teachers the ability to assess our students' understanding of skills.
Below is an example of how one of my students recently used the app Pattern Blocks, "app smashed" their project into Skitch and then saved it into Seesaw.

So....how have your kids been APP SMASHING???  Don't you just love that phrase?  I feel pretty hip when I say it. : )


The other day I asked my students what they've enjoyed most about having iPads in our classroom this year.  Their list of apps and websites included

• Seesaw
• MathSlide
• Sumdog
• Kahoot
• Pattern Blocks
• Sushi Monster

I'm going to highlight the top 3 items from their list.

Seesaw

I know I'm not the first person to talk about Seesaw, but I'd have to say this is MY very favorite app. This learning journal showcases student work and allows them to CREATE so many different types of projects.

Here are a few ways we are using Seesaw in our classroom.

• In math stations students often create drawings of math problems and record their thinking as they solve the problems. At my teacher table I sometimes introduce new apps to students, have them practice using the app and then they upload a finished product into Seesaw. 
• During writer's workshop when a child completes a book, I record the student sharing the book with the class and upload the video into Seesaw.
• In Daily 5 after students have completed a reading or listening response or any word work activity, they take a picture of the work and upload it into their Seesaw account for me to check.  This is a great way to hold my kids accountable for using their time wisely and PRODUCING something during Daily 5.
• In science and social studies, the children take pictures of group and individual projects, put them in Seesaw and RECORD themselves talking about the project and/or what they learned.

Another cool feature of SeeSaw is that students can use it from home once you send home the class QR code.  My students upload videos, drawings and photos from home for homework NIGHTLY.
Here are some recent homework assignments I've received.

Parents have told me that they love the opportunity to be connected to our classroom through Seesaw. When they sign up for the Parent App, they receive an email notifying them each time something is added to their child's learning journal. It is a great tool to keeps parents"in the loop."
As a parent of a second grader myself, I can attest to the fact that Seesaw videos can also spark some great conversations at home about what my child is learning.  My daughter's VERY creative teacher, Mrs. Techno-Queen...I mean Perdomo : ) even recently started uploading pictures of her anchor charts and "teaching videos" for the students AND parents to use with homework and just to help grasp difficult or new concepts.

Below is an example of a video I received when one of my students recently missed school due to being ill.  I just love how the kids can practice skills we are covering in class in a fun and creative way, even when they are away from the classroom!!!

Another reason I love SeeSaw is because it has my students practicing skills EVEN over the weekends AND holiday breaks.  My kiddos love to "share" their learning AND see comments from their teacher, classmates and parents.  The coolest thing is that they do not realize they are doing WORK!!    

As you can see, the possibilities on SeeSaw are TRULY endless and that is why I am such a big proponent of this app.

Math Slide

Math Slide is a free app that my students use often during math rotations.-I have the Math Math Slide Addition/Subtraction, Hundreds, Tens & Ones and Place Value all downloaded on my iPads in a math folder for my students.  I saw that there is a multiplication/division game as well. These games allow up to 4 players to join in using the SAME iPad.  The kids compete against each other by "sliding" their answers to the center.  Each question gets slightly harder.  Students can compete against each other OR they can just play on their own and try to beat their "best time."  My kids get very competitive when playing these games and really enjoy them!

SUMDOG

This is one app that my students are currently OBSESSED with.  Right now we just use the math feature since it is FREE, but I know they offer paid reading and writing features as well. My kids sometimes get to use Sumdog during math rotations and/or in the computer lab.  What I like about this math program is that it gets progressively harder as students play, it's very engaging and it really makes math learning fun for EVERY student. Something I recently learned (FROM ONE OF MY VERY TECH SAVVY STUDENTS) is that teachers have to go into their CLASS CONTROLS setting to OPEN their "class house." This enables students to find their friends, add classmates to play against, change their avatar, decorate their houses and send gifts to other students.  I'm still learning a lot of other features this app includes and how to gather data and track student's progress. For now, though,  I'm happy that my students are motivated to practice math skills and are enjoying playing against each other.

Having iPads in my classroom has definitely provided an opportunity for my students to work independently on engaging tasks and projects....which in turn has given me time to work more effectively with individual students and small groups. This is what I see as one of the main benefits of being part of this pilot.

In Third Grade Dual Language students use their I-pads daily during Math Menus and Reading Menus Stations, they love technology!   It's amazing to see our children excited about learning and practicing skills in different ways.  Technology provides a great growth to our children. We use different apps for specific learning objectives.

