Digital Stories

My kindergarten students have been working on animal projects. This project has become very involved and I must say I became a little as we worked away on these projects.  Here's a break down of what we did.....

~Looked at animals and learned how to make observations.

~Discovered how to ask questions about our observations.

~Students worked in pairs to choose an animal and make observations and create two research questions about their animal.

~We then learned how to find key words in a question.

~Next, students found key words within their own questions.

~We worked together to find information on the internet.  We learned how to type in our two keywords with a "+" in the middle to find what we were looking for.

~Next, each group worked with me individually to research on the internet.  We discussed finding accurate information and learned how to be careful of inaccurate information. 

**I do want to remind you at this point.... these are KINDERGARTENERS......... 

~Then we printed the two sites they wanted along with some pictures.

~The groups then used the iPads to create digital stories.  This was the part I was not so involved in.  At this point in the year my students are very good at creating stories in StoryKit.  (Click here to read my review of StoryKit.)  The students took pictures of the printed pictures, recorded their voices, typed text, and created their own illustrations.

Click below to see some examples of the finished digital stories.  **You can click on the 'speaker' symbol to hear their voices!

Sharks  

 Deer    

  Seals 

Bald Eagles 

 Zebras

Giraffes  

Tigers 

 Raccoons 

Geckos   

Lions

I think the students did such a great job!

~Then the students took home a folder with all of their info, pictures, and guiding questions.  Along with this they took an 'animal info' sheet.  Instead of their typical reading/writing homework the students will fill out the info sheet with the support of their parents.

~Then students will create some type of display or presentation about their animal at home using their info sheet as help.  They could choose about anything create.  Sounds like many are creating posters.  Some said they are creating powerpoints.  We'll see what they come up with.  Then they will present their animal and information to the class.

So far the students have loved these projects and area already asking to do more.  I love how engaged they are in what they're doing.  I can't wait to see what they come up with!

Story Writing in Kindergarten with iPads

Typing text into StoryKit

   Creating stories in the iPads is very engaging for kindergarteners.  I borrowed an iPad from another K teacher and was able to have 3 kids to each iPad (I had a few absent, so it worked out well!).  I was concerned about 3 students in each group as it hasn't worked well in the past.  I think with the 'threat' of removal looming in the air all were on their most cooperative behavior.  Typically, I use these fun pictures of Santa to help student extend their writing.  At this time of the year many students are capable of writing multiple sentences but it doesn't seem very appealing and frankly it's a lot of work!  So, these pictures have helped in the past.  This year, the pictures are part of a digital story.  The kids had a    blast and can't wait to share them with each other.

Check out these links to the stories some of the students created.  (Click on the speaker to hear their voices.)

http://iphone.childrenslibrary.org/cgi-bin/view.py?b=luhe677tnuqmjesikaur
http://iphone.childrenslibrary.org/cgi-bin/view.py?b=pfvfdeqclppttzhldipq
http://iphone.childrenslibrary.org/cgi-bin/view.py?b=aphyyyj4xyahmievggob

Taking a picture to add to their story.

Story Kit

Story Kit is the app that I have been using to create stories with my kindergarteners. 
              I love it because:
                   -It is simple....not a lot of buttons,which is good for K!
                   -You can type text and record your voice, great for reaching all students in my class!
                   -You can insert pictures from your iPad or take a picture right then.  My students love this feature. 
                  -There is a drawing feature that allows students to add their own illustration.
                  -The app comes with some stories already saved (3 Little Pigs for example).  Students can then go and change the text and/or story.  I haven't used this feature yet but later in the year we will do this whole group. 
                  -  IT IS FREE!

Click here to see an example of a story some students in my class created.  Click on the 'speaker' to hear their voices.  (I do not like the look of the book on the web through the link.  The story is much more authentic when viewed on the iPad.)