A Quest for Apps

Hi, this is Brandi from The Research Based Classroom. One thing I didn't think much about when I decided to move from first to fifth was resetting up my iPads. So I started on a quest to find some great apps for fifth grade. It was a little harder than I thought it would be. First off, when looking for apps for first grade I found a great blog called Best Math Apps and Websites for PreK, Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade. I found some great things for first grade there. You can see a blogpost I wrote about some of my favorite math apps I found on the site here. I really thought I would find something like that for fifth grade... but no such luck. However, I did find some really great free apps that I want to share with you.

Did you know that the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) makes apps? Free apps!

1. Pick-a-Path: Uses powers of ten, negative numbers, fractions, decimals and more. 7 different levels each with 7 different puzzles.
2. Equivalent Fractions: Create equivalent fractions and match them to their location on a number line.
3. Math Concentration: Play alone or with a partner to match whole numbers, shapes, fractions or multiplication facts to equivalent representations.
4. Deep Sea Duel: Play alone or with a partner to collect numbers that will reach a specified sum. This game not only has 10 levels, but it gets harder as you become more successful. It also has a negative rational number option.

The Math Learning Center has some great electronic manipulatives too. Also all for free.

1. Number Rack: This app is probably more for younger grades, but I'm leaving it on the iPad. You never know. It is a virtual Rekenrek, which is my favorite math tool in first grade.
2. Geoboard: Think perimeter, area, fractions, angles & more!
3. Number Pieces Basic and Number Pieces: These two apps use base ten pieces. Students can also record and label their thinking and work on the app. Number Pieces is the more advanced version and it has additional features for representing larger numbers, and for multiplication, and division.
4. Number Line: Visualize number sequences and model strategies for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
5. Number Frames: At first I thought this was more for lower grades. But custom frames can be made to help visualize factors, products, fractional parts & more.
6. Pattern Shapes: Explore fractions and geometry in a multitude of ways.

Pattern Shapes

Number Line

Number Pieces

Number Pieces

My quest isn't over yet, I'm still looking for some great apps. I'd love to hear about your favorite apps!

A few Apps that will make your job easier

Hello Friends from Who's Whoville.  

I'm Deniece from This Little Piggy Reads.

Teachers are always sharing APPS that will help student achievement and increase engagement. Don't get me wrong, I love those, I even collect them.  But, today I want to share a few APPS that might make your job as a teacher a little easier. Disclaimer: I am NOT representing any of the following companies, nor am I being reimbursed financially in any way. 

So, the first APP I am excited to share is Running Record Calculator.  If you do Running Records, you know that they can be time consuming, but a necessary evil.  Running Record Calculator has a FREE & paid version.  The paid version costs about $4.  The major difference I notice is that you can email the results of the paid APP. You could train parents and volunteers to use this APP.  This will definitely cut down on your time with tedious math.  I think it's worth the $4 investment.

Stick Pick is a really cool APP that replaces the buckets full of craft sticks (that somehow end up on the floor daily).  It also has an amazing feature...it gives you Question Stems (ESL, Bloom's, etc...).  It also lets you track data...YES, you heard me!  TRACK DATA.  I think $4 is a bargain for this APP.  

This last APP is called Air Projector.  If you don't have an ELMO (like me), this will be your new BFF, I promise.  It allows you to project what is on your iPhone or iPad to your computer screen, thus onto your projector.  Yes, I know....it's wonderful, but wait...it's FREE!!  

This Little Piggy wants to know, have you found any APP's that help with your job?

My Favorite Apps for the Classroom!

Hello there! It's Molly from Lucky to Be in First! As you may know, I'm a HUGE tech nerd. I love gadgets and gizmos of all types for my classroom! I am super fortunate to work in a district where technology is embraced and encouraged.

In each of our classrooms, we have a set of six iPads.  I use our iPads during Daily 5, as well as during our Math time. There are so many great apps out there that it can be overwhelming

Today, I'm sharing my list of favorite apps in the classroom!

First up is my very own app, Smart Cookie Math! In my classroom, we use the Smart Cookie Math paper and pencil program to work on our math fact fluency.  Parents were always asking, "How can I help my child at home?" In this digital age, an app was my solution!

 The app mirrors the program exactly! So, when a child may need some extra practice on Level 6, they can use Level 6 on the app to squeeze in a little practice!

You can read more about my Apps {here}

A great reading app is Rhyme to Read.
You can read my post about it {here}. Make sure to check out their website to learn more! It's a phenomenal app at a great price!

When I was at the EdExpo in Atlanta last month, I was fortunate to meet the amazing creator of the Touchtronic apps, Duncan! He was so humble about this incredible system!

Basically, you tap the letters and numbers directly onto the iPad to play games and create numbers and words.  It's amazing!

You can read more about it on my blog {here} or head over the Junior Learning website for the letters {here} and the numbers {here} This app will seriously BLOW your mind!

During Daily 5 time, my students "read the newspaper" each day through the News-O-Matic app. Every evening, a new digest is delivered to our iPads. It's filled with five headline news stories...but in a very kid-friendly format.  I LOVE hearing the students discuss the news!

There are multiple editions to choose from for various grade levels.  Check out their website {here} or the app {here}

During Math time {after students have finished their "work" for the day} they are allowed to use the iPads for Math games.

One great app is called Kodable. It's a programming curriculum to use with early elementary students. What I love is that students can begin their program in the computer lab {or at home} and continue their progress on the iPad.  Check out their website {here}

I'm sure most of you have heard of RAZ Kids but just in case, it's worth mentioning how fabulous it is! To use this app, you must already subscribe to RAZ Kids.

The RAZ Kids App is filled with TONS of leveled books. You can assign students to a specific bookshelf.  From there, they can have a story read to them, read it on their own, take quizzes, and even record their reading! This is well worth the price tag!

Do you remember those fun magnetic letters we all had on our fridges growing up? Well, here's the 2015 version of Magnetic Letters! I give my kids a list of sight words and let them go crazy!

I've mentioned that we use Everyday Math for our curriculum. The best part of this curriculum are their games they have embedded into the program!

A few years ago, they added digital versions of those games! My favorite is Top-It, but they have a huge list! Even if you don't use this program, the apps are great reinforcement for basic math concepts!

And lastly, who can forget the Osmo?! We love ALL of the apps for Osmo! I'm so excited to get the kids started on their latest, Masterpiece! Yippee!

Do you have apps that you can't live without? Leave me a comment - I'm always looking for new apps to check out!