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.

A Technology Use Contract at Home

My family recently had a dinner discussion of ways to make a positive change with technology use and screen time at our house.  We followed Common Sense Media's 1:1 customizable contract and set some boundaries.  The difference has been astronomical and we are very happy to have time limits and clear expectations in our household of when, where, and for how long it is ok to be on technology.  Surprisingly enough, there haven't been any complaints from our children either.  They know the rules and since they were part of the decision making process they stand by them.  

Learning about Lee Kuan Yew

First grade students in Ms. Analu's class recently learned about Singapore's first prime minister in their Social Studies unit.  They have created Puppet Pal shows to share their learning about this amazing person!  Here are a few samples to watch!

Green Screen Weather Reports

Grade 2 level II mandarin students have been applying their new vocabulary and speaking skills to record weather reports for other countries.  Teachers used the app Green Screen by Do Ink to accomplish this learning 'apptivity' using an iPad.