iPad Mini for Class Learning Center

Funded Oct 6, 2015

My students love the new iPad Mini that you have so generously provided for my class! We use it often and in a variety of ways by taking advantage of the adaptability of the apps and online resources that are easily accessible. One of the many things young children benefit so much from is learning to read fluently and comprehend what has been read. It is a critical skill that second graders practice often. Having a book read aloud to them with a brief discussion of the story and lessons learned from the text is incredibly powerful. However, the stark reality is that many parents are too busy to sit down for a moment and read and discuss a book with their children. Even I don't have as much time as I would like in school to read aloud and discuss all the stories that I would like to. Enter the iPad... this amazing tool has allowed my students to quickly access online stories that they can listen to and often follow along with as an online video or eBook. After reading the book they ask one another prepared questions that help them better understand the story and its message. Some of my students are struggling readers. Fortunately, there are apps that help them with basic reading and decoding skills. This has been a welcome change to practicing with flash cards or magnet letters. Other simple ways we have used the iPad: research animals through text, video, and then create an eBook that reports on that animal using pictures, text, and video, use production and drawing apps to explain a math concept, play math facts games to get faster at adding and subtracting, watch a video of me explaining a concept or instructions as many times as needed to successfully complete a task, and share our learning with partners, parents, and teachers. Truly, the iPad has changed the learning environment in my classroom.

My students were very excited when we opened the box and pulled out the new iPad Mini. It was like Christmas! They all wanted a turn on the new one. We have been very fortunate to have access to six other iPad Minis and the addition of a seventh has been wonderful because it allowed for smaller groups to work with one machine. Before we received the new iPad, we were at 4 children to an iPad, now we nearly 3 children to an iPad and that means more engagement. My students are definitely most excited about playing math games and sharing their projects with others. They love positive feedback!

If there was one student who has grown the most from using the iPad regularly I would have to say it's been Alex. Alex is from a rather underprivileged family and struggles academically. Using the iPad to listen and follow along with stories, practice word sorting and reading, playing math games and sharing his work with others has increased his confidence and his abilities. If you were here, he'd probably be really shy and say a quiet "thank you", and then want to get right back to work on the iPad with his friends.”

With gratitude,

Mr. Sedgwick