Baby Steps

Baby Steps (aka Gradual Release)

First lessons ... Home Button and Smile!

It was like Christmas in September as we unpacked and handed out the iPads to the students.  I was impressed by how the children were so respectful of the device and how thrilled for this 1:1 opportunity (okay, my excitement may have been a bit contagious).

In my mind, I anticipated I would need all sort of guidelines and contracts, etc., but reality has shown me that the consequence of losing ones' privilege was (and continues to be) the only and most powerful motivation for proper use of the iPad.

The lesson looked something like this:

1. Basic Navigation:  Using Apple TV (or Reflector) with AirPlay. I broadcasted (mirrored the iPad onto the whiteboard one feature at a time (Simon Say style). I do...you do. We turned it on,  then talked about the most importatnt "Home" Button, looked at the folders and apps (covering vocabulary), the Sleep Button and the Volume On/Off and Volume Control.  We covered "swiping" and "opening of apps".  I intentionally do not show how to close the apps because for the first few week I wanted to check and see what and where the children were working by double tapping the home key - this told me who was wandering or going into areas that were restricted.  (The children thought I was magical when I could tell them I knew what they did - a digital version of the whole eyes in the back of the head adage - tee, hee!)
2. Camera:  Lights, camera, action! It was onto taking pictures and then opening them in the photo folder.  Let the giggles begin!
3. We practiced our "Kindergarten Power" by responding to my "stop" prompt which is: "All Kindergartners of power need to tap the Home Button and wait for directions."
4. Finally, we had a bit of app fun with a Content app called Ninja Numbers (free).  Target numbers are given (auditorally) and students slice the number as it floats down from top of screen. The giggles continued and after a few minutes, I gave the signal, the children hit the Home Button and all was quiet.
5. We talked about how to put them away and how to gather them.  During Readers/Writer's Workshop (first 2.5 hourse of the day) we keep our iPads available by placing them on our desk face down.  When we move onto specialists, lunch, etc. the iPads are placed in colored baskets (based on our desk groups).  After lunch (free choice before recess) childre have the option of using their iPads.  We usually use them again at the end of the day when we have Word Work Workshops and/or Math Workshop.  Then each evening the iPads are placed back int the cart for safe keeping.

The first few weeks we gradually worked on learning one or two apps a week. (Ninja ABC, Writing Wizard, Book Creator, iBook, Montessori Crosswords, Teach Me K and MoMa whiteboard).  By the third week we had our routines in place and we were on our way to engaged, exciting and effective learning.