iPads for Kindies at APS - Building Momentum

Engagement

Art Auction

This month our school is getting ready for an art auction in February. All the JK students are taking “still life” photos with iPads to sell at the auction. Pictures of stuffed animals such as frogs, ducks, and foxes are being taken against a background set up for that purpose. The SK students are also taking “nature” photos on the playground. These photos will be compiled and put into a large frame to be auctioned off. Funds will be used for a number of worthy purposes. Selections of pictures taken to date are set out below.

JK Photos

           

        SK Photos

   

Inquiring Minds

Tracking Student Engagement and Learning

This month, our Kindergarten students have begun their own inquiry “books” (writing journals). Each child has selected an insect or animal he/she would like to learn about. The Senior Kindergarten students roll our question dice (Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)  and ask questions related to their insect or animal during winter. We will be considering each of the seasons as we proceed through the inquiry. They have been quite independent in generating questions. A few samples of their thoughts are as follows: How do homeless cats keep their babies warm in the winter? How do owls search to get their food? Where do butterflies go in winter? The Junior Kindergarten students need adult support in varying degrees when formulating questions. The goal is for students to develop their ability to ask questions, find information to help them answer the questions they pose (with teacher assistance), and express their understanding artistically, in writing, and orally (dependent on developmental stage).

Apps

An app that is proving very useful in engaging students is RazKids. It has leveled books (fiction and non-fiction) and provides the option of reading text to the Kindergarten students. These books have bright, colourful pictures and animated audio. It has been necessary to review all the leveled non-fiction books and select those that might prove helpful to each student when working on his/her inquiry book. For example, books have been found on such wide ranging student choices as bats, ants, frogs, and whales. The Kindergarten students love reading the RazKids books and frequently are asking for more time to do so.

Challenges

The Kindergarten students are very keen on using iPads and many of them ask to do so daily. “Sharing” has proven challenging!  The SKs are very responsible when working with iPads – both in terms of treating them gently and in working on apps related to the Inquiry Question. The JKs need a good deal of guidance in caring for the iPads and much support is required in working on apps related to the Inquiry Question.

Next Steps

Next month we will continue to explore various apps relevant to our inquiry question and continue tracking student progress through the use of anecdotal notes, photos, videos, oral language checklists, and students’ journals as an expression of their understanding.