The Verdict Is In...

iPads...good for first grade or not...that is the question. I have absolutely embraced this piece of technology. My kids have loved every minute of reading, math, spelling, and writing practice with the iPads. I have enjoyed the plethora of apps so much, I bought my own iPad to use for instruction. The possibilities are endless.



For the kids, being able to touch the screen is the piece that has been missing. Now they can do so with the iPads and our new Now!Board. For me, the best part of using the iPad to teach is the ability to photograph something, draw all over it as I explain the concept, and record what I am doing. The iPad projects beautifully when connected to an LCD projector. If a student misses my lesson, I can play my recording for him or her. If a student is absent, the lesson can be emailed home.



It seems like there is a new app every day. The downside to this wonderful invention is all the two dollar apps I keep purchasing. They (app) up after awhile!! There are some great freebies too. Last night's discovery was...National Geographic Explorer. The images, sound, and motion make you feel like you are right there.



If you don't have iPads in your elementary classroom, find a way to get some. I am going to be searching for a way all summer. I can't imagine having to give the five I was loaned back!

Now! Board Has Arrived!

Today our afternoon plans quickly changed when Mrs. Burgess arrived in our classroom with a package. The kids started cheering. They have been waiting for this new piece of technology. We are very lucky to have an assortment of computers in our classroom. We also have five iPads on loan. We have an LCD projector and a document camera but...the Now! Board is special because the kids can now participate during whole group demonstrations. Today once I got things up and running with the help of the kids and Ms Armstrong, we played an online math game. Each student got to walk up to the whiteboard and roll the dice. Then each child was able to find a number combination to match the sum. Later we will use this interactive piece of technology to write, read, label for science, and do lots of math activities. Thanks again Berlin City Auto Group for your generous donation!

 

 

Thorne Head

We hiked with Mrs. Kennedy's class to Thorne Head. Students in grade one make this yearly pilgrimage as part of their water habitat studies. Along the way they get to observe and explore a fresh water marsh, a vernal pool, and look out over the mighty Kennebec River. Students used their senses to observe plants and animals as well as the differing bodies of water. Thanks to all the moms who took time from their busy day to hike with us