The One iPad Class ~ Essentials, Part 1

Today is going to be some of the 'teacher essentials', things that help the class run smoothly!

In addition to all the other apps I've mentioned (especially notetaking apps!), I've found that there are some 'essentials' that I use almost every day.

{FREE w/ads; $2.99 w/o ads}Timer+ Now, I know that there are a bunch of timer apps out there, but this is the one I use. I did spend the $2.99 to get rid of the ads-they were in an awkward place when I was using it repeatedly for fluency checks.

I like it because I can set different sounds (and I like to pick fun ones!)

You can also choose different colors for the timers, as well as how long.

And  you can run multiple timers at the same time, plus it saves previous times, so you can just hit the start button.

I use it a lot when I'm doing a turn and talk, or having them do a timed assignment (or when I'm doing fluency checks!). This definitely comes in handy!

Next up is:
{FREE} Pandora! (Or any radio app). I play Pandora's classical music station or nature sounds station when it's independent work time.

I use it during reading groups, to remind the kids to keep it down when they are working on their independent work.  I'll also use it during math independent work as well.

I will run the internet station through my SMART Board speakers (my computer doesn't have speakers-and they were all replaced with new computers this summer-without internal speakers....), but if the SMART Board is off, I'll pull it up on the iPad.

My favorite thing is when the classical music station will play the instrumental version of the popular songs-and I'll start hearing my kids hum and sing along :)

Another one I like is:
{FREE/Premium $5.99/month} Show Me! You can use this to create quick videos or drawing models/skills.

 I used it to show the kids how to FAST-I had some absent the day we did it.

I've also found it handy to write notes to the kids when we were in a lockdown (for half an hour) and they were getting restless-reminders to be good! ;)

Another one like Show Me is:
{FREE/ Pro $11.99/month} Educreations. It works on a very similar principles, so it's up to you which one you choose. The free version only lets you have one saved video, while in Show Me you can have more. You can add photos to both and record over each. This'll be personal preference.

 The Primary Gal uses Educreations to do her math videos-something I'm hoping to work on over the summer!


Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn