Ipad love...

I will try and keep my ipad posts to about once a week...

Really, I will.

I know many of you are seriously craving this technology and don't have it available to you.  I also know that many of you have one/a couple/ or several ipads.  BUT the truth is the ipads are a huge part of my classroom this year; therefore, my blog must grow a little bit with me. 

We are officially 17 days into school...did I mean 70...know I guess 17 is right- so I want to share some valuable things I have learned so far:

1. Follow Smart Apps for Kids on facebook:

I can't tell you how amazing this facebook page is. They have the inside on when FABULOUS apps run free for a day or a few hours. I have gotten several Everyday Math games and many great ebooks. They also have a website where they rate apps. This website/facebook pack is an absolute must. 

2. Ipads motivate.

One of my best friends (3rd grade teacher) was admitting   discussing how she bribes her intervention kids to come into her classroom quietly with M&Ms.

I told her I had something way better than candy. I have ipads.

My classroom engagement has gone through the roof.

We use ipads to learn, demonstrate learning, and to extend our learning when we have mastered the current content.

We do not JUST play. 

We LEARN through PLAY.

3.  Rules are a must.

Just like anything else in my classroom, you stay within the simple guidelines and respect your classmates/me/our tools you are golden!

You lie or deceive me by getting into forbidden apps during work time, and just watch how quickly Mrs. King can delete every fun app on your device.

I have only had to do that with one student, but it has left a lasting impression :) 

(Do not feel bad for the student- he has opportunities to earn those apps back!)

4.  Sometimes it is absolutely worth it to purchase an app when free versions just aren't cutting it.

Just like we turn to sites like TPT when we are in need of some quality activities/lesson plans, sometimes the apps that cost money are just that good. I will be back soon with a post packed full of wonderful free apps!

Here are a few the apps that I love:

Click on the pictures to read full summaries and learn about costs.

1. Bugs and Bubbles- Math, Letters, and Games

  

2. Bugs and Buttons- Math, Letters, and Games

3. LetterSchool- Handwriting

4. Whiteboard Pro- To demonstrate Learning

5. Hungry Fish- Math

6. Wings- Math (groundwork for multiplication)

7. Teach Me- 1st Grade- ALL subjects

8. Lakeshore- Beginning sound game

9. ABC- Magnetic Land(better than free versions because of numbers, pictures, and lowercase letters)

10. Story Buddy- digital storytelling

It is officially 30 minutes past my bedtime (sadly 9:00) so I will be crawling up to bed now. Night night friends!