We've got a great FREEBIE for you!!!

We are SUPER excited to say that we have finally got our iPod/iPad app menus available for FREE at our TPT store! Check out our TPT store by clicking here!! We both use these app menus within our classrooms and they are really a great resource!!

A close up of our app menu-I made mine double sided and put it in a 3 ring binder and just flip the  pages when needed.  I love that it stands on its own and all the students can see it at that center! The app icons can be found in our app packets at our TPT store

They are super easy to use! Just print, laminate, and velcro on laminated copies of your preferred app icons! Change the icons around as you see fit!

As you can see by the pictures, it truly allows the students to be independent and make appropriate choices for their learning, all while allowing us (the teachers) overall control of what apps the students are focusing on.  This is great for so many reasons, one being that research shows when students make choices within their education they are more likely to retain the information.  Another great reason is that it allows students multiple choices, thus increasing their ability to find a 'just right fit' skill level app.  For example, I switch out the app icon choices each week depending on what skill we are focusing on in math/reading.  I pick 3 different skill leveled apps that pertain to the appropriate skill set, creating an independent differentiated activity that students love (and I love because I know that they are getting that ever important skill practice, practice, practice!)
Because the students are able to make choices and have access to multiple skill levels, they are able to work hard and focused-with truly minimal behavior issues. These app menus are not only a great way to integrate technology into your everyday teaching, but they are a wonderful classroom management tool as well! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

A student hard at work at our iPod center! 

Our Top 3 Free Reading Apps!

It is always exciting as a teacher to receive free materials! We spend so much of our own hard earned money that when we get something for free we celebrate and share it with others! So, we are going to share a few of our favorite free apps for reading books on your iPod/iPad!!!

• Stories 
• 'New book a day' program to help you build your library. If you do not want to wait you are able to purchase books.
• You can choose to have the books read to you or you can read the book yourself. When the story is read to you the words light up in a different color allowing students to easily follow along. 
• Background music is played as well as sound effects that fit the story line
• Visit their website to find out more! 
• TabTale
• Numerous titles for free with ads. If you would like an ad free version of the book you are able to purchase it.
• Engaging pictures, activities, and audio keep students engaged.
• You have the option of read to self, or read to me.
• Words are highlighted as the story is read allowing for students to follow along.
• Visit their website to find out more!
• Storyboy
• Stories are created by parents for their children to have fun learning in a safe environment.
• 20+ titles to pick from with a handful of stories offered for free!
• There are no ads present in the free books!
• One thing I wish they had included is a way to draw attention to the words as they are being read. 
• Visit their website to find out more!