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Teach the Children. Love the Children. Change the World.

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July 21, 2013

iPad Tricks, Tips, and Apps for the Classroom

Teaching 5th grade one of those logistics I had to figure out was my class set of iPads. It is such a blessing, but I want to make sure they become a part of the fabric in my classroom…which means everyday use by students and teacher (me!). In order to do that, I need to learn from the pros – you!
iPad Trick and Tips

So, this spring, I successfully became THE meanest student teacher in the world thanks to Jessica Stanford and her ‘How to Lock an iPad’ tutorial. It is WONDERFUL! Check out the tutorial for locking iPads on specific apps here. This tool is gold and threw my first-grade friends for a loop. Warning – be prepared to hear the phrase “….but, Ms….it won’t let me out?!?!” a million times a day, to which you reply, “I know! Isn’t it great?!” No regrets, friends. No regrets.

QR codes are square barcodes that allow you to embed and read text, audio, video, or web links for FREE! To ‘read’ QR codes, install a QR Reader (for free) on your Android, iPad, iPhone, or Blackberry device. Then, with the reader on, hold your picture-taking device over the QR code until the text, video, audio, or website opens on your screen (as seen above). It’s that simple! I first used these awesome little squares this spring as students searched for those tricky /ar/ words! You can read more about how I plan on using QR codes (for reading comprehension, with subs, and online research) and grab a QR hunt freebie here.

If I could convince you to download 4 apps, these would be the winners. (1) Our lives are being transformed by the Common Core, so having it at your finger tips is a must! (2) NearPod allows teachers to create free interactive presentations that transmit to all the iPads/students in the room, so everyone is on the same page. Plus, throughout the presentation you can add questions/quizzes for quick check-ups to see if your students are getting a handle on the content. Plus, as the teacher you get instant (on-the-spot) feedback, so you can go back and reteach or move on! (3) Music is so important in the classroom and it’s my goal to make sure I use it regularly! This week at a Kagan training, we were told that during working times, music should be 60 beats per minute and during transitions, include music at 120 beats per minute….who knew?!? (4) I {heart} BrainPop….like I might cry if my school did not subscribe to it…really. Regardless if your school has a subscribtion, you can download this free BrainPop or BrainPop Jr. app that features a free video each week – SWEET!

Also, if you are looking for two more awesome reads about iPads and technology in the classroom, check out these two awesome bloggers – Tracee Orman and Katie King. Tracee has the best 1:1 Pinterest board I have EVER seen – for reals. There are all kinds of fantastic ideas, pictures, articles, and oodles of other ideas. Click here or the picture below to follow her board. Then, you have Katie King who has collected a whole list (well organized by category) of iPad resources. You can grab the list through her Facebook page here or using the picture below.

Well,
friends. I hope you have learned about a new resource or have a new idea for
this fall. It is going to be a great year and with preparation, (and crossed
fingers) our techy tools will run flawlessly! So, tell me , friends – what are your go-to tips, tricks, and favorites for your iDevices?

Join me for weekly classroom updates and free resources that are just-right for your guided math classroom!

Sweet! Thanks so much for joining me. Now check your email to confirm your address & snag your freebies. Happy Teaching! -Catherine

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Filed Under: 1:1 iPads, 5th Grade, Technology Tagged With: iPad, Technology

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Samantha says

    July 21, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    Who knew you could lock the iPad on a specific app?!? Thanks for sharing.

    :)Samantha

    Reply
  2. Mai Huynh says

    July 22, 2013 at 1:32 am

    Thanks for sharing…I didn't even know it was an option to lock the iPad to keep the kiddos on the app they're supposed to be on.

    -Mai
    Diary of a Grumpy Teacher

    Reply
  3. Fourth Grade Flipper says

    July 22, 2013 at 4:32 pm

    This post was so informative!! I pinned some things and really need to get organized. I had one iPad last year and will be getting three more this year! Are you hosting this linky once a month? Thank you for all the great tips! 🙂
    ~Holly
    Fourth Grade Flipper

    Reply
  4. The Sweetest Thing says

    July 24, 2013 at 12:25 am

    Makes me wish I was going to have iPads! We are piloting Google Chrome Books 🙂

    Lauren
    The Sweetest Thing
    Follow me on Bloglovin'!

    Reply

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My name is Catherine Reed, and I am in Year 10 of my elementary life, residing in small-town, Kentucky.  I student taught in 1st grade and never ...

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Sweet! Thanks so much for joining me. Now check your email to confirm your address & snag your freebies. Happy Teaching! -Catherine

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