We interrupt this broadcast . . .

I was going to post about language apps that I like, but something else has come up.  Well, something else came in the mail, actually.  Behold:

Timeline of AWESOMENESS is more like it

I ordered this off of Amazon last week, and it arrived today.  I pulled it out of the packaging, and the kids actually *set the iPad down* to run over to see it.  We stretched it out, and they were both in geeky, prehistoric animal-lovers' heaven. 

The timeline appears to be quite sturdy, and I expect it will stand up well to all the love I know it will receive by the students in my classroom.  The illustrations are well done - not cartoonish, and Charlie (Charles Darwin) has lots of on-level insight for the kids as they explore 600 million years of animal life.  For parents and teachers alike there are 20 different activity ideas printed on the reverse side of the timeline, and there are answers to frequently asked questions.  There are also book suggestions for further research.

Unfortunately, the timeline is limited to animal life.  I wish there were more room and that it were possible to include plant life as well (as if 18 linear feet weren't enough!) but I understand the necessity of sticking to one kingdom of life.  Any longer or wider and the timeline would become too difficult for little hands to manipulate.

If you've got a little extra cash laying about, I recommend getting the Ancient Creature Cards as well:

So much information!

These cards are perfectly matched to the timeline and can be used separately or in conjunction with it.  Together the timeline and the ancient creature cards are the heart of an exciting unit on early life.  I can't wait to bring them into the classroom.

Pay a visit to Charlie's Playhouse for more information!

Quiet summer days?

July has been great fun for us.  We had friends and family in town for the fourth, and we have spent countless hours at the nearby waterpark.  The girl and I are also continuing with skating lessons.  School has been mostly in the background, but for one thing:

Early this month my administrator sent out an email telling us that the school had acquired 3 iPads for classroom use and invited us to send in proposals of how we would use one if we had one in our classroom.  I've had my eye on the iPad ever since they were first introduced - before even - and I jumped at the opportunity to have one for my classroom use.  I quickly replied that I would load it up with math apps, specifically apps targeting speed skills, and watch as my students' skills went through the roof.

A week or so later, my administrator invited me to come by and pick up my classroom iPad!  I've had it for about a month now.  My kids have enjoyed "testing out" the apps for me, and I've found a bunch of apps that I think are going to be fantastic - and a bunch of duds. 

Here are my favorites:

Everyday Mathmatics by McGraw Hill

• This link takes you to a straight-up multiplication speed drill called "Beat the Computer."  The girl loves it, and her speed on multiplication facts has improved dramatically in only a couple of weeks.  McGraw-Hill makes many other educational apps.  They're all fantastic.

Math Racer

• The video game style high scores board is sure to make this app popular with my more competitive students.  

Mathboard

• I love the expandable 'chalkboard' that the students can use to work out the problems, and the use of detractors in the quizzes is helpful as test prep.

AB Math

• Bubbles is so much fun!  The task is simple - tap the bubbles from the smallest to largest number.  The tricky part is that the bubbles might contain numerals, words, or equations.  Oh, and the sizes of the bubbles can throw you too - the largest bubble might contain the smallest number.  Tricky!

Math Drills

• With this one I can set up user accounts for each student so that each child's practice is tracked individually.  Genius!

Tune in tomorrow (ideally) for a listing of some of my favorite language apps.