Little Authors-Book Creator in the Kindergarten Classroom

As I reflect on my teaching practice each and every day, I am confident that my kindergarten students leave my classroom filled with newly acquired knowledge, a kinder heart towards others, and a stronger sense of self-confidence. One of the ways my students leave my kindergarten classroom with fresh knowledge is from the use of technology on a daily and weekly basis. Students in my classroom have the opportunity to have a hands-on learning experience with various aspects of technology, including the use of iPads 2-3 times a week. These iPads will forever be memorable for my students because of the active learning and engagement they encourage, as well as the enthusiasm that is presented when they are being used. The use of technology in my classroom has shown to benefit not only my students and myself, but the families of each student as well.

One of our favorite creation apps that we use on a daily basis is the iPad app Book Creator. Book Creator, by definition is the simple way to make your own beautiful ebooks, right on your iPad. With over 25 million ebooks created so far, Book Creator is ideal for making all kinds of books, including children’s picture books, comic books, photo books, journals, textbooks and more. In my kindergarten classroom, we create class, group, partner and individual books every single day. Teachers often reach out to me regarding how to set their student’s up for independent success in using this tool. The number one thing I suggest to anyone who is going to take on the exciting adventure of introducing new technology in their classroom is to MODEL, MODEL, MODEL.

Once you are familiar with Book Creator and all of the options, it is time to get started! A few ideas to implement in your classroom could be, but not limited to the following:

• Daily/Weekly Math Journals
• Reading response
• Publishing classroom writer’s workshop writing

• All About Me
• Classroom Rules/Expectations
• Alphabet Books, Number Books, Rhyming Books
• Fiction and Nonfiction books aligned with science and social studies curriculum
• Poetry/Fluency
• Looking for more? Search Book Creator on our classroom blog and you can see videos, pictures, ideas and more!

As educators, we are striving for the best for our students each and every day. Using tools that come with technology not only enhances their learning experience, but provides a place to create meaningful multi-media content, promotes creativity, engages students in storytelling and so much more. Book Creator is an app and online accessible tool that helps cultivate your student’s technology engagement and cross-curricular lessons. As with anything, teaching any age level technology takes time and patience to build up to independent success. Trust the process, take your time and allow yourself to learn technology tools alongside your students. The end result might possibly surprise and encourage you even more.

http://mrsbrown26.blogspot.com/