Targeting Maths 2 - Free for 48 hours

Parents, this app is aimed at Year 2 level but if you think your child would benefit from some engaging maths practice to develop fluency with numeracy skills, you might like to take advantage of this limited time free offer. 

Targeting Maths is a top quality app. The apps in this series normally cost $7.49 but for a limited time (48 hours I'm told), you can download Targeting Maths 2 for free. Students at St Catherine's are familiar with the high quality Targeting Maths software which is installed on our student laptops. The apps are Australian and aligned with national curriculum.

This promotional video from Pascal Press's Targeting Maths website will give you an idea of what the app offers:

Before you install the app, make sure you are logged into the App Store (app on the iPad) or iTunes (if you're using a computer) with the Apple ID that you wish to own the app. Either your child's school Apple ID, or you may prefer to use a family Apple ID so that younger siblings can benefit from using the app. But why not download it with both accounts?

Here are some screenshots from the app. You can see more information here at the iTunes preview.

Happy Installations!

Helpers Invited for iPad Setup Night 2013

Dear Year 5 Parents,

Your child will be bringing home a letter today, inviting them to help us out with iPad Setup Night for parents of Year 4. Please look out for the letter as we need consent forms back by this Thursday 14th November.

A copy of the letter can be accessed below. If you don't receive your copy, you can print one from the link below. Failing that, a scribbled note from you giving your consent for them to attend and bring their iPad, or even an email to your child's class teacher will suffice.

Thanks very much for your consideration of your child's involvement. We will really appreciate their help, as will the parents of our current Year 4 classes as they prepare to familiarise themselves with iPad management.

Parent Letter Setup Night Helpers.pdf by Maria Mead

Don't be PHooled by PHISHers!

Phishing emails try to trick you into revealing your personal information or account details. They often look very real but don't be fooled. Here's a phishing email that Mrs Peasey received this week:

Needless to say, Mrs Peasey is NO FOOL and was not tricked into entering her Apple ID account details... But it's a timely warning for us all. PLEASE, be very careful not to click a link in an email or to fill in your account details anywhere unless you are certain the website is genuine.

Check the URL of any links in emails before you open them.

HOW? 

On a computer: mouse over the link and you should see the URL at the bottom of your browser. If not, right click (ctrl + click on a Mac) and choose Copy Link. Paste the link into Word or a text editor so you can see it.

On your iPad: Tap and hold the link until you see a menu pop up. The URL will appear at the top of the menu.

If you don't recognise the URL domain, or if it looks very long and complicated with lots of nonsense characters, don't risk opening the link. If you're unsure, show an adult or forward the email to one of your teachers to check.

You'll find more information about phishing and other scams at ACMA's SCAMwatch website:

Protect yourself:

Stay informed. Stay alert.

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!