Apps in the Elementary Classroom

Our feature this week is from Stacey Jett, creator of DoReMemory and NameThatNumber, two educational apps for kids. Stacey’s interest about iPod touches in the classroom inspired her to create apps for students. In this article she shares insights from elementary school teachers about how mobile touch technology is integrated into the classroom environment.

Last Christmas I was given an iPod touch by my family.  I had seen my mother-in-law’s device and heard her excitement over what it could do.  Her iPod was filled with educational apps.  My mother-in-law is not only a wonderful grandmother but also a third grade teacher, and her school district made iPod touches available for the students.  She was so excited about how this could help children in the classroom.  I added the iPod touch to my wish list and started creating apps earlier this year.

So what kinds of apps work in the classroom?  How can they be incorporated into the school day?  And what advice do teachers have for parents with such devices at home?  I asked a couple teachers about their experiences and suggestions.

Reading

Younger elementary students enjoy audiobooks — especially along with the physical book for looking at pictures.  There are plenty of children’s book apps that include interactive pictures with different options for reading and listening.  Middle elementary students benefit from educational word games.  With the abundance of reading fluency testing in public schools today, kids spend a lot of time on language skills.  There are iPods used during small group tutoring sessions with two kids per device and apps designated by the teacher. The iPod touches can be a fun addition for kids who need more encouragement with reading.

Math and Science

Teachers with students who struggle with basic math facts can find many apps to give that extra practice.  My sister-in-law has used her iPod touch in the classroom along with the Elmo Teacher’s Tool and projector so that the whole class can watch an app in action.  She also has had two kids at a time use a device as flashcards.  Using an iPod touch along with an Elmo can demonstrate new math concepts such as telling time and probability.  As a parent, I know my fifth grader likes math challenges.  My app, NameThatNumber, which is similar to a math card game he learned at school, provides fun practice with math facts.

Music

As a priviate piano lesson teacher, I’ve observed that flashcards are great for learning notes.  Repetition is important, but can also get boring. I use educational music apps such as my own DoReMemory.  The students enjoy the instant feedback.  A public school music teacher who works with my mother-in-law also uses DoReMemory and other music apps in her classroom.  She recommends music apps on her website for students to practice at home.

Kids’ Response

Not all children have access to technology at home.  The more tools that are available to teachers, the better for kids.  New technologies often engage students’ interest longer than paper and pencil activities. This new enthusiasm often encourages students to try activities that they once believed too hard or boring. There are wonderful educational apps available in many areas: art, music, math, reading, science, social studies (and more), which can help all types of students.

Finding Apps

Some school districts provide teacher training on iPod touches where they practice with apps recommended by the district.  School districts may also have technology suggestions on their websites that can be helpful to parents trying to find useful apps at home.  Searching the iTunes App Store can turn up great educational apps.  And don’t forget checking out the links at the top of  Moms With Apps for more suggestions on family-friendly apps.