I think that an iTouch and iPad are great tools to use in the classroom. There are tons of applications that can be downloaded and used at your fingertips! These days students are enthralled with handheld video games and I think that using this type of technology for educational purposes is a great way to keep students "entertained" while learning at the same time.
I have an iPhone and have had one for a few years. I still find it to be a great resource. There are apps to download for just about everything you can think of! I downloaded an app to track my pregnancy week by week and I now have an app I use to track the feedings for my baby. Even after having an iPhone all this time, I still have "wow" moments with all of its capabilities.
One of the free apps I enjoyed viewing was the "ABC Phonics Animals Free Lite -Talking & Spelling Alphabet Flashcards." It's an interactive way of using flashcards and pictures to help children learn spelling, letters and sounds.
Another app I viewed was "ABA Flash Cards - Alphabet By Kindergarten.com." Not only is this great for helping students learn the letters of the alphabet, but it's also a great way to help them build vocabulary.
These tools can be used for great resources in the classroom. They can be used in small and whole group, in literacy and math stations, and even for research projects.
I love the iTouches too. I've loaded several free apps onto our library iTouches including the ABC Phonics Animals one that you mentioned. I plan to incorporate more formal library lessons on the iTouches next year and would love to hear of any other suggested apps you've come across that would be appropriate for your Kindergarteners. Isn't this fun?!?
ReplyDeleteMillie