Digging Into -Technology Integration

Happy Weekend!  I know some of y'all have just finished your first week back and others are setting up their rooms.  I guess I am extra lucky because we have a month before we head back (though I was working until the end of June!).  The week I kept myself busy with some non-teachery things like making this cake for a sweet friend's birthday.

And packing for our trip north for our mini-vacation.  We did Disney in the spring, so this summer we are only going to be away for a long weekend in the mountains (with of course NH's best amusement parks thrown in for good measure- Storyland and Santa's Village here we come!)

This week we are talking all about tech integration.  Two years ago my school was 15th out of 15 elementary schools in my district when it came to what we had for technology.  Things are not equal as far as technology goes and each school's PTO raises what it can to supply classrooms with what they needs.  The parents (obviously) weren't happy with our standing, so they raised an ASTOUNDING $75000+ for technology in our building.  Each grade was able to get different items that were needed.  Our grade level chose 5 iPads per classroom.  We spend last year working on finding some great ways to integrate...

Ok.  Before I get into the iPads, I want to share a technology project that I LOVE and have blogged about before, but does not use the iPad.  Pattern Block Symmetry T- shirts

We struggled with the two differing philosophies of our district around  the iPad.  One group felt as though they should be used for projects - processes not skills work.  And the other camp felt as though skill work was a good use of time.  We DO use it for skill building centers - mostly in math because the best apps we have found have been math.  The literacy apps seem to be harder to find the right level for each kid...

We did one BIG project on the iPad this year and I blogged about it.  MORFO!!   

This year I have a BIG idea and it came from another teacher-author who I admire!  I don't know about you, but my listening center is always a challenge.  Mostly because at some point during the station some child lets me know that they can't hear the story because of a fluke with the headphones or the jack.  I have been through 2 listening centers in the last few years, so I know it will just keep happening.  

Then a few weeks ago I saw this:

Holy macaroni and cheese!!  This is the answer to my listening center dilemma and a GREAT way to use my iPads even more!!  I haven't purchased yet, but you can be sure that it is in my cart!!!  I can't wait to use the QR codes and the iPads - and best of all each kiddo gets a choice about which book they what to read!  The books are organized monthly by theme.  Can you tell I am excited???  Make sure you check out her store HERE and the year long listening center pack HERE.  

Thanks for joining me on this weekly look at my thoughts and teaching practices.  I look forward to continuing with you next week when I get to choose what I want to talk about - Have an idea for me???  Leave it in the comments!! :)