I have Pages and Quickoffice both on the iPad. I used Pages at first because it was what HPEC bulk purchased and was happy with it. But, it certainly has limitations; formatting is an issue. I do like the ease of saving and retrieving documents created in Pages. Then, I got Quickoffice and it is much better. Quickoffice has not only word document capability, but it also includes Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF document sections. Because Quickoffice incorporates the programs I use most on the computer and they transfer to the iPad, it has become the app of choice. Students already know how to create Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, and PDF files so there is no time taken from their learning time to apply skills to using the app.
A new app that our art teacher recently introduced us to is called "simplemind+". It is a graphic organizer, more of a bubble map. It is a free app. When you start a new mind map it gives you a circle to type the information in. Then it gives you a (+) sign to add a new circle around it. You can add circles around the main one or add circles around other circles. Each circle is a different color which adds to the visual aspect of it. I have not had the chance to use it much with my students, I have been playing around with it myself!
Write My Name is a great app for teaching our little ones how to write their name. It is not a free app but was well worth the money. You type in the student’s name and choose the type of letters you use like Zanier-Bloser or D’Nealian. Then you also record the student’s name. When the app opens they learn how to trace their name using correct letter formation and then when they are done tracing it will say their name to them.
This sounds like a great app! I can think of at least 3 brand new little ones we just worked with this year, and the comments between teachers and I going something like, "We can't even pronounce this kid's name... How on earth is this little 4-year old going to write it?!?!" We'll just have to try Write My Name =)
I have used an app called SimpleMind. Students used it as a prewriting activity. Students would write a thinking map using the app and then use it to actually write their paper. This app worked well and the kids were engaged with what they were writing. I think we could expand on it and actually use it as a cause and effect or other thinking maps.
I like the idea of the Write My Name app to try with lower kids.
I have downloaded two basic writing apps: one that teaches writing numbers, one for writing letters from ABC Academy. The students traces the numbers or letters. I have a functional student that needs to learn to write his name and his parents want him to write his numbers to 10. These gives another way to practice this skill.
One basic writing app that I have downloaded is called Vehicle Numbers. It is a very basic number tracing app that is great for little boys because it has cars and trucks and firetrucks. It is kind-of noisy though! Handwriting without Tears also has an iPad app that is very good if your school is using that handwriting program.
The National Center for Learning Disabilities posted an entire list of apps geared towards students with dysgraphia and writing difficulties. A few were some I'd already heard of (i.e. Dragon Dictation, Pages, SoundNote), but there were NUMEROUS others I didn't even know existed. Here's the website:
I'd definitely say it's worth your time to take a look. Also, in the comments section, several people have given additional apps that they've found helpful (OneNote, HeardApp, Modmath, etc.). It blows my mind how much information there is about this!!!
I still like Kidspiration/Inspiration for helping students brainstorm and organize their thoughts for writing, and now their is an app with a lite version. There are also Apps now for Spelling City - with new additions for vocabulary practice.
I have Pages and Quickoffice both on the iPad. I used Pages at first because it was what HPEC bulk purchased and was happy with it. But, it certainly has limitations; formatting is an issue. I do like the ease of saving and retrieving documents created in Pages. Then, I got Quickoffice and it is much better. Quickoffice has not only word document capability, but it also includes Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF document sections. Because Quickoffice incorporates the programs I use most on the computer and they transfer to the iPad, it has become the app of choice. Students already know how to create Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, and PDF files so there is no time taken from their learning time to apply skills to using the app.
ReplyDeleteA new app that our art teacher recently introduced us to is called "simplemind+". It is a graphic organizer, more of a bubble map. It is a free app. When you start a new mind map it gives you a circle to type the information in. Then it gives you a (+) sign to add a new circle around it. You can add circles around the main one or add circles around other circles. Each circle is a different color which adds to the visual aspect of it. I have not had the chance to use it much with my students, I have been playing around with it myself!
ReplyDeleteWrite My Name is a great app for teaching our little ones how to write their name. It is not a free app but was well worth the money. You type in the student’s name and choose the type of letters you use like Zanier-Bloser or D’Nealian. Then you also record the student’s name. When the app opens they learn how to trace their name using correct letter formation and then when they are done tracing it will say their name to them.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great app! I can think of at least 3 brand new little ones we just worked with this year, and the comments between teachers and I going something like, "We can't even pronounce this kid's name... How on earth is this little 4-year old going to write it?!?!" We'll just have to try Write My Name =)
DeleteI have used an app called SimpleMind. Students used it as a prewriting activity. Students would write a thinking map using the app and then use it to actually write their paper. This app worked well and the kids were engaged with what they were writing. I think we could expand on it and actually use it as a cause and effect or other thinking maps.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the Write My Name app to try with lower kids.
I have downloaded two basic writing apps: one that teaches writing numbers, one for writing letters from ABC Academy. The students traces the numbers or letters. I have a functional student that needs to learn to write his name and his parents want him to write his numbers to 10. These gives another way to practice this skill.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I have a little one coming to me next year that is going to need something like this. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteOne basic writing app that I have downloaded is called Vehicle Numbers. It is a very basic number tracing app that is great for little boys because it has cars and trucks and firetrucks. It is kind-of noisy though! Handwriting without Tears also has an iPad app that is very good if your school is using that handwriting program.
ReplyDeleteThe National Center for Learning Disabilities posted an entire list of apps geared towards students with dysgraphia and writing difficulties. A few were some I'd already heard of (i.e. Dragon Dictation, Pages, SoundNote), but there were NUMEROUS others I didn't even know existed. Here's the website:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-students-ld-dysgraphia-writing-difficulties
I'd definitely say it's worth your time to take a look. Also, in the comments section, several people have given additional apps that they've found helpful (OneNote, HeardApp, Modmath, etc.). It blows my mind how much information there is about this!!!
I still like Kidspiration/Inspiration for helping students brainstorm and organize their thoughts for writing, and now their is an app with a lite version. There are also Apps now for Spelling City - with new additions for vocabulary practice.
ReplyDelete