As summer draws near, I’ve already started
thinking about the implementation of ELA Common Core Standards in the
fall. I know I want to utilize the
ipads in my classroom in a more meaningful way.
In my search for new apps I’ve discovered a few that will be a staple in
my classroom the last week of school and the beginning of next year.
1. Vittle:
This is the easiest movie creation app that I have seen. You can draw a picture, and then move and
size the object. You can add photos and
record your voice. It is a fun way to
create an instruction video or have students explain their learning. I’ve included the link for the free
version. They have a pricy version that
has more options that you can use to create your amazing video.
2. A Beautiful Mess App: This app is $0.99 but it is so cute. It allows you to “beautify” your pictures with text, borders,
and doodles. I use this new app in my
“real” life to doctor photos that I use in instagram. I plan on letting my students to use this app
to illustrate vocabulary words or math terms.
It would also be great when students are writing Haikus, limericks, or
other short poems. They could also take
a picture of their book cover and use the app to identify characters, setting,
problems, or solutions.
3. Paper By Fifty Three-This free app lets you
share your ideas, sketches, notes, diagrams, and illustrations in a familiar
notebook form. Choose your tool and
begin your work. This is a great app to
show how word problems are solved or illustrate vocabulary words. Students could also diagram a stories plot or
take visual notes while reading a nonfiction article.
4. Croak.it!:
This audio app let’s you record snip-its anywhere. Students can speak their mind. They can record their thinking, a poem or
song. They can record themselves reading
to listen to see if they are reading fluently.
They can record their observations during an experiment or just talk
about the weather. The possibilities are
endless.
5. Today:
Today my class will use my favorite app in a new different way. Each student will have an ipad. Students will take a picture of themselves in
Skitch. They will write their name on
the picture. Students will rotate to
each ipad around the room to write something nice about their classmates. I’ve done this for many years using paper
plates. This year we are going
digital. They will save the pictures in
Showbie and I can print them for a great keepsake.
(Disclaimer: I am
an app junkie. I may or may not have a
problem with downloading apps. I’m not
sure, but I may or may not have to delete apps daily to make way for new
finds. I wonder if there is a program
for my addiction? )
This is the last Friday Five for this year. I’ve enjoyed writing them each week and hope
that someone has found some useful information each week. I’m looking forward to the 6th
year of Friday Five and learning with you next year. Follow the blog for those finds that can’t
wait until August.
Have a great Summer!!!