predicting as Readers... using the Reading Booster iPad app

The First Grade Butterflies are learning about the comprehension strategy of predicting!

As readers, the first graders have been learning about the importance of predicting before and during reading to support their understanding.

Using the mentor text Emma Kate the Butterflies were introduced to the Reading a Booster iPad app!
The Butterflies explored the "predicting" option within the app to record predictions before reading using visual representations, typed text, and audio recordings.

the "predicting" option in the Reading a Booster iPad app mirrored on the SMARTBoard

a first grade reader records her prediction through a visual representation
-using the Reading Booster iPad app 

a first grade reader creates an audio recording to accompany the visual representation of her prediction
-using the Reading a Booster iPad app

self reflection- the iPad camera app

The First Grade Butterflies have been learning and applying strategies for speaking, active listening, and learning cooperatively and collaboratively with peers.

Using the video capability of the iPad camera, I videotaped the Butterflies during a variety of  experiences in which they were engaged in speaking, active listening, and cooperative and collaborative learning in whole class, partnerships, or small groups.

Using an AVG adaptor to mirror video segments on the SMARTBoard, the Butterflies self-reflected on their speaking, listening, cooperation, and collaboration skills.

The opportunity to view and hear themselves facilitated honest self-reflection that promoted students' recognition of strengths and skills for development.

sentence editing- with the Daily Sentence Editing iPad app

Composing complete sentences with accurate grammar, capitalization, and punctuation independently in writing are important skills for first graders development as writers.

Editing writing for accurate sentence structure, capitalization, and punctuation is a difficult skill for first graders.

The Daily Sentence Editing Grade 1 iPad app supports writers skills for composing and editing sentences!

The Daily Sentence Editing iPad app is utilized for instruction and demonstration (through mirroring on the SMARTBoard), guided application, and independent student application.

the Daily Sentence Editing Grade 1 iPad app mirrored on the SMARTBoard
during instruction and guided application

a first grader uses a stylus to edit capitalization and punctuation
-using the Daily Sentence Editing Grade 1 iPad app

a first grader self-checks the accuracy of an edited sentence
-using the Daily Sentence Editing Grade 1 iPad app

sentences- with the Sight Word Sentence Builder iPad app

The Sight Word Sentence Builder iPad app supports literacy development.

Using the customizable options and "levels" within the app, the First Grade Butterflies develop knowledge and understanding supportive of individual needs. 

Reassembling "cut up sentences" facilitates application of one to one correspondence, directionality, capitalization, punctuation, identification of high-frequency words, creation of meaning through written text, grammar, and sentence structure.

a first grader reassembles a "cut up sentence"
-in the Sight Word Sentence Builder iPad app level 4

a first grader checks the accuracy of a reassembled sentence
in the Sight Word Sentence Builder iPad app

leveled texts- HMH Readers iPad app

The First Grade Butterflies access a variety of fiction and non-fiction leveled texts for independent and/or partner reading through the HMH Readers iPad app.

The Readers reference a chart to identify texts that are "just right" for independent and/or partner reading.

The app is-can be utilized during guided reading instruction... using a book in digital format!

a 1st grader reads a "just right" book
-using the HMH Readers iPad app

1st grade Reading Partners
-post-reading and the HMH Readers iPad app

MQuiz Number Line- sequencing numbers

As Mathematicians, the First Grade Butterflies are developing their understanding of number sequence!

To support their development of strategies and skills for counting on and identifying numbers- the MQuiz Number Line app is used for guided and independent application.

The MQuiz Number Line app's capabilities to select number sequences (1-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-1000) and number of questions are used to individualize the application for each Butterfly based on his/her knowledge and Zone of Development for learning counting and number sequences!

a 1st grader identifies the missing number
-on a number line with number sequences between 50 and 100

a 1st grader uses the MQuiz Number Line iPad app
-to sequence numbers between 100 and 1,000

David Catrow and the iMovie iPad app

Through the generosity and support of The Mason Schools Foundation, First Graders at MECC spent an hour with author and illustrator David Catrow!

Prior to Catrow's visit, the First Grade Butterflies learned all about David Catrow as an author and illustrator!

The Butterflies learned how as an "illustrator"- David Catrow is a READER!  

He uses comprehension strategies to understand the meaning of the author's words to create visual images that convey the meaning through pictures!

The Butterflies read- explored- and examined many of David Catrow's books and works as an author and as an illustrator.

The Butterflies are Illustrators!

The first graders used comprehension strategies to create and understand the meaning of Alan Katz's words in the poem (song) of "I Don't Want to Do Homework" (one of Katz's poems illustrated by Catrow).  

   -the Butterflies did not view-explore-examine Catrow's illustration of the poem prior to illustrating-  to facilitate their own creation of meaning and visual text

The first graders created visual images that conveyed the meaning of the Katz's words and the meaning of the poem! 

I used the iMovie iPad app to record digital images of each Butterfly's illustration and to record audio of each Butterfly reading ("singing") the lines he/she illustrated.  I purchased and used an instrumental version of the song "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" as background music.  I used the "create a project" option in the iMovie app to create a multi-media presentation of the Butterflies' learning (view iMovie project through link below...)!

The Butterflies' "original" illustrations were on display in the MECC KIVA during Catrow's visit and presented to David Catrow as a gift of our appreciation as an important "mentor" in our learning!

click the video link below for-

"I Don't Want to Do Homework"

written by Alan Katz

illustrated and sung by the First Grade Butterflies

video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/M5ONg-X8x-I

A BIG THANK YOU to the Mason Schools Foundation for providing the first graders at MECC with the amazing opportunity to learn about, with, and from David Catrow!

the BEST iPad stylus for 1st graders...

After many many (unfortunately too many) broken styluses and money spent (unfortunately lots of money) on styluses- I finally found a stylus that is durable, cheap, and promotes a tripod pencil grip... the "short" Universal Capacitive Touch Screen Pen!

I cut off the string and jack insert (to prevent play).

Most importantly- the first graders love the styluses and initiate use with the iPad! YEAH!


     Bundle of 10 Colorful Short Stylus Universal Capacitive Touch Screen Pen for Ipad 1 2 3 Ipod Iphone 4 4S 3g 3gs Motorola Xoom Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 1 [Wireless Phone Accessory]    

"short" universal capacitive touch screen stylus pens