I plan to use the tablets to revive my center time, aka “Break Out Sessions.” There are 6 groups in my class. During BOS, each group is assigned a different center activity. Currently, the “Read to Self” center (adapted from The Daily 5) is my troubled area. Due to the limited space in the classroom, finding a private spot to read was hard. I had to be creative with the way I motivate kids to read to themselves. I got a few colorful plastic chairs that we labeled as “Special Reading Chairs that students would position around the room. Now, the next problem was appropriate reading materials. Once again limited in this area, I was forced to print eBooks that matched the theme for the week. This proved very costly. When I resorted to black & white copies, students lost interest and merely used the time to swing the baggie around.
I predict that the Kindles will resuscitate new life into this center activity. I know kids will want to explore the books on the device. I think I will create another center called “Kindle Free Time.” Once at this center, students will use the Kindles to either play approved educational games or complete a Nearpod “homework” activity. I’m still milling over this….
I’d be back later to tell you how it goes.
