Daily 5 with iPads

This year, I started using Daily 5 in my classroom. It has really improved my students' literacy and guaranteed reading time for all students. Before, I used to do the typical learning centers in which students were occupied with a writing, craft, or drawing task; very few days did I get to meet with all my students to give them reading time on a daily basis. With the daily 5, everybody has to read everyday. Furthermore by glancing at the students, I can tell which ones are reading independently with success and which ones need more instruction.

One of the components of Daily 5 is read to a buddy. I have not been brave enough to try this in my classroom. Instead, I designed a way that the students could read to their iPad as a component. I use an app called Tell a Story. The procedures for this activity are the following: first students pick a book, second students take a picture of the book, third, they import the picture of the cover to the app, then they hit the record button and read their book to the iPad. Using Tell a Story helps the students keep track of the book they have read, listen to the way they are reading (there is a playback feature) and see their reading improvement.

I love using iPads to ensure student success. If they are used for education purposes, they can make a difference in children's learning.