Today I want to talk about one of my favorite apps for creative writing. The name of the app is Bill Atkinson PhotoCard - Postcards.
And guess what?? It is FREE!! Yes I said FREE!!
I have had the pleasure of using this app with students and teachers and it has been a huge hit!!
What I love about it is not only do they practice their writing, but they also learn the format of a postcard and adding a stamp when mailing.
The students begin by choosing a picture for the front of their postcard, in which they can use the camera from their iPad or iTouch to take pictures (field trips, playground, around the school, geometrical shapes, science experiments, etc..) or they can use the beautiful images within the the app.
Once the image is in place they can begin their writing based on the image they chose. The writing that comes from the students is amazing. They have a blast and they love that they are able to choose and change many things within their postcards.
This app would be great to use for any subject and grade level, but here are a few ideas I have that will get you started:
- Students take a picture of something in nature and they are to write as though they are that picture.
- Students take pictures while on a field trip, use the app to tell others about their favorite part of the field trip.
- Students choose an image within the app and are challenged to be as descriptive as they can about the image. Let them know that when you read their postcard you want to feel as though you are that image.
- Students take pictures and write about famous people, states, countries, ancient times, key vocabulary, authors, composers, etc..
- Students create a postcard based on Science safety rules and write about the proper ways to act in a lab setting.
- Students use this app to help them better understand difficult vocabulary words and math problems. They take a picture of the word, what it is or looks like, and then they write about it as if they were teaching someone else.
There are other add-ons within the app like stickers. I have the students add stickers and other fun stuff after they have written their postcard.
Once the students complete their postcard, they can email them to their teacher or to family members. If the students forgets the stamp, it will prompt them that every postcard needs a stamp before mailing = )
Downloading this app right now! We've got 5 ipads in the classroom so am always on the lookout for really awesome apps
ReplyDeleteLove your blog design too- so cute!
From your latest follower :)
x Serena x
Magic Mistakes & Mayhem
I am so glad you like it! I know you will love it.
ReplyDeletePlease let me know if you need anything at all.
Thank you for following me = )
Kristen