Happy Spring! What beautiful weather we have been enjoying this month. It has made me want to spend less time inside
and more time outdoors. For this reason and a couple of others, I am the proud
owner of an iPad!!! After all the research
during this class, I had to experience one myself. I have been exploring apps for the early
childhood learner and can't believe my eyes! 21st century learning is here to
stay.
This week I will be introducing new ways to teach
traditional skills such as reading and listening skills. I will provide a short video to get you
excited about iPads in the classroom and provide reviews of my favorite FREE
apps for early literacy learners. Let's
start with a quick video to demonstrate how 21st century learning is changing
classrooms across the United States.
I have been memorized by the amount of apps available. When reviewing the free versions, I wanted to look for content related to my topic, literacy and everyday skills, possibilities for use with ESL students, ease of use for all students...and FUN!
My Top 3 App Picks ....this Week!
Preschool Memory Match
This app received great reviews. The categories relate to the early childhood curriculum and interests. Students can explore a variety of topics from animals and bugs to transportation. There are no timers or high scores, which I appreciate this change of pace. Conversations can change among students from high scores to "what did you like the most." The voice recordings in this app are by an early childhood speech therapist, which is an added language development bonus.
Read Me Stories
The Read Me Stories app is terrific and the reviews by users are exceptional. The creator has organized whimsical stories in a virtual library. Stories can be chosen easily by students. You can pause, preview, and reread books, which are essential tools in literacy development. The books have great sound effects and illustrations.
Amazing Shape Puzzle Lite Version
Lastly, the free version of this app is a little limiting, but t I couldn't resist including it. It contains puzzles and great animation for the early learner. Skills such as spacial logic and vocabulary are evident through this app. I also appreciated the ease of use for students who need extra support during this lesson/game. It is also offered in several languages, which is another example of how 21st century learning is limitless.
As I promised....the author of the week! I am choosing the wonderful Eric Carle...in honor of my ALEX lesson planning and years of teaching from his great stories. Here is my favorite Eric Carle App....
http://itunes.apples.com/us/app/eric-carle-my-very-first-app/id392077095
http://itunes.apples.com/us/app/eric-carle-my-very-first-app/id392077095
Beth…I really liked the perspective of the author you picked in your video. I identified with the way Mr. Carle discussed the visual aspect of an object, book, picture, or, his example, a coffee mug. He said that it is an artist’s (author’s) responsibility to reach out to the individual reading or looking at their work and appeal to the audiences emotions. His goal seemed to be to bring the item to life through manipulating the visual characteristics of the work bringing the audience into the book or picture, rather than the picture or story seeming lifeless due to poor visuals. According to Mr. Carle, the artist or author must genuinely care about the visuals as much as the story in order to bring the work to life. I hope you had a good spring break and look forward to your next post.
ReplyDeleteBeth...isn't the iPad amazing? Sometimes I find myself wondering what I did before I had one myself. It is unbelievable what can be found while searching through the many apps offered. I love the ones that you referenced in your blog post. They would be awesome to use in the classroom. One drawback is the expense of the iPad for classroom use. Wouldn't it be a dream if they were readily available in all classrooms? I have seen so many websites, YouTube videos and blog posts referring to iPad use in the kindergarten classroom and it would be a dream to have a set of them for use. Thanks for sharing the wonderful links in your post. I look forward to reading next week. You have definitely sparked my interest today...I off to search iPad apps:)
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