Socrative Student app., can initiate formative assessments through quizzes, Haiku Deck app., is an excellent tool that help our kids to create image-rich slideshows presentations. Another great app., is Raz-Kids where students enjoy listening books for comprehension, modeled fluency, for practice and record themselves reading.  

Popplet is an app.,that allows our kids to create concept maps about any subject. We used it to teach students about the relationship between ideas, to help them when they organize their writing, or show information in a visual manner.

Third Grade Dual Language students use Technology as tool  that  enhanced their learning experiences in a way that is very important in their future.

Loving Life in Kinder With Ipads

Our kindergartens are utilizing iPads many different ways this year.  Following this blog has suggested good apps that I would love to try.  For the moment our class is becoming experts on two that are ideal for our age. 

  Our favorite app is Pic Collage.  We have used this in both ELA and Math centers.  In ELA we have used this to identify letter sounds, labeled rhyming words and located sight words in print around our classroom.  We love the ability to make each page our own with wallpaper, picture design and labeling.  When we use Pic Collage in our Math Tubs we have sorted items, represented number value in different ways and created math sentences to illustrate.  Each time we use Pic Collage it gets better and better.

  Another app that we are still getting familiar with is Haiku Deck.  We have been using this for several weeks now and it just keeps getting better too!  We have a few experts that remind the rest of us about the effects that make our pages in Haiku Deck even more special. 

  We are ready to take the next step and begin using See Saw.  I have seen several exciting things with See Saw and feel like we can use this to extend our learning.  I am ready to give it a try~  I know it will be a positive for our classroom.  We are fortunate to have the access to the number of iPads that we do.  I am excited about using them and learning more about them. 

Baby Steps

"Every teacher expects her technology-filled lesson to mess up. A great teacher has a plan when it does." This quote was recently on my daily calendar. I found it fitting.
I-Pads are new to me. I would love to say I have flawlessly implemented them in my class, but I have had some hiccups. URLearning and this blog have been the key that has allowed me to unlock the door to the potential I-Pads can bring to my classroom. We have used several apps such as Poplet and Show Me. They love to do Show Me! I have also created a Symbaloo. The students use it at station time and at home. It has allowed me to have a place for my students to find videos I have selected for reteaching as well as links to games all in one location.
Though I have not used the I-Pads as much as some others, I am growing more and more each week. I would encourage others who have been overwhelmed by our new technology to take baby steps. You are not alone. I am excited to keep growing and learning on step at a time.

Love, Love, Love!!!

So, it is the middle of the year and my kids love the IPads.  They are using so many of the apps for things I would have never thought of and love seeing them get excited.

The first app I want to discuss is Seesaw.  I love this app and have found that it is very kids (2nd grade) friendly.  My kids know how to access, utilize and play back with this app.  We originally used this app so they could show and justify their addition and subtraction problems.  It was a good tool for me to use to check for understanding.  I was impressed that so many of them would self correct themselves while justifying their work.  

I have noticed that my kids like to use this in my reading IPad station.  The LOVE recording themselves read and then they will replay it and then try again and want to improve their time.  It has been great for fluency and good for comprehension when they give a book review of what they have read.  

The second app I want to talk about is the geoboard app.  We have been using this and my kids really love this app.  The love creating their shapes and identifying the name of the shape.  Talking with others about the sides and vertices.  

I am really enjoying having this technology in my classroom and I look forward to being able to integrate more amazing apps and technology into my classroom.  

Happy New Year!!

This has been an awesome privilege of having the opportunity to have several iPads in our classroom. 

My mind started to flood with ideas and how I could use them.  These are a couple of apps that we have used consistently in my classroom.

 

Popplet:

I have found this app simple to use and very engaging for my students.   The possibilities are endless:

1.      Vocabulary

2.    Analyzing Characters

3.   Text Features

4.   Structure of a story

5.    Cause and Effect

6.   Summary

7.    Author’s Purpose

8.   Main Idea

9.    Compare and Contrast

10.                       Theme and supporting Details

 

 

 

 

 

The camera can leads to SO many awesome learning experiences. There are a ton of really cool apps out there that can make impressive videos, like Videolicious, VivaVideo, iMovie, and Telestory, or just a the regular video camera. 

• conduct interviews
• retell a story
• explain their thinking
• teach a concept
• video each other reading a passage and watch it to assess their fluency and accuracy
• Summarize a story

 

Other Apps used in the Classroom on a regular basis:

·        Word Web Dictionary

·        Spelling City

·        AR Reader

·        QR Codes