QR Codes in the Classroom

At the end of the school year I decided to try using QR codes in my classroom. To try it out I created a QR code for each "word to know" or sight word from our reading program. I used a free website (www.qrstuff.com) to create a code for each word. I then downloaded the picture, inserted them into a word document, printed them, cut them, and laminated them. Next, I hung them up around the room. The kiddos then used my iPhone to scan them using the app called i-nigma. Once the word came up they had to say it and write in on their word work paper. This app is very easy to use and the kids loved it. I plan to purchase an iPod touch to use with QR codes next year. It will also work withe the camera on the iPad 2 and the New iPad. However, I personally can't justify using the iPad for them when there are so many other apps I want the kids to be doing at the same time. Next year I also plan to use QR codes for hidden math problems, comprehension questions, scavenger hunts, and much more. There is so much potential and I am very excited to see what else we can do with them!

QR Stuff Website- To Create QR Codes

i-nigma App (Free)

New and Improved Listening Centers

The first few years that I taught 1st grade I had a CD player to use as a listening center. To help increase my listening library I took advantage of Scholastic bonus point and coupons. Each month I bought the four books that came with CDs. After a couple years I got increasingly more and more frustrated with the hassle of CDs that are scratched and the space that my listening center took up. I decided it was time for a change. I now use iPod shuffles for my listening centers and could not be happier! I took each CD and "ripped" them to my iTunes account. I sorted all of my books by month and created a playlist for each month in iTunes. Now all I have to do is check the box next to the playlist for which month I want and sync my iPod. The kids then pick a book and hit the next arrow until they hear he title they are searching for. I have approximately six books for each month. To make it possible for more than one student to listen at a time I purchased some Belkin Rockstars for multiple headphones (also great for the iPad).

PS. I tried other models of MP3 players and was not happy with the quality and how complicated they were to use. For little kids the shuffle is easy and affordable.

iPod Shuffles

Belkin Rockstar

iPad Apps- My Favorites

I love all of the apps that are available and have maxed out on how many apps I can have. Now that I have had my iPad for over a year I have been able to narrow it down to a few of my favorites. I have also found that I like to have 3 pages that the kids can choose from. The rest are used for storing and organizing my apps. Below you will find the three pages of apps that my first graders were using independently by the end of 1st grade. I started with easier apps and slowly changed them to make them progressively more challenging. I am currently working on changing the kids iPad pages back to the easier apps. I will post those apps when I am done. I also included a list of my favorite apps. The price listed is what I paid and may have since changed. :)

App List- Google Doc

Math Page

Word Work Page

Writing Page