February 26, 2014 at 3:02 p.m.
Ellie Rumney, Library Media Specialist, researched to find the best free apps for students in the primary grades. The goal is to use the iPads for many purposes including creating products, reading, and practicing skills. With this in mind, Rumney contacted resources for lists of apps that would engage students in these skills and challenge them to think creatively. Several of the creation apps have been successfully used in first through third-grade classrooms, while many of the reading, letter recognition, and math skill apps have been used by all students.
The school held two "App Days" in January where Rumney demonstrated and allowed student to practice using apps in the classroom. One of the students' (and teachers') favorite apps is 30Hands. This app allows students to create videos with photographs, images from the Internet, personal sketches, and voice narration. Students practiced this by creating quick videos about their favorite books and many students were able to create and publish a video in less than 30 minutes. This app has since been used as an assessment to demonstrate understanding at the conclusion of curricular units.
On a daily basis, students use the iPads in a variety of ways including making music on Garageband, reading along with books on Collins Big Cat, practicing letter writing on Little Writer or Alphabet Fun, recording themselves on Croak.It! and so much more. Students practice 21st century skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and problem solving while learning skills and having fun on the iPads.
The iPads are managed by Rumney with help from Jesse Richter, a second-grade teacher, and are stored in the Crescent LMC. Teachers can check out the iPads for whole or small group activities or to meet individual student needs.
Pelican Elementary and Northwoods Community Elementary School also have iPads with the same apps for classroom checkout. Pelican PAC also purchased five iPads to make a set of 15 in their LMC. NCES has four devices in their LMC and one in each classroom. Students and staff have been using the iPads in a similar fashion at these schools and Rumney has been to both elementary schools for successful and fun "App Days".
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