Graphic Organizers on the iPad

I'm linking up with the marvelous Jivey for her Workshop Wednesday. This week's topic is graphic organizers, and I've decided to put a bit of a technological spin on things to showcase a couple of apps we are using in our Written Communication's classes.

 

I love working with iPads. Had I touched one before the school year? Nope. Am I still learning along with the kids. Yep. {In fact, I think I learn more from than about the in's and outs of this technology; crazy!}

The first app is a paid app ($1) Tools4Students.

This is an app that is strictly graphic organizers. Tons and tons and tons of graphic organizers. That save as students type. It's a pretty sweet app, that we've used from time to time. Students can choose one that suits them (or that they are directed to) and type the information in. Typed information is saved automatically.

Here are a few screen shots (via iTunes)

 Story Kit is an app that lets you write your own book or story. It has features to add pictures, text, sound, or drawings via a paint function. When we used this, students were given a couple of minutes to draw a specific character from Because of Winn Dixie. Then, students were given a few minutes to type out character traits to surround their illustration. This process was continued for the rest of the main characters.

Right now we are starting the book, Tales of the Bronx I've never heard of it before, but it's been a great read and the kids are loving it {it's not too often that they ask to continue reading for multiple chapters.} The book starts by introducing the 7 main characters on the block. We've been using Pic Collage & Strip Design to create pictures about each chapter after they've been read, but Story Kit could have been easily used too. With all of the detail given about the children, a student could have drawn or added an image to symbolize the characters and then added details about the character around that image.

(Again pictures via iTunes)

Last, but not least, since Jivey is contribuiting too, I wanted to share my giveaway with all of you. K-2 & 3-5 prize packs. Click the picture and enter! :)