Using Appropriate Tools in Kindergarten

Introduction:

In our school, we have 1:1 iPads in Pre-K-12th grade. Since the pandemic, we have been using technology more than ever in the classroom. Students coming into kindergarten are more aware of how to utilize iPads since they have been exposed to them in Pre-K. Kindergarten students must be able to use grade level appropriate apps and games when using an iPad. Students will have a chance to use iPads to close achievement gaps. We waste a lot of time trying to play games that sometimes are not on their level.

Learning Goals:

1. Learners will identify appropriate apps and games.

2. Learners will explore apps and games to see if they are grade level appropriate.

3. Learners will collaborate and explore content of apps and games on iPads.

Desired Results:

Students will be able to:

1. Evaluate apps and games and conclude if they are appropriate.

2. Chose appropriate apps and games and model behavior to peers.

Audience:

Kindergarten students at Alamo Elementary. They have 1:1 iPads that they are allowed to take home and bring back to school daily.

Outline:

BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) – Overarching Course Goal

Learners will choose and use appropriate tools to enrich learning and personalize learning.

Multiple weeks:

-Seesaw will be used as the chosen LMS. Students will be able to draw, speak, record video, upload a picture, write, watch videos, and complete assignments.

-Heart Map chart (we will fill in as we learn things)

*add apps or games that we know we can use and are appropriate.

Week 1: Introduction to Seesaw

-Introduce the Seesaw homepage. This will be an activity in Seesaw where students watch a video about the homepage and how to access assignments. After watching the video, students will circle the happy face or sad face to let teacher know if they feel comfortable with the homepage.

-Complete assignments in Seesaw that explore the tools in the program (how to draw, write, move objects, etc.). This week will be all about exploring Seesaw and having fun with it.

-At the end of the week students will pause and reflect, they will choose to upload something on Seesaw to demonstrate how they feel about using Seesaw.

-Add Seesaw to Heart Map chart that will be visible in the classroom. By adding Seesaw to the Heart Map chart, students understand it is a suitable app to use on their iPad.

Week 2: Exploring/differentiating grade level appropriate apps

-Students will explore the apps BrainPopJr and BrainPop.

-Teacher will explain the difference between BrainPop and BrainPopJr. Both apps are available in their iPads, but BrainPopJr is appropriate for their level.

-At the end of the week students will pause and reflect, they will upload reflection on Seesaw (they choose illustration, photograph, writing, ect.) to demonstrate how they feel about using the app introduced this week.

-Add BrainPopJr to our class Heart Map chart.

Week 3: Math and science app

- Students will explore the app Waterford.

-Waterford will be introduced this week. It will be used during intervention time.

-At the end of the week students will pause and reflect, they will upload reflection on Seesaw (they choose illustration, photograph, writing, ect.) to demonstrate how they feel about using the app introduced this week.

-Add Waterford to our Heart Map chart.

Week 4: Modeling good behaviors while using iPads

-This week students will be on the lookout and modeling how to use iPads and content appropriately.

-Istation will be introduced as an app that can be used during literacy stations. Discussion about appropriate apps that can be used during literacy stations will also be a focus.

-During this week students will take pictures of themselves or of a friend they see using an app correctly. They will take a picture, add a voice recording of what they witnessed, and upload it to Seesaw. Teacher will share with class several examples.

-At the end of the week students will pause and reflect, they will upload reflection on Seesaw (they choose illustration, photograph, writing, ect.) to demonstrate how they feel about using the app introduced this week.

-Add Istation to our Heart Map chart.

Week 5:

-Reflection week.

-Teacher will facilitate discussion of how students felt on the use of apps and games introduced.

-Students will take a picture of Heart Map chart and share it on Seesaw as part of their reflection. They will reflect on which apps they enjoyed the most and why. This is a chance to also voice frustrations.

-Teacher will analyze data from programs used to see if learning was impacted by using programs these past few weeks.

-Teacher will review reflections and decide what other games or apps to use moving forward.