Despite feeling a bit sluggish, the year is off to a great start. I love beginning a new year, it's so full of promise. While my position means that I mostly see the same kids for a few years in a row, they always come back from summer break a bit different. They look like they have grown a few inches, their hair is longer, and they have matured... :-). It's like getting a new class every year. And there are perks. I already know these kiddos. I know their strengths and struggles. I know what motivates them and what sends them over the edge. We have a relationship. And any good teacher knows that it's all about building strong relationships!
Sometimes relationships have glitches! Any good counselor will tell you that these glitches are necessary for a healthy relationship. I get that. I have been married for 23 wonderful years, and have 5 kids...I know all about glitches. Another perk...I have iPads this year. So, when we hit a 'glitch', I can always stoop to gadgets. It's kinda like offering a crying two year old a piece of candy to stop fussing. I know, it's really bad practice...but I'm human and sometimes I need that magical something to keep the peace. Sometimes that magical something is an iPad.
Of course I only use them for educational purposes. The kids love the apps I have and they are engaged, happy, and most importantly, learning! Shhh, don't tell them about the learning part. :-)
Some of my favs so far:
*Everyday Math games (we use the Everyday Math curriculum at school, so its a great way to link back to what's going on in the classroom)
*Evernote (this one is for me~love it for taking anecdotal notes)
*Doodle Buddy (students use their finger to draw or write on the whiteboard...I use it to practice letter formation)
*K12 Timed Reading (K-4 reading passages that are timed...easy for a quick and dirty fluency/rate check).
*Angry Birds (Ok, this one is for me...just wanted to see if you were really reading this)
Ok. Here is where you come in. I really want to know what applications you use and love. Either as teachers or parents. Please just take a quick minute to share one or two apps!
Some of my colleagues...being technical! |
~Cab Lover (sipping ice water, but anticipating some Kendall Jackson Cab).