"Reading, Writing, 'Rithemtic..."

            This week I spent time searching for some fun apps for station time.  Here are a few of my favorites.

1.    Little Zebra Shopper:  This was a fun accidental find.  This is a virtual cash register.  You print free products from the website. Each product has a bar code on it.  Can the barcode and the app shows a cash register receipt.  Scan several products and it gives the total.  Put in the amount of cash paid and it shows the change.  I’ve had students playing with this app all week.  They hand the cashier an amount greater than the total and the cashier has to give back the correct change in play money.  It has been a very popular math center. 

2.    Front Row Adaptive Math: Differentiated Math, Common Core Aligned, designed by a teacher app. Students are given a placement test.  They will then complete activities based on their level.  Students work at their own pace. Advancement and remediation are given as needed. The more students practice the more coins they earn.  Students can then turn in coins for game time.  You can generate printables for extra practice for each standard.  It will suggest classmates to go to for help based on the performance of others.  All of the lessons and videos are common core based. Don’t be frightened by the high price.  I have five referrals to allow you to unlock all of the content for free.  Just download and register.  When you are asked for a referral, use my email: kbroadhead@att.net.

3.    Subtext:  This app is for collaborative reading.  It allows student to participate in close reading of online text.  It is also available as an Edmodo app.  How to use this app is best explained in article by Margo Tripsa in an article on her blog “Techie Teacher’s Tricks.”

4.    Edshelf:  This is not an app but it is a phenomenal list of apps and web tools.  Edshelf is a directory of websites, mobile apps, and desktop programs that are rated & reviewed by parents & educators, for parents & educators. They help you find the right educational tools for your specific needs. You can search the database by subject, category, platform, or age.

5.    Noteledge for Kids:  NoteLedge for Kids is a note-taking app dedicated for kids to showcase their creativity and record every inspiring moment, hands on. With the kid-friendly tools, a super cute interface, and sound effects, kids can draw, doodle, type, insert images, record audios and video clips, and share their masterpieces with friends and family. Just think about the idea of letting students come up with their own storybook and show how they see the world from their perspective. This app is available in the App Store for $2.99.

Have a great weekend!