Technology for Little Learners

Allowing our youngest learners access to technology is so important in today's classrooms. These students are digital natives, and many are using tablets and other devices each day in their homes. Teaching them how to use these devices as tools to create, make and do (rather than just play and watch) can be important part of their day. I loved providing my kindergartners with access to iPads as a way to document their learning, take pictures of their creations, and share their voices as they told me stories or read books aloud. Publishing this work to an authentic audience and sharing with parents was a beloved and essential part of our routine in kindergarten.

Teachers often ask me what some of my favorite apps to use with young learners (K-2) are. Here is a list of my Top 5 Favorites. You can see a more extensive list in this Participate Learning Collection.

Seesaw

This digital learning journal has embedded tools and allows students to publish both digital and physical work to an authentic audience. I love that parents can connect and see their students' work. Projects that students make in all of the other apps below can be published to Seesaw and shared with classmates and parents. FREE!

Classkick

Classkick allows teachers to create assignments, then watch students complete the assignments and give feedback in REAL TIME. This is awesome! Easy to create assignments from scratch or from PDF files teachers already have, as well as provide differentiated work to students. FREE!

 

Book Creator

One of the first apps I started using with my kindergartners is still one of my favorites. Can be used across all subject areas and grade levels. Allows students to create their own books including text, voice, images, drawings and other embedded items, plus publish to an audience. $4.99 (WORTH IT!)

PicCollage Edu

This kids version of PicCollage allows students to create collages using text, drawing, photos, and web search. Students use their creativity to share what they know. $1.99

Apple Clips

Students are able to make videos to share their learning using easy-to-use video editing tools, voice text, stickers, posters and music. Excellent for how-to videos or to publish research. FREE