Front Row for Math Practice

Grade 1 classes are trying out the app Front Row for Common Core Aligned Math Practice on the ipad.  Check out this short video of a screencast from when a student was using Front Row.

Book Creator for Strengths and Goals

In Grade 1, students have been busy preparing for the Strengths and Goals Conferences.  With our 1:1 iPad program, this preparation looked a little different than it has in years past and teachers were extremely positive about the change.

Students used the app Book Creator to document their strengths and goals.  This process allowed students to make an ebook with their voice recorded directly on the page (noted by the speaker symbols seen in the images below).  Teachers commented on the benefits of our younger students having such a powerful voice in what they want to share with their parents on their conference day as well as how valuable it is to hear them state their strengths and goals in their very own words.  They also noticed that students' engagement in the reflection process increased as well.

Using Popplet to Show Prior Knowledge of a Topic

Students in Mrs. Kelly's class used what they already know about a topic to think about words that might be in a book on that topic (prior/background knowledge).  With the app Popplet, students were able to make a mind map/web of words they already knew about their just right book's topic.  This is one way grade 1 students get their minds ready to read a book!  Below is a blog post from one of her students.

Blogging with Grade 1 Students

Students in first grade have started student-run blogs in their classrooms.  They are so excited to have voice and choice with the learning they share with their families.  Teachers have set up a teacher-managed blog that all of their students will post to during this school year.  They have used the Labels gadget so students can use their names as the label and easily get to all of their posts and learning throughout the year.  The app of choice is Easy Blogger, which makes blogging EASY!

Camera and Photos Apps Discovery Lesson

Grade 1 students had an opportunity to explore these two apps, Camera and Photos, and discover various functions such as; focusing the ipad camera, toggling to the square format, cropping, and rotating images. As adults, we may take these functions for granted, but for our youngest learners, having to discover these functions instead of being told where to tap can be quite a challenging task.  

Lessons that are developed in this manner motivate children to be problem solvers and independent thinkers.  Students are encouraged to Try 3 B4 Me and then I can either give a clue or lead them to learn from another student who has already discovered how an app works or getting a specific function in an app to work. 

  

A 1:1 Program

Grade 1 students are embarking on an ipad 1:1 program this year.  In order for them to personalize their devices and take ownership of the ipad, first graders designed their very own wallpaper!  Here are a few samples:

Grade 1 iPad User Agreement

First graders at SAS will be in a 1:1 program this year.  In order to be safe and responsible iPad users, these students are learning about certain agreements that we will follow.  We have used the catchy phrase iLEARN iPad Rules to help them remember some key skills when using their device.