How do you create lesson plans with the iPad that align with the Common Core Standards*?
First, ensure that your students understand what an informative essay is. The app How to write an Essay- Common Core,$1.99, will walk students through descriptive, narrative, informative and persuasive essays.
Next, students should be able to use graphic organizers to help break down information into concise facts. Index-card board for iPad, $4.99, allows users to add facts and definitions from assignments. Students can use unlimited index cards, color-code them and organize their thoughts on a corkboard. Another classic graphic organizer, Inspiration Maps, $9.99, comes 26 with templates.
Other useful apps include:
Dictionary.com (free) Works offline, includes a thesaurus and gives example sentences, antonyms and synonyms.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary HD (free) This app offers voice search audio pronunciation and scrolling index.
Many students find if they draw a picture or add a few words it will help them remember important points of view for their essay. Explain Everything, $2.99, is a whiteboard that allows users to draw pictures and narrate, making it easy for students to jot ideas down from their book. If you are on a budget, another great whiteboard app is Educreations Interactive whiteboard (free) will also let you draw pictures and add commentary.
Documents (free, full version $2.99) Able to sync with Google Docs
Spell Checker (free) Checks spelling as you type.
*Grade 3 - Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension
Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.
Vicki Windman is a special education teacher at Clarkstown High School South.
