I have been so excited about the free interactive books for the iPad that Collins Big Cat provides for our early readers. These are more than just books that read out loud. Students will enjoy the activities. There is even a story creator with the ability to record audio to tell your story.
I've been working with a group of AMAZING pre-k through 2nd grade teachers to design technology integrated lessons that are aligned with core curriculum. Shadow Puppet EDU has been one of my favorite apps since the day I discovered it. It's an app that can be used for any content.
Here is an example of what a 4 year old can create with Shadow Puppet. This student illustrated the parts of a plant with another app and used Shadow Puppet to share what he learned.
One of the key pieces of our meetings is to really evaluate all of the apps we will be recommending. We want to answer the questions we know every teacher will ask us. It's important to do this before the pre-k and kinder teachers on our title elementary schools become part of a beautiful iPad roll out. We want them to be just as excited as we are about the learning that will take place.
"Can we turn off the web image search in Shadow Puppet?" asked a teacher in our meeting. Since we are planning on creating with Pre-K students, I don't know why I've never asked that question myself. She looked into the settings and there it was! Beautiful, the answer to all of our pre-k and kindergarten worries. A teacher can turn off the web search when students are working independently to share what they have learned. A teacher can enable the web search for guided or modeled searches as
early learners are introduced to digital citizenship and searching
on-line.
I love that the creators of Shadow Puppet EDU have thought of everything. You can undo a recording per page, re-record the whole thing, you can share easily, and even share with parents using their SeeSaw Class and SeeSaw Parent App.
How To-
1. Go to the settings app on your iPad
2. Scroll down till you find the Shadow Puppet App Icon and click on it.
3. Disable the web image search and/or the Edu image search if needed.
I've had a lot of teachers asking me to share my favorite eBookresourcesfor elementary students with them. I hope you love them as much as I do!
1. Starring You Story Books
for the iPad or Starring You Story Books on the computer- Make your students the main character of the most entertaining stories
ever! Teachers will enjoy reading these stories to their students. If
you are a teacher, you can apply for free access to Storybots learning resources! Apply now, it's a must! Triple YAY!!!!
2.wegivebooks
- You will find amazing eBooks to read with your students. Create an
account and begin to enjoy free eBooks that will work on your laptop and
computer. eBooks have an age recommendation, easy search options, and
there are titles available in Spanish. This is a free resource for everyone!
3. StoryLineOnline
- StoryLine Online is a collection of great books that are being read
aloud. The Screen Actors Guild Foundation records well-know actors
reading children's books and makes graphically dynamic videos so that
children around the world can be read to with just a click of a
Storyline Online video book image. An activity guide is available for
each book. StoryLine Online works on the computer and iPad.
4. EPIC! eReader
App or use the web version at EPIC!- Here is a great collection of eBooks that are FREE for educators.
There are a variety of books for elementary age students. Some stories include audio. You will need to create an educator account to share great books with your
students. This is also a great resource to share with parents and
families. With a promo code you can share with parents, the family will
gain free access for 2 months.
Collins Big Cat: Playing Story Creator
