Top 5 Favorite Apps

So as I sit here working on the presentation I was asked to do by my administrator for our staff, I try to think back at apps that have worked for me in my classroom.  I have had many apps that I have introduced to my students that they absolutely love.  I will give you the top 5 apps in my classroom.  If you have any favorite apps that you use, leave a comment.  I am always looking for different apps to share with my co-workers.

1. Screen Chomp (free) & Show Me (free)

           

TEACHER USE: Ever had to reteach something and not have enough time to do it?  Using Screen Chomp, you can record the lesson you would like to reteach and have your students play them to review.  Videos can be saved on the iPad and students can go and view the list of recording created by you.  Another similar app is Show Me. 

STUDENT USE: Have a student that is struggling?  You can have your students workout a skill they are struggling with on Screen Chomp for you to view.  With the recording, you will not only see the way your students are working out the problems, but you can also record their voice and hear them work out their problem. 

2. Toontastic (free & $12.99 All Access)


Take classroom books to a new level.  Toontastic brings the Story Arc to life for your students.  In setting up their cartoon students are asked to add a setting and characters to bring their story to life.  Students can choose from backgrounds and characters on the app or create their own backgrounds and characters.  Students can record their scenes and create a story and upload to share on ToonTube with family, friends and others across the world.

3. Sock Puppets (free 30 sec recording & $3.99 complete)



TEACHER USE: Since the free version is only 30 seconds long, this serves as a perfect way to introduce a station or assignment to a student. 

STUDENT USE: Another great way to bring students writing to life.  No longer are students dragging their feet with their writing.  Students are allowed to bring their writing to life when they are done with Sock Puppets.  Students can work alone or with a partner.  They record themselves retelling the story and when your student is done, their voice is animated making their story even more fun. 

4.  Little Story Maker (free)















If you have not discovered this app yet, you are in for a treat.  Not only does this app allow you to create classroom books and record them as you read your book, but it highlights the words as it reads the book back to you.  After you have created the book, you have three options to hear the book:  Read to Me, Read Myself & Auto Play. 

5. Class Dojo



This is more of a teacher app than student app, however, my students love this app and so do I.  Students earn or lose points depending on their behavior.  When students earn points they hear a ding that lets them know that someone or the class has been caught on task.  When students or the class lose a point they hear a dong.  The noises are enough to keep students on task.  Students then cash out at the end of the week and use their points to earn privileges in the classroom. 

Don't forget to leave a comment with your the top app in your classroom.  Remember to tell me what grade you teach and what your kids love about it.