School iPad carts are available to many teachers for use in classrooms, while other schools have a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. Whichever is the case, bringing iPads into the classroom is an excellent way to generate excitement about learning. Best Apps For Kids features some of the best apps by age, grade level, and subject matter. Top 10 Educational Apps for Preschoolers features reviews by a mother and former teacher highlighting both free and paid apps for preschool children.
In addition to the high-interest texts that classrooms provide, teachers can take advantage of the many sites featuring popular kids’ books online, such as Disney Digital Books, TumbleBooks, and We Give Books. Storyline Online, a special site run by the Screen Actors’ Guild Foundation, shares videos of famous actors and actresses reading well-known children’s books.
There are a TON of engaging websites for early learners that reinforce key academic concepts. Starfall is a phonics-based website for children pre-K through first grade that aims to develop and strengthen reading skills. ABC Ya, Cookie and Fuel the Brain feature age-appropriate educational games and activities spanning all subject areas. Math Magician and XtraMath help children improve their math fluency with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Suessville, named for Dr. Suess, includes kid-friendly activities as well as information about the author’s books and interesting characters. These self-directed sites require little or no teacher assistance and will keep children actively engaged both at school and at home.
interactive
Another source of memorable learning experiences for children is communicating with classes in other schools, districts, states and countries. Using Skype, children can hold video chats with other students over the Internet. The social platform Edmodoconnects classes so they can share materials and access information easily and safely. ePals Global Community connects over half a million classrooms around the world. While students can still benefit from writing to traditional pen pals, these sites may offer a level of cultural contact deeper than what the written word can convey.