New Apps for LOTE

Sensai has requested that you install the 4 apps below ready for Term 2 Japanese lessons. Each of these are free apps now so best to install as soon as you can. If you wait, there's a chance they could become 'paid' apps in the meantime.

Japanese - Hiragana (hk2006) *many of you have this one already

 

Japanese - Kanji (18 kanjis) (hk2006)

 Sock Puppets (Smith Micro Software)

 Fotopedia Japan (Fotonauts)

Clicking the links will take you straight to the iTunes / App Store page for each app.

Thanks everyone!

Need your iPad to READ to you?

You know you can your iPad convert your speech to text. iPad 3s and later models have a microphone input tool on the keyboard. You can use the free Dragon Dictation app if you are using the iPad 2.

But did you know you can ask your iPad to read text to you? 

This feature can be invaluable as it allows developing readers to access information in written text that would be difficult for them to decode otherwise. All children need to learn to read independently, of course but it can be terribly frustrating and disheartening for a young reader to continually struggle to decode written information, when researching a topic for example, that may be beyond their current reading ability. The iPad's text to speech facility can level the playing field for a struggling reader.

Here's how...

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

With "Speak Selection" turned ON, any time text is selected (highlighted) it will automatically be spoken to you. This can be annoying if you wish to select text for other purposes (say, to edit fonts) in a document) so turn off the feature when you do not need it.

If you are using an older iPad, you can use VoiceOver to have text spoken. With VoiceOver turned on, any text you tap will be read to you. This means you have to use a double tap to open apps etc while VoiceOver is on. Again, the feature can be turned off when not required.

General > Accessibility > VoiceOver

There are also Text to Speech apps which may be useful on older iPads which do not have the "Speak Selection" feature.

R-E-A-D on your iPad

[Image Source: news.blogs.slv.vic.gov.au]

The iPad is a very useful eReading tool, especially for developing readers. The built-in iPad dictionary allows young readers to check word meanings within the text with a quick tap (no searching for dusty dictionary volumes) and font size can be adjusted to suit personal preference. If less text on the page is less daunting for your young reader, they can increase the font size and enjoy a more positive reading experience. A student can also widen their literary experience by listening to audio books. This is not 'cheating'. It is a valuable experience for students approaching the upper primary years to be able to enjoy a book in an area of interest, even though decoding the text may be beyond their current reading skills.

Buying eBooks and Audio books can be as expensive as purchasing the printed copies but did you know you can borrow eBooks and eAudio book recordings through Brisbane City Council libraries? With your BCC Library card, you can log in to the Digital Media site and browse Juvenile and Young Adult titles.

Click here to browse the Digital Media Collection

Borrow titles for up to 21 days at no cost. Borrowed media simply disappear from your collection once the borrowing period has expired so you will have no concerns about accumulating overdue fees.

[Image Source: www.stylingyou.com.au]

Some cautions:

• Due to the wide variety of digital media file types on offer, you may need to install a couple of extra FREE apps to allow you to read or play borrowed files. Follow instructions in the Digital Collection site and be assured that Overdrive and Adobe apps are perfectly safe to download from this site.
• Parents please supervise students and check what they are borrowing. As in any public library, there are many adult titles available. The above link will take you to the Juvenile and Young Adult section but does not restrict access to these sections.
• Finally, a reminder that unfortunately it is not advisable to read eBooks in the bath!

[Image Source: techli.com]

Working Towards Independence in Learning

Year 5 students are starting to develop some strategies for greater independence in their learning. Self-direction becomes increasingly important at this stage of schooling. 

In year 5 this year, we strive to:

• explore, discover and find out for ourselves before we ask someone else
• recognise our own strengths
• identify our weaknesses so we can work out how to improve
• monitor our learning by setting goals and reflecting on our progress
• support and learn from our peers

Taking an Active role in learning: Celeste and Axelle demonstrate the use of Dropbox for their peers

Taking responsibility for our own learning involves critical self reflection. Learning reflections will become part of our weekly routine. Students are given sample questions to guide their reflections (below). With regular practice they will become better at reflecting critically, setting goals and articulating their thoughts.

Questions for Learning Reflection by Maria Mead

We have a range of apps that we can use to record our learning reflections...

We are looking forward to exploring these apps this term. Once we are familiar with them, we will be able to choose the best app for the job each time. My own app preferences may be different to those of others. That's OK. That's the beauty of the student-centred Learning Innovations program in Year 5. My iPad helps make me make the right learning choices for me.

Viva la difference!

Morning Fitness Activities

Lovely to see so many parents at the Parent Evening last night! The teachers presented some research indicating how their Daily PE program of morning fitness activities can enhance children's memory, attention span and learning throughout the day. We thought you'd like to see some pictures of your children starting their day at school today. They will be able to explain to you at home what happens at each station. ...They certainly have their favourites!

New App - Mathmateer

Dear Year 5 Parents,

Today your children were asked to install a new FREE app to supplement their maths program.  It is called Mathmateer FREE.

 Click here for a link to the app in iTunes

If you have advised your child's teacher of their Apple ID password, then this app was most probably installed yesterday at school. If not, can we please ask that you arrange to install the app on your child's iPad at home sometime over the next week?

We apologise for this extra task. We will try to keep extra apps to a minimum but occasionally needs and opportunities will arise that will be of benefit to your children's learning. If at any time you wish to advise your child's teacher of their Apple ID password, these extra installations can be managed at school.

Thanks very much everyone!

Please continue to email Maria (mmead@bne....) if you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of the program.

A window into Yr 5 learning spaces

We are gradually but surely progressing through our long list of iPad setup tasks with your children at school. We realise that certain situations at home (especially cyclones!) can compromise home wireless connectivity and tax a family's time and attention so we are especially grateful for your efforts in attending meetings and supporting this program. We trust things will settle for you soon (as the necessary demands diminish!).  Don't hesitate to email Maria (mmead@bne.catholic....) if you have any issues or queries.

We'd like to share some pictures of our early days in Year 5. We already have "favourite" places to work in our learning space. When we are concentrating on handwriting or listening to our teacher we sit in chairs at the tables. When we are creating, investigating or practising skills, we can sit wherever we are comfortable. We start the day with prayer in our own class groups but our dividing door is always open and we use the whole space. For most of the day we watch and listen as a year level group then proceed to work together on group activities. This way, there are always at least two teachers ready to help us. We're becoming very good at putting shoes on quickly. The "shoeless" space keeps us comfortable and our carpets and furnishings clean for lounging. Our teachers are "clean freaks" so we wipe down our tables each day.