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iPod Fun!

Dear Substitute teacher:  As an educated adult who holds a college degree, what makes you think that it is acceptable to allow 5 year olds to discuss why they are thankful to have a boyfriend/girlfriend?  And why would you include such on our list of things we’re thankful for?

TRUE STORY PEOPLE!  That is what I discovered upon my return to my classroom.  I mean, really…come on now!  Ain’t nobody got time for dat!    And of course a lackluster sub means my ‘staches were a bit…unhinged today.  But we survived.  We made paper plate turkeys.  A few of us cried (maybe…maybe not…the teacher!)…and tomorrow will be better!

If you read my blog much, you know i’m a bit of technology geek.  I love gadgets and am a bit of nerd for some good technology.  I love being able to use technology in my classroom to enhance and supplement our learning.

Right now our big fascination is with QR codes!  You know, those little squares you see everywhere that can be scanned with a smartphone and it gives you information?  Did you know that those are powerful learning tools?  No, for serious.  We love them in mustache land!  They’re easily adapted for all skills…they can be easily differentiated AND they’re so darn cool that the ‘staches are 100% engaged with the learning.  They beg for that center!

So…our dilemma was that the only device we had for scanning QR codes was Mr. Greg’s iPhone.  Now, I honestly do not mind letting the ‘staches use my phone.  But it would be nice if we had more access to the QR codes for more ‘staches.

Then it happened….I got a grant on my Adopt A Classroom page so I was able to order an iPod touch for our QR code center!  And then…people, sit down…get ready…we were sitting in a faculty meeting and were gifted with an iPod touch!  BAM!  Seriously, 2 iPod’s in 2 days.  I was giddy!  So…here’s how the QR code center works in my room!

There are 2 iPods set up for students to use.  I have the QR code reader app already open when ‘staches arrive.  Depending on the skill I want the student work on, I will give them a set of qr codes.  These are stored in Zip-Loc bags and labeled.  They also get a recording sheet.

Students pick a card and scan the code.  The code then reveals a letter, picture, word or ten frame (or limitless other skills…) and the students complete their recording sheet.  Then they scan another code.  And so on!

This little guy is working on letter recognition!  What I love about the letter detectives is that it can be adapted for letter recognition (uppercase and lowecase) and sounds!  And the sound activities can be done two ways!  They scan a picture and find the letter for the sound or they scan a letter and find the picture for the sound!  Hello versatility!
This center is counting to 20.  The little guy scans the code and a set of pictures pops up.  He counts the pictures and writes the number!  Hello common core standards!
Now, we hit a snag because the cameras on the iPods our a bit wonky (totally technical term) from the iPhone we were used to using.  So, a little research netted a solution.  Now, the ‘staches don’t even have to handle the iPod (hello, don’t drop me!)!  Are ya ready to be wowed?!
Seriously.  2 binder clips and we have a perfect stand for our iPod.  Now we hold the card in front of the camera and it scans the code.  BAM!
Binder clips are amazingly powerful little tools.
If you’re interested in learning more about QR codes, I have several posts you can check out!
If you want to get started with QR codes or see what they’re all about, check out these freebies!
If you’re interested in my letters and sounds QR code activities or the number activities in the pictures, they are available in these resources!
And because I’m super stoked about my iPods and are rockin’ QR codes center…these two products are on sale for $3 each.
And how about a give away?!
I have finished these two Common Core creations…i’m super excited to use them in my classroom!!  Guess what my printer is doing tonight?!
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Leave me a comment with suggestions for skills to include in my next QR Code resource!  I’ll pick two winners tomorrow!  (Please leave your email with your comment!)

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