Let's Talk Teacher Technology (and get some FREEBIES!)

Hey y'all!  Let me say...I am the first to admit that I am not that tech-y.  Most of the time I really feel like I'm learning on the fly...this year though I made a teacher goal of using and incorporating more technology in my classroom for instruction.  We have an online component with our math curriculum that I use daily and I am feeling pretty confident there.  However, I really wanted to start utilizing our building's class set of iPads.  We are blessed with a cart of 30 iPads that a teacher can check out for a block of time every day.  Last year, I avoided this cart like the plague....I was unsure how to use them for instruction as opposed to just something to 'play with'.  With the help of a colleague (my daughter's teacher actually!) I'm learning a few new tricks of trade and have begun to feel comfortable enough to try a few things here and there.  One of my absolute favorite apps to do with my kids is Nearpod.  Have you heard about it?

Nearpod is a FREE website/app that allows teachers to create and download interactive multimedia lessons.  There are several lessons already created by educators for free or to purchase that cover a wide variety of skills.  Once a lesson is downloaded on the teacher's computer, laptop or iPad, teachers can "start a live session".  When this happens a teacher is given a code like the one below.

Students then open the app on their iPad, enter the code given to them by the teacher and type in their name.  This part takes a little time for kindergartners to do, but with every lesson we are getting faster!

Once students are logged in the lesson shows up on their device.  The best part?  THEY CANNOT SWIPE THEIR SCREEN TO MOVE ON.  You have to change the slide on your device for students to move on.  They only see the slide you want them to.  No, "I'm on the wrong page!"  Whew! 

Depending on the lesson, there are a variety of different interactive features.  Students can write on their screen, select from multiple choice answers or match objects.  After they are finished answering whatever questions are asked, they can submit their answers to the teacher.  They do this by simply hitting send (the box at the bottom) and confirming yes.  

The teacher's screen then looks like this.  Each child who is logged in is displayed on the screen.  While they complete their work their personal box says 'awaiting drawing'.  (I was testing this with my Madi which is why there is only one name.  Normally I would have 22.)

Once a student sends me their work, I can see exactly how they did on my screen and give instant feedback.  HOW.  COOL.  IS.  THAT?

Madi's work....

Now it's on my screen...

My students love Nearpod and my daughter is CONSTANTLY asking to do it at home.  I can use it as a formative to see how students are progressing on a skill, while giving instant feedback, and it's fun!  One thing I noticed was lacking when searching lessons, were kindergarten friendly, CUTE, skills based activities.  So...I made one!  This Thanksgiving themed sight word activity targets 12 sight words where students practice reading the word, finding it, and writing it.  I haven't created a seller's account yet...I'm dipping my toe in the Nearpod water...but I would love to share what I created with you all!  If you would like to try out Nearpod, or if you already use it and need a fun free lesson for this week, click on the picture below to check out this one!  I really hope you enjoy it!

If you aren't totally on the technology bandwagon yet, you still deserve a freebie!  I whipped these handwriting sheets up for my kiddos to use in the handwriting center this week.  THEY LOVE THEM.  I print them on card stock and stick then in dry/erase pockets and add a dry/erase marker - instantly handwriting is more fun!  I included all capital and lowercase letters, numbers 1-10, Thanksgiving themed words and sentences, and a spot to practice their name.  Click on the picture below to download!