Grant (9/31)

I was in the middle of working with a guided reading group when my door creaked open. I didn't think twice about it and neither did my children. We went about our business sounding out words and listening to make sure that they made sense. The rest of my class chugged along with their noses in books or pencils purposefully putting their ideas into their notebooks. 

Uh hem! 

I looked up to find our librarian/tech liaison with a handful of colorful tools in her hand. She smiled at me, reached out her arms, and said, "You got the grant...these just came in." My heart stopped for a moment and then did a little skip jump. 

I could have done a happy dance...I did do a happy dance. I couldn't believe that it had worked. 

 I wrote a grant for 5 iPad minis around Christmas time. I have so many things I want to use them for but the main purpose is to enrichment my kiddos learning in reading (I am teaching part time this year so my main focus is reading and writing). I want to be able to reach my struggling readers while I'm with a group, as well as challenge my high readers.

I should be working on report cards right now but I am searching for appropriate apps to use on Monday. We have already gone over the rules of using iPads safely and everyone took a contract home to sign, stating that they will follow all of the rules. I am so incredibly excited and so are they. 

We have 4 computers in our classroom, but the looks I got when I lifted up these new tools. It was as if Santa had made an extra trip to our classroom. Their eyes lit up at the chance of getting to play with these new tools....even my reluctant readers. I'm looking forward to finding another fun way to engage my class and excite them about learning even more. 

Let the fun begin!

* If anyone reads this and wants to share some good  reading/phonics/writing apps for below and above 2nd grade....I love to hear your suggestions. Thank you!