community voices

This question was asked and answered in ISTE Connect (iste.org/connect), home of ISTE’s Professional Learning Networks.

What are some great ways to engage kindergartners in online learning?

For kindergarten, I am focusing on patterns, sequencing and loops. GoNoodle (gonoodle.com) has some fun dance pattern videos that both the students and parents enjoy. I have used LEGOs to create patterns and then asked the students to copy or debug my pattern, the same with sequencing and loops.

Kathleen Flores, PK-5 computer lab teacher Yorkshire Academy, Houston, Texas

I love being able to provide the littles an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in a way that allows them to be creative and have a voice! For a weekly planner, I would suggest Wakelet. My kindergarten teachers absolutely love it.

Here’s my Wakelet list of apps (wke.lt/w/s/7AcPC4) that can be used in the early elementary classroom. I chose these apps because of their versatility in the classroom, because they can be used in various subject areas and they are easy to use.

Iris Randle, instructional technology coach Buffalo Public Schools, New York

I just wanted to share these resources that I found this week with new, appropriate activities. Barefoot (barefootcomputing.org) has an elementary computing curriculum and Wonder Workshop just released a robotless mission (thewonderchallenge.makewonder.com/).

Amy Eagle, technology integrator/teacher The Leffell School, White Plains New York I really love using tools that encourage technology combined with hands-on learning. Seesaw allows students to take pictures as they use hands-on materials. If possible, send home math and science manipulatives along with a device.

If your students are using iPads, here are some apps that encourage students to practice speaking and listening skills, along with opportunities for creation: Sock Puppets (apple.co/32Ivbbi) Chatterpix (apple.co/32I4V0o) iMovie/Apple Clips (apple.com/clips/)

For reading, Storyline Online (storylineonline.net/ apps) has an app now.

Kristin Harrington, digital learning specialist Flagler County Schools, St. Augustine, Florida

Hello Ruby (helloruby.com) is a cute and ageappropriate way for younger students to learn about computers, technology and programming. It is a three-book series supplemented by exercises, activities and videos including paper interactive printables. Unplugged coding activities are also a fun entry into coding concepts for younger students like this one for the book If You Give A Pig A Pancake (bit.ly/2WQTf7O), this one using plastic cups (bit.ly/3jFRUun), or this dance party (bit.ly/3jCe68G)!

Darshell Silva, librarian Davisville Middle School North Kingstown, Rhode Island