iPads in Kindergarten LiveBinder

Here are some of the LiveBinder's I've created to accompany my seminars- they have lots of information and links to sites that focus on using technology in kindergarten, with an emphasis on iPads for both the beginner and advanced iPad user.  It's something I hope to add to as I find more resources, so I hope you'll bookmark and come back often!  Let me know if you find it useful or have links you think I should include.

Teaching with Technology in Kindergarten LiveBinder

Awesome Apps Livebinder

 Digital Kindergarten LiveBinder

















NCCE Session Teach Connect Learning with Social Media

NCCE Workshop NCCE Wiki- Magic of iPads

Free Code for Count to 100 app available

I was given a code to share with you, dear followers, for "Count to 100" an iPad app that is usually $1.99.  (If you don't follow www.adigitalkindergarten.com yet, it's easy- input your email address over to the right!  But you don't have to in order to win the code.)


I haven't tried the app out yet- but will report soon on what I think!  Find out more about the app here- http://fuzzybees.com/
I will pick someone who answers one of these questions:

What feature(s) would you like to see in a counting app?
How important is reporting student progress in an app to you?
Do you want apps to have multiple user accounts to track student data?
Do you want fun 'reward' activities included in learning apps?

Please provide a thoughtful response- the goal here is to give developers feedback in what teachers want in an app!  Respond in comments (I won't post your email to the blog) or email sue@adigitalkindergarten.com


Kristy Hhas left a new comment on your post "Free Code for Count to 100 app available": 

Fun rewards activities are quite motivating for my Kindergarten students. I think for boys building a car or rocket after each activity they complete would be motivating. For the girls building a flower garden or free form drawing would be motivating.

Thanks Kristy!

Rachael has left a new comment on your post "Free Code for Count to 100 app available": 

This looks really cool! 
I do appreciate when an app has 'reward' activities that are also engaging, and support the content in the app. In an app like this, issuing a challenge to find a certain number the fastest, or select every number with the digit '4' in it within a time frame would be a hit with my kiddos! 
On another question, it's important to me that a counting app, particularly in a 100's format like this one, that I can highlight and select different columns, rows and randoms easily. :) 

Thanks Rachael!

Come see me! Presenting in a city near you...

I am excited to announce I am going to be presenting in Portland, Oregon at the NCCE 2013 Conference (National Council for Computer Education) http://www.ncce.org/2013-home-page.html February 28th, 2013 on:
How to Teach, Connect and Learn with Social Media (1 hour session)
The Magic of iPads in Early Childhood Education (3 hour workshop)

I'm also scheduled to present for the Institute for Educational Development http://www.iedseminars.org/ on Using iPads and Other Cutting-Edge Technology to Enhance Learning and Teaching in the KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM on the following dates:
Phoenix, AZ- February 4th, 2013
Denver, CO- February 5th, 2013
Boston, MA March 4th, 2013
Detroit, MI March 5th, 2013

I really hope if you enjoy and learn from my blog that you'll try to come to see me in person and let me share my knowledge and enthusiasm for using technology with you!

Communicate easily with kindergarten families with Remind 101

I love when technology makes life easier!

Here's an easy free way to communicate important messages with your students' families- using Remind 101.

The app/website Remind 101 provides teachers a way to communicate quick messages to families (students).  It works with any phone that can receive texts, or families can sign up for email notifications. 

Teachers give parents a code to register for their class. Parents text the code in, provide a name to associate with the number and begin receiving your messages. Messages sent by the teacher are received through text message or email. 

Teachers can schedule events in advance that will be sent to their families on the day and time they choose. Teacher are also able to see what messages have been sent as well as who received the message.   Families cannot text you back. You can sign up for my K tech notifications and I'll text occasionally when great apps are free or newly released!

Terrific New Apps by Toca Boca and Spelling City

Today is a good day for iDevices!  Two terrific apps were released today and I immediately downloaded them and have spent time playing around with them tonight.

One I've been eagerly awaiting is TocaBand ($1.99).  The wonderful thing I've loved about Toca Boca is that just prior to a release of a new product they make one or some of their other apps free or reduce the price.  I highly recommend 'liking' their Facebook page or following them on Twitter to be kept up to date on new releases, free and reduced apps.

