As you may know, I’m a HUGE tech nerd. I love gadgets and gizmos of all types for my classroom! I am super fortunate to work in a district where technology is embraced and encouraged.
In each of our classrooms, we have a set of six iPads. I use our iPads during Daily 5, as well as during our Math time. There are so many great apps out there that it can be overwhelming! So here’s a list of my favorite apps for the classroom!
First up is my very own app, Smart Cookie Math! In my classroom, we use the Smart Cookie Math paper and pencil program to work on our math fact fluency. Parents were always asking, “How can I help my child at home?” In this digital age, an app was my solution!
The app mirrors the program exactly! So, when a child may need some extra practice on Level 6, they can use Level 6 on the app to squeeze in a little practice!
You can read more about my Apps {here}
Just a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned a great reading app, Rhyme to Read.
You can read my post about it {here}. Make sure to check out their website to learn more! It’s a phenomenal app at a great price!
When I was at the EdExpo in Atlanta last month, I was fortunate to meet the amazing creator of the Touchtronic apps, Duncan! He was so humble about this incredible system!
Basically, you tap the letters and numbers directly onto the iPad to play games and create numbers and words. It’s amazing!
You can read more about it on my blog {here} or head over the Junior Learning website for the letters {here} and the numbers {here} This app will seriously BLOW your mind!
During Daily 5 time, my students “read the newspaper” each day through the News-O-Matic app. Every evening, a new digest is delivered to our iPads. It’s filled with five headline news stories…but in a very kid-friendly format. I LOVE hearing the students discuss the news!
There are multiple editions to choose from for various grade levels. Check out their website {here} or the app {here}
During Math time {after students have finished their “work” for the day} they are allowed to use the iPads for Math games.
One great app is called Kodable. It’s a programming curriculum to use with early elementary students. What I love is that students can begin their program in the computer lab {or at home} and continue their progress on the iPad. Check out their website {here}
I’m sure most of you have heard of RAZ Kids but just in case, it’s worth mentioning how fabulous it is! To use this app, you must already subscribe to RAZ Kids.
The RAZ Kids App is filled with TONS of leveled books. You can assign students to a specific bookshelf. From there, they can have a story read to them, read it on their own, take quizzes, and even record their reading! This is well worth the price tag!
Do you remember those fun magnetic letters we all had on our fridges growing up? Well, here’s the 2015 version of Magnetic Letters! I give my kids a list of sight words and let them go crazy!
I’ve mentioned that we use Everyday Math for our curriculum. The best part of this curriculum are their games they have embedded into the program!
A few years ago, they added digital versions of those games! My favorite is Top-It, but they have a huge list! Even if you don’t use this program, the apps are great reinforcement for basic math concepts!
And lastly, who can forget the Osmo! We love ALL of the apps for Osmo! I’m so excited to get the kids started on their latest, Masterpiece this week! Yippee!
Do you have apps that you can’t live without? Leave me a comment – I’m always looking for new apps to check out!
Slainte!
