Stay safe (a story created by R)

Although we have access to ipads all the time in our classroom, we continue to develop awareness of different ways to assure they are being used most effectively.  Cautiously we examine apps to download and try to avoid those that mirror a 'gaming' focus.  Instead students are encouraged to use apps that allow them to research, to extend and record their thinking and learning, and to create.  Apps such as PuppetPals, Toontastic, Felt Board and Draw and Tell HD can be used to inspire story lines and lessons that contain important student driven messages to be shared with others.   

R created an important safety video on Draw and Tell.  The app allowed her to easily choose her background and characters and all were interactive (she was able to move them around as she talked).  One drawback of this app is she ran out of time recording so it had to be recorded in two parts. The video was then saved to photos on the ipad and then uploaded to you tube. 

Below is a conversation I had with her about her video.

MJ - Tell me about your video.

R - First I added the background, then I added the homes and then I start getting the little sticker things you can move around.

MJ - The animals?

R - Yeah and I added the bad guys, the police and the fire truck so they could get the babies out and bring them back home. 

MJ - I'm wondering what is your message?

R - To don't steal babies.  Don't leave your babies at home because this is what happens. 

MJ - So it is about being safe.

R - Take your babies to the grocery store if you're going out.  Don't leave them at home.  Good thing my mommy takes us to the grocery store with her.  She leaves R (brother) at home. 

MJ - Why do you think she leaves R at home?

R - I don't know but she tells him "don't open the door if anyone knocks".

MJ - R is quite a bit older than you isn't he?

R - Yeah.

MJ - You have created an important message about being safe.  

This is the ending to her video.  

R would love to receive comments about her video.