If you have followed my blog you know that I have used StoryKit in a few of my activities this year. I thought I would bring it to the fore front since I found another way to use it. I keep finding new ways to use it and it useful for so much more than just editing a story. For those who are not familiar with it, you can read more about it on the ITunes app store. It is available as a free download.
When you first open StoryKit its full potential is not apparent. When I first saw the books listed for editing I thought it was just another app for downloading children’s books. Then I realized I could create my own books and insert pictures I took with my iPad or my photo library. The program also allows for writing and multiple recordings on each page.
This led to use number one. I found it was great for creating directions for crafts because of the multi-modal presentation. A child has pictured, written, and verbal directions that can be repeated at the push of a button. If you look back on my bulletin board crafts, there are examples of directions posted using this program. The App creations are actually better on the iPad because they are presented as a book rather than in story board form.
Use number two was actually incorporated into use number one. I used the recording feature for expressive language and carry over for articulation. The students created and produced the directions. They were motivated to use clear and concise speech when recording them. If it didn’t come out clear the first time, it was easy to record it again They would make multiple recordings and in the end keep the best one. It really made them more aware of errors to correct and what details were important.
My latest use was making a book of “Unexpected Animal Photos.” There are all sorts of collections of photos on the internet. It is easy to take a screen snapshot of these photos to make a book. Students can add verbal commentary once pictures are added. I’ve found that animals are a good topic for conversation and the unusual pictures encourage students to use descriptive detail and make inferences. You can make your own by using Google to search for collections of unexpected animal photos. When you find a photo that you like, you can add it to your photo library by taking a screen shot. Here are the directions to create a screen shot. Even if you don’t have an iPad, the pictures can be printed off and used for discussion. Students always seem to like to talk about animals.
