At the start of my career, I was a self-confessed worksheet girl. I photocopied every morning and every afternoon, had folders for each day with all the worksheets I would need, complete with binders of resources that I’d collected from multiple teaching placements. I probably killed a few million trees…sorry trees.
Since I was introduced to iPads in the classroom, or for that matter any digital technology, my printing and photocopying has decreased.
But how do I teach maths now? What do I get my students to do instead of worksheets? If we don’t glue a worksheet in their book, or upload it onto a digital portfolio, how will parents know they’ve learned anything and how will we as teachers, assess them?
It’s simple:
- teach them how to use the technology using simple instructions.
- focus on creation apps, rather than consumption apps – make the students think!
- give them time to explore (not ‘play’, explore) what the app can do.
To get you started, I’ve created 4 different task cards which can be used for whole class or small group work in maths. They are based around students creating and applying their knowledge, with a focus on sharing their work with their class and teacher, through taking screenshots, sharing on the big screen, or adding to a collaborative Google Slide. You can download them for free here.
teacherlearningjourney 
Thanks for sharing Fiona. I love using iPads in my prep classroom and am always amazed with the things they are able to create.
I enjoyed reading about the apps you use for maths – some of them I have never used but have now downloaded them & am looking forward to using them soon. I’ve found number rack to be an interesting way for preps to show their understanding of number too. Screen shots are handy for them to save what they’ve been working on & then upload to their digital learning journals.
Thanks again for sharing your ideas š