I have downloaded Toca's free apps (Toca Doctor lite and Toca Hair Salon-Christmas) for my  and classroom iPads.

For my personal iDevices the Toca apps are an immediate purchase- my children love them so much!  If I make the 'mistake' of telling my daughter there's a new one coming out she harangues me daily to see if it's ready.  They are reasonably priced (usually $1.99) and provide hours of creative play.  There are few apps I pay for based on their 'brand name'.  Toca Boca apps are one of them!  My 4 year old plays Toca Birthday/Tea Party, Toca Store and Toca Salon the most.

The Toca Band app had my 10 year old son engaged instantly.  My 4 year old daughter beamed when I  opened the app and she saw the new logo change into a drum set.  The great thing about Toca Apps is that children learn real life concepts in a playful way.

My son playing around with the app for the first time...

Demonstrating the "solo" feature


The placement in the band determines and demonstrates tempo and pitch changes.  My daughter says likes switching who goes into the Star spot frequently "if you let her be the star you can play the piano" (or the instrument the character represents).  Her band members talk to each other and argue a bit- "that's my spot' when she plays! 

The second NEW FREE app is the IOS version of one of my all-time favorite webpages for education.
Yes, Spelling City has launched their iDevice app(FREE)!  Most of their website doesn't work on the iPad, (some features do though) so this app should make iTeachers thrilled.

The app allows you to pick from lists loaded by username, teacher name, parent name or school zip code or their sample lists.   It does not (yet? I hope they add it in!) allow you to add words within the app.

My only problem though is that the word list (my own or one that shows up in their window) isn't loading on my iPad.  It loaded fine on my iPhone though, my son typed in his words and scored an 87%.

Teacher tip- have students take a screenshot (press home button and power button briefly) to show you their results/progress on your next walk around or at the end of the learning time.

Twitter: Source for Professional Development, Community and Authentic Teaching Opportunities

I tweet, therefore I am?  Not at all.  I try very hard not to tweet what I eat, where I am, or what I am doing unless it might be beneficial to someone.  Specifically the 200+ people who follow me (which means they receive my tweets in their timeline).  Thanks by the way, if you follow me AND read my blog!  Sometimes I tweet about something funny or interesting.  Mostly though, I tweet to communicate with other teachers and for professional development.  I LOVE that it is short and concise- 140 characters does not take much time to read over.  I may check my Twitter account several times a day, or I may go a week without checking in.  Many of the 1,156 times I've tweeted (thus far) have been conversations with people who follow me or the #kinderchat hashtag.  Tweeting is a bit like instant messaging all your virtual friends about a topic- and then some of them reply.  Anyone following you or the hashtag can see and take part in the conversation.

If you're clueless about Twitter check out this tweet/link:
Ben Sheridan ‏@B_Sheridan

Blogging : For Twitter newbies: "What’s a # mean on Twitter and what is a Twitter “Chat”?" Shout out to #kinderchat http://goo.gl/OFpO7

Here are some of my tweets from #kinderchat past- I like to think of the #kinderchat as a station- everyone tuning in is for some reason interested in K and most are experienced educators.  When I am facing a dilemma, a frustration, or want to share a laugh... I go to my #kinderchat peeps.

Every Monday night at 9ET/6PT  a bunch of kinder teachers gather round the world wide web and share ideas, resources, frustrations...  During the school year there are scheduled topics- theses tweets from me were on using tech with kinders.


@i_teach_K Handwriting practice on iPads- if you gotta do it, it might as well be fun. #kinderchat

@i_teach_K tweeting w/kiddos= meaningful reason to read and write #kinderchat

[re: skype play and twitter with kinders] @i_teach_K increases communication skills and teaches manners... The kids LOVE it, good enough reason there #kinderchat

[re: skype play and twitter with kinders] @i_teach_K helps children consider others point of view, learn about culture and geography in meaningful ways #kinderchat 

@i_teach_K I like StoryKit, free for drawing, adding text and recording them speaking about it #Kinderchat 

@i_teach_K Instead of whiteboards we write on iPads with sketchio #kinderchat 




I love Twitter for professional development.  If I'm following someone it's becasue I trust their judgment and value their opinions.  So when someone tweets about an article, I can trust that I want to read it.  I don't subscribe to professional magazines (who can afford to, really?) and don't have time to search for articles.  Yet on Twitter I can find articles and websites that are amazing and timely.  
Matt Gomez ‏@Matt_Gomez

New guidelines for tech & young children by @NAEYC and @FredRogersCenter http://ow.ly/1HPGDK #kinderchat #ecetechchat #edtech

Jon Samuelson ‏@ipadSammy

Think Share Teach: Teaching in the one-iPad Classroom | @scoopit http://bit.ly/ygn4YL blog post of things you can do with the lone iPad.

 

One  of the best ways for free professional development is to follow a conference hashtag such as #iste2012 or #mobile2012 or #naeyc12 - attendees tweet quotes, key ideas, resources and links... which you can digest in the comfort of your comfiest chair while they sit in a cold or hot, crowded conference room on hard chairs.  
Good Teaching nuggets
‏@Kristy_Vincent

I don't look at the app and try to teach it. I teach math and find an app that goes with it. - Go @ipadSammy !! 

Katherine Burdick ‏@iAppleLearner

From Graham of Learning Without Frontiers on QR Codes "just because it's digital doesn't mean it's good ;)" #mobile2012 

Twitter also is a GOOD source for free apps/websites

Tony Vincent ‏@tonyvincent

45 of these 60 educational iOS apps are free: http://tonyv.me/60a60m (via @ComputerExplore & @iPadSammy) 

TCEA ‏@TCEA

New free iOS app BrainPOP Jr. Movie of the Week is fun for students in grades K-3: http://bit.ly/KXsTc6

Through Twitter I found out about Daily Five- which revolutionized my literacy instruction this year.  My kids BEGGED for Daily Five time.  
Heidi Echternacht ‏@hechternacht For your reading pleasure: archive to tonights #kinderchat re: #daily5. Enjoy! http://ow.ly/6MuhO #kinderchat

And Symbaloo and the AWESOME #kinderchat mixes
Matt Gomez ‏@Matt_Gomez

Here is the link to the #kinderchat @symbalooEDU webmix of youTube songs to get them moving http://ow.ly/8UEZD

AND Wonderopolis
Jon Fines ‏@Mr_Fines

BTW @Wonderopolis is brought to you by the great people at @NCFLiteracy http://bit.ly/wmH2sQ #kinderchat

And my classroom families LOVED when I discovered how to use Facebook to connect and share daily what we were doing in class
Heidi Echternacht ‏@hechternacht

RT @Matt_Gomez: I use a closed group for my class FB page. Little more info here http://ow.ly/629wi #kinderchat

Resources too great to miss
Matt Gomez ‏@Matt_Gomez

Kids loved that THE author was rdg it RT @happycampergirl: The Kissing Hand B&N online storybook: http://ow.ly/6hbJf. #kinderchat

AND 
Tweeting is not just for adults- get your kinder kids involved next year- as I tweeted ealier it is a way to connect them with the world, give them authemtic reasons to read and write, an audience, and expose them to culture and diversity AND timezones!  
Great blog post about tweeting with kinders

more re K and tweeting

Another about tweets in K

Kathy R. Cook ‏@kathycook1

Guide to using Twitter in K-8 Classroom http://langwitches.org/blog/2011/08/27/guide-to-twitter-in-the-k-8-classroom/

Lastly, the laughs on Twitter are awesome when it's humor you totally get becasue it's from the kinder-universe:  Hint- look at the picture in the link!
Matt Gomez ‏@Matt_Gomez

Sometimes play is awkward http://ow.ly/i/nmvs worst part "Mr. Gomez you are the one on top" ... I changed tables after that #kinderchat 

 

So,  if you've been hesitant to join Twitter... I hope you'll dive in and discover it's amazing opportunities for connecting, learning, and especially teaching!  Follow some of the people I copied the tweets from @matt_gomez @tonyvincent @hechternacht @mr_fines @tcea and definitely check out #kinderchat on Monday nights or anytime for great kinderworld inspirations!

Tell me how you use it in your professional life and say hi on twitter: My accounts are @i_teach_k or @tweetsueh

Handwriting Apps part 2

Handwriting is on my mind again (see my previous post: Handwriting Apps) as summer has started and my children and I have 'appointments' together each day to work on some skills.  For my older boys, it's math facts and reading and writing.  For my 4 year old daughter, it's beginning writing and reading instruction.    The other day she was drawing a picture of her dance class friends and she wrote the names (copied off of a name chart I made) and I took dictation.   She is in the 'strings of letters' writing stage.   I believe children learn letters when they have meaning, so I always start focusing on letters in names.  'Look, Jessie and Brianna and Lily all have an i!'  While she was attempting her 's' I was thinking about the apps I've used in class for handwriting skill practice and I decided to hunt to see if there are any new additions... I found one on my iPad that I had downloaded and not used yet, and another was mentioned on Apps for Children with Special Needs (a4cwsn) and another I downloaded the other day when it was free (I think I saw it mentioned on Facebook or Twitter).  Be sure to read over my previous post about finding free apps.

Finding a good, inexpensive app can be time consuming.  There are lots of apps out there and not all are worth the space on your iDevice or cost.  In my opinion, a good app has to be better than the traditional pencil/paper handwriting book.  It should TEACH, MOTIVATE/be FUN, and offer FEEDBACK.  The ability to adjust the difficulty level is important. One feature I wish all handwriting apps included is the phonics connections.  Say the letter/sound as the child is tracing please!

 

I found Ready to Print, $9.99- iPad only- off a4cwsn.com and was intrigued by the 'prewriting' activities to help develop fine motor skills, as well as the feature of tracing the letter and then writing it on your own.   I requested a code (my iTunes balance is down to pennies now!) and they sent me one to try it out. It has 8 activities plus a free draw option.  Within each activity there are settings to make it easy or challenging (large or small letters, wide or narrow tracing lines)  I would recommend this app for 2-6 year olds as it is great for beginning concepts of printing and good practive of actual writing.  The cost is pretty high for an app I would recommend (especially for the classroom).  However, in perspective, a workbook would cost the same- doesn't give support and is a throw away after used... so in my opinion, it's certainly worth considering.  I will make a few suggestions for their next updates to the developers but this is a really great app already.  In picture 1 and 2, the student uses two fingers to pinch the primary colors together to make a tertiary color (or put a spider in a web).  3 shows the touch/tap with index finger to 'crack' eggs (and other cute actions).  4 has students visually discriminate and match shapes.  5 demonstrates the ability to track student progress- there can be at least two users- (no personal information other than name is collected) and 6 shows setting options.  There is the option to 'lock' the settings so user information can't be erased.  Additionally, there is a 'disappearing back button option' so students have to progress through levels without quitting after one or two). 

One of the best features of the app in my opinion, is the trace/then write option.  First the child stars where an arrow points and goes to the black dot.  If you stay in the line you get a higher accuracy score.  Then, on the right the child is encouraged to draw the line/letter they just practiced with help.  I did find it difficult to know where to begin again after making a mistake.  The sensor seemed a little touchy and was occasionally frustrating,   The developer has made several versions so I imaging/hope they will keep tweaking the app.  My suggestion is to add support/hints when a student pauses, or they are not accurate on where to start and which direction to go.

Little Writer, FREE  is created by Innovative Apps (Grasshopper/AlligatorApps) and I always like their CUSTOMIZABLE apps.  This app is no exception and is a really good free writing app (hint: go get it!).  It works on iPad/iPod/iPhone.  It has a simple homepage and options to write uppercase or lowercase letters, numbers, shapes and words.  Best part- you can add your own pictures/words for your child/students to trace. As you trace it says the letter name, (love that as my students are still learning letter names).  The only other app I've found that allows you to add your own words and have feedback/instruction is Write My Name $1.99, which I wrote about in the other handwriting post.

Repeated from previous post for new readers...

Perhaps you worry about kids learning letters using finger tips rather than pencil grips- I say don't!  You can make your own conductive iPad pens using old markers, conductive wire, conductive sponges and duct tape.  See my instructions, below from an earlier post.   I hadn't seen or heard of a sturdy, inexpensive stylus last fall so I made my own!  My students use them for writing with the iPad.  

 Link to blog post about making your own home-made, cheap, durable stylus.
 

If you're not big on DIY projects, there is a better looking, sturdy, and inexpensive option available now- the AppCrayon might be for you.

The shape of the AppCrayon is a gentle triangle, perfect for training youngsters into using the correct pencil grip.

The material feels like a soft rubber, and unlike my homemade stylus, is conductive from almost any area. AppCrayon