Dori

Assignment #2. Dori Timmerman Classroom apps:

1. To This Day. (free from Moving Tales Inc.) This is an anti-bullying themed poem. Every viewing is different due to randomly selected animated clip variations. You can record and share your own version, which is what I would have my students do after viewing.

2. Easy Behavior Tracker ($1.99 from Tip Tap Tech) This tool allows teacher to record and track info. Regarding both positive and negative behaviors. It can be saved for documentation such as disciplinary actions, IEP writing, awards, etc. the report can be emailed to parents. I might use this for PBIS documentation, and for communicating with parents (especially emailing the positive days/reports.

3. C-Fit Yoga ($.99 from Classroom Fitness) Four yoga lessons (10 minutes each) are taught. I think this would be a great way for students to learn about and practice such things as body awareness, stress reduction through movement, breathing techniques, etc. I would do these as whole class activities as well as have them available for individuals at the beginning stages of crisis in order to help them relax, etc. also a good thing for short movement breaks.

4. Sensory Magma (free from Sensory Apps Ltd.) This is described as a calming and relaxing visual app. It generates a lava lamp style visual effect which can be paired with music and used with apple TV. The color, direction, and size of the magma blobs can be changed. I have downloaded this and plan to try it out with my sons this summer. A colleague has used a similar program with students and found it to be very calming for students when used as they began to show signs of agitation and/or frustration. I will use it in this fashion, and also possibly during independent reading or writing times.

5. SimpleMind (free from Xpt Software & Consulting B.V.) This is a mind mapping tool which allows user to create a graphic organizer with various colors, fonts, etc. it can be saved and shared. I would use this as an alternative to pencil/paper organizers for individuals, as well as for whole group activities.

6. Kids English Classroom(free from This app focuses on spelling skills. There are several levels which students work through to improve spelling. I can see this being helpful for students whose spelling skills (knowledge of spelling patterns, etc) are below expectations to have additional practice in a diferent formatand for English language learners. Students can compete against themselves and track their progress. It provides daily, weekly, monthly and yearly analysis of students' performance.

7. Counting Money (free from Kings Apps) This app is designed to help people of all ages count money. There are three types of games: counting coins, counting bills, and counting a combination of coins and bills. There are two game modes: practice and quiz. Numbers (coin/bill values) can be visually tallied or this feature can be turned off to allow for values to be mentally tallied. The number of questions and time allowed can be adjusted. I would use this as independent or small group practice once skills have been taught. I would probably use this frequently as money skills are an important life skill which many students lack

8. Chalkboard Math ($.99 from 22nd Century Software LLC) With this app students can work on mat fact accuracy and fluency with a game similar to hangman. Additionally, they can practice facts in flash card mode. I would use this as a math center/station in which students can independently practice math facts.

9. Now What (free from Richard Humphrey) Now What is a task/schedule app specifically for kids. It allows for simple saving of templates, printing, and the ability to lockdown features of adding and deleting. Reviews written by adult users of the app indicate it is easy to use and does NOT have any distracting features. I would use this as one of many possible organizers for students, as any one tool will not be appropriate for all students.

10. Classroom Timer (free from Walsall Academy) A timer with visual and sound effects indicating whether or not task was completed on time. I would keep this as one of a variety of timers used, especially for whole group tasks.

Personal apps:

1. Pinterest (free) This is a pin board, like an online bulletin board where ideas on many topics can be posted and shared. I would use this for upcycling, craft, and classrooms ideas.

2. PBS (free) This is an app that I used to have, but which was wiped out wit an update. I enjoyed previewing PBS shows and the ability to purchase favorite specials for repeated viewing. I need this one again!,

3. Reloved (free) The app is free, but magazine subscriptions As well as single issues need to be purchased. This is an upcycling magazine. Upcycling is something I am really getting into and I like the idea of having my mags on the iPad rather than a paper copy, which are easily ruined with frequent viewing.

4. Sew U Know ($2.99) Sewing videos, dictionary, and calculator. I would use the calculated to determine yardage of trim or fabrics for projects. I would also use the videos to get through unknown sewing techniques, as well as those I do not use often, and thus forget.

5. Yoga Studio ($2.99 ) 30 yoga classes which I can customize and a library of poses. At $ 2.99, if I don't like it, it was still cheaper than a new DVD or enrolling in a class at a gym or studio!!!