Flipboard

I know what Flipboard is, but how do I use it in my classroom?  

Last year I was introduced to Flipboard.  However, I am a mother of three small children and reading is not something I find the time to do.  So, I downloaded the app, created a login, and then the app sat on my iPad- untouched (unless my children accidentally opened it up when playing on my iPad).  That is until about three weeks ago.  

I have been lucky enough to be part of an iPad committee for my school district.  As part of this committe I have been given time away from my classroom to discuss and plan how to implement 1:1 iPads.  At our last meeting, another teacher brought up using Flipboard to teach non-fiction reading and writing.  Then the following week,  a friend of mine forwarded  me a blog on 'flipping for non-fiction'.  So with that, I decided to give Flipboard another try.

I must admit, when I asked our technology department to add Flipboard to our iPads, I was questioned.  'Didn't I know Flipboard is social media?'  Luckily, I have a very supportive principal, who had my back and supported the use of Flipboard in my classroom.  

Little did our technology department know, Flipboard was going to transform my Reader's Workshop. Since the integration of Flipboard there is a renewed joy of reading.  My students can't wait to see what new stories are posted each day.  They are asking to read during their choice time, and our sharing time at the end of workshop could go on forever.  Everyone wants to share, and the kids are actually listening and commenting on what other's have to say.  

Since I started using Flipboard, it has even taken over our Speech class as well.  One of my students has shared the idea with her speech teacher, and now the kids are getting on Flipboard during speech and using reading strategies with the articles they find.  

Management:

So how did I get started?  Here are a few tips.

First: I created one login for our class to use.  This allowed me to add the magazines to everyone's iPads at the same time.  

Second: I am the only one allowed to add or delete a magazine.  Although there are an assortment of great articles for kids on Flipboard, there are also an assortment of not so great articles for kids.  When I introduced Flipboard, I explained to the kids that I am the only one allowed to add a magazine. If there is site or magazine they are interested in reading, they have to let me know. So, far we have had only one mishap, and the students involved handled it well.

Third:  Give the kids a day or two to explore without any other expectations.  Kids (people) like to play with new toys.  After a couple days of exploring, then I introduced my expectations for Reader's Workshop.  My students are expected to fill out a reading log that incorporates "Before, During, and After" reading strategies.  This helps the kids continue to think while they are reading, and not just read the words on the screen. The kids then get in small groups to discuss what they read.

So what are my kids reading?
