Posted in iPad, iTunes U, QR Codes, Roanoke County Schools, social studies, Video

Jamestown QR Codes at Clearbrook

Students in Mrs. Schlosser’s class used QR codes, iPads, and videos to explore Jamestown!  It was an adaptation of the geocaching activity I did with students last year.  This time, instead of finding boxes in the school yard with questions in them (it was way too cold), students scanned QR codes placed in the halls of the school.  The QR codes asked questions, and students used videos loaded on the iPads from HistoryIsFun.org to answer them.  We did learn it was important to spread the QR codes far enough a part so that student groups didn’t feel crowded by other groups.  They all had fun and learned about Jamestown too!

Posted in 21st Century Learning, Guidance, iPad, Projects, Roanoke County Schools

Being a Kind Friend (with Sock Puppets)

Mrs. Pettipiece used Sock Puppets with students in first grade to have them practice friendship skills (sharing, taking turns, being kind and poilite). Students had to share an iPad with a friend to create a puppet show. In their puppet show, students acted out scenarios, practicing good friendship skills.

Here are a few examples of their work!

Video Nov 18, 2 15 34 PM from elemitrt on Vimeo.

Video Nov 18, 2 17 52 PM from elemitrt on Vimeo.

Sock Puppet Friends 3 from elemitrt on Vimeo.

Cross posted on the Oak Grove Digital Library

 

 

Posted in iPad, Projects, QR Codes, Reading, Roanoke County Schools, Writing

A Wild, Wonderful World

Students in Mr. Ryder’s class embarked on a project allowing them to explore the world around Oak Grove Elementary, searching for hidden beauty and wonder.  It was based on the story Wild Shots, written by Tui De Roy for Ranger Rick magazine.  In the article, Tui shared her “Up-Close and Personal” approach to nature photography.  During a four session project, students used iPads to take pictures of things animals, plants, or anything that fascinated them.

They created descriptions about their pictures using the app, Popplet.  Then using the app Videolicious, they created a slide show with their pictures and descriptions.  On the final day of the project, they presented their slide show to the class.  To display them in the hall, they posted their popplets with QR code links to their videos.

 

Here’s one example:

Watch the example video here.

2-17

You can see all the project on the Oak Grove Digital Library, complete with Popplets and Videos!  Please take a look.  The kids are so proud of their work.

 

Posted in Ideas, iPad, Roanoke County Schools, Spanish

Spanish on iPads

I have had a few requests for good Spanish apps.  I haven’t found any I LOVE, but I did find something in iTunes U.  For those of you who took the last inservice, you know I professed a love for Boyne City Schools.  They have issued iPads to EVERY student, so they have tons of units in iTunes U that students can complete on the iPads.  And lo and behold…they have a 5th grade Spanish unit (but I think it would work for 3-5)!!  It has some great videos, and ideas for activities to do on the iPads. If you want to take a look on your teacher iPad, first download the iTunes U app.  Then search the catalog for Boyne City Schools.  The unit is called 5th Grade SPN Resources. Check out the other units while you’re there!
And, because of that unit, I found a new app that I love! It’s called FaceTalker!  It’s free, and could be used in any subject (or grade level).  I don’t like a couple of the available themes, but they aren’t too too bad, and I won’t download them on student iPads.  The idea is that you take a picture (with the camera or one you already have–think famous American), and then make the picture talk.  (It reminds me of a modern version of Blabberize).
Here the links to all these things (use your iPad to click on them):
I’d love some suggestions for good, kid friendly apps for Spanish that are free.  If you know of any, please let me know!
Posted in Guidance, iPad, Projects, Roanoke County Schools

Hands are for Helping


Kindergarteners have been learning about using their hands for helping while in Guidance class this month.  First, Mrs. Pettipiece read them the book, Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi, PhD.  Then students practiced identifying positive ways to use their hands. To end the lesson, students use the app, Story Kit, to take their own picture and record their voices describing ways they use their hands for helping.


Their final creations are below!  Turn up your volume and take a listen!

Mrs. White’s Class

Mrs. Fox’s Class

Mrs. Blankenship’s Class

Mrs. DeWeese’s Class

Cross Posted at Oak Grove Elementary Digital Archive.