GeoMasterUS

Heh, heh, heh . . . tell me Geogore, is Montgomery the capital of Alabama?

Yes, Master

Good, Very Good . . . and Where is Rhode Island located?

In the East, Master

Excellent! Can you locate Kentucky?

Yes, Master

How, how did you gain all this knowledge?

GeoMaster . . .

Yes! Yes! Say it again . . .

GeoMaster . . . GeoMasterUS

You learned the location of each of the states in the U.S. by using the GeoMaster App?

Yes, Master

How could you afford such extravagance? What price did you have to pay?

Free, Master

What?!? Surely, you jest! How could something so precious be offered for so little?

The lite version, Master

Brilliant!!!

Where can I find such an app?

iTunes, Master

I shall have it!!!!! It will be MINE!!!!!!

55,000 Amazing Quotes

Here the sizzle? A crackle? A pop? That's the sound of burning worksheets and workbooks. Want to add some fuel? Make a resolution right now, to to change the way you teach. Less sit and get; more engage and create.

Need a resource to add some gas to the flames? Try 55,000 Amazing Quotes. The possibilities are endless and applicable across subjects:

• Literature - find author quotes
• Language - find examples of vocabulary words used in context
• English - provide quotes with mistakes, have students look up the quotes and edit
• Social Studies - study quotes to gather a deeper understanding of political figures
• Science - What were great thinkers thinking?

Have students create Wallwisher projects, use Glogster (see example made using 55,000 Amazing Quotes quoteglog), create webquest . . . demonstrate the power of words. Use 55,000 Amazing Quotes as inspiration in 2011!

Find 55,000 Amazing Quotes at the iTunes store: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/55-000-amazing-quotes/id352467249?mt=8

Slice It!

Hey! It's Marlise with Slice It! Now look! Here's a shape. Slice it once, you have two pieces. Keep slicing and you have more! Try to keep them all the same size.

Now . . . you love students who understand percentages; but, you don't know a fun way to teach them. That's why you don't have any percentages in your diet! I love games, too; but, once in awhile, add the visuals. It's so easy!

Use one fingers or two fingers . . . whatever you want! Slice It! provides students great practice in visualizing percentages and area. This game provides the practice that makes the difference between regurgitating and understanding. Use Slice It! to make percentages REAL. An app that is educational AND addictive!

Mad Libs

Use your mental time machine to travel back to second grade. Indulge in the simple pleasures: Pig Latin, Silly Putty, Slinkies; and, oh yes, Mad Libs. This childhood favorite has made it's way to the app world.

This app is a win/win for students and teachers. Kids practice categorizing, parts of speech, and grammar skills. The silly story elicits smiles and giggles. Mixing fun, technology, and language arts practice creates a great recipe for learning. Great as a warm-up, cooperative learning activity, or review. Use this in your writing center and encourage students to create their own Mad Lib stories.

A sample version is available free from Penguin Group USA. Resolve to have more fun while learning in 2011!

Learn more at the iTunes store: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mad-libs/id326885152?mt=8

Pearl Diver

Fractions, decimals, and number lines . . . fractions, decimals, and number lines . . . These skills should not be as scary as lions, tigers, and bears; but, they are just as intimidating for some students. The solution? Well, if I had that, I wouldn't be messing around with this blog. BUT, I HAVE found a great tool. The Pearl Diver App by Learning Games Lab is an engaging game that lures students into practicing math skills without letting them know they are learning.

Helping students develop a complete understanding of fractions and decimals can be challenging. This app begins with positive numbers and progresses on to more challenging skills as players demonstrate success. Kids experience the fun of a video game. You experience the satisfaction of seeing them completely enthralled in a learning activity.

Wanting to save the last of your paycheck for the after Christmas sales? Not a problem, this 'pearl' is free. Try it out and sneak in some extra math practice in 2011.

Read Me Stories

This literacy app features a new story each day. Text is displayed and read aloud. Colorful illustrations make this book attractive and engaging. Stories feature rhyming words and vocabulary words. A great supplement to your preschool - 2nd grade reading instruction. Have a new book for your children each day!

Free App!

See a review on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGHzJ0O4ixQ

Gingerbread Fun!

Gingerbread Fun is a delight for your little techies. As a compliment to a gingerbread unit or on its own, this app provides the opportunity to practice sequencing skills, vocabulary for parts of the face, and following directions.

Preschool and kindergarten students will enjoy mixing, baking, decorating, and eating the virtual gingerbread cookie. The activity would also be a great prompt for first and second grade writers. The lite version is free. Delicious fun!

iTunes Preview: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gingerbread-fun/id388077739?mt=8