"A Framework for Using iPads to Build Early Literacy Skills" -The Reading Teacher April 2013

"A Framework for Using iPads to Build Early Literacy Skills" by Laura Northrop and Erin Killeen

The Reading Teacher
Volume 66, Issue 7, pages 531–537, April 2013

This article provides a framework on how to utilize iPads to support your literacy instruction.  Basically, we want to make sure we are providing appropriate scaffolding of instruction before sending students off to work on their iPad in literacy centers. The app used in this model lesson was abc Pocket Phonics (Apps in my Pocket Ltd, $2.99; Lite version is free).

This app focuses on letter formation, letter sounds, and blending of simple words.  Here are a few suggestions:

1. Teach the concept without the iPad. 

Begin by teaching the literacy concept using best practice instruction before even working with an app.  This allows for students to learn a skill before applying independently.

2. Explain and model the app.  

Introduce the app as a way for students to practice the skill you are working on.  I really liked how they incorporated the think-aloud process here for students.  So, along the way you are talking through what you are thinking as you manipulate the app.  "Which letter makes the /a/ sound?  Let  me think.  I'm going to test these letters, hear the sound, and then choose."

3. Guided Practice with the app.  

Provide time for students to practice with the app.  You can check to understand that they not only know how to use the app, but that they also understand the literacy content the app is focusing on.  You can check in with them with questions like, " How do you choose a letter to make a word?"  "What do you push to get to the next word?"

4. Independent practice with the app.

Once students have a clear understanding of both how to use the app and the literacy skill, they are ready to work with the app during literacy centers or independent work time.  As with any app, there are certain limitations and students may not be interested in working with the same app for an extended period of time.  There are many apps that will let students continue their focus on

My biggest take away from this article was the importance of supporting our young readers before they are allowed to work independently with apps.  Individual modeling and teacher think-alouds are excellent ways to gradually introduce the new literacy concepts.

Some apps recommended in the this article:

Little Matchups ABC-Match lowercase to uppercase letters; Match letters to letter sounds.  Match letters to pictures that start with that sound.

Popplet-Create concept maps.

Doodle Buddy-Draw scenes from the story or practice word work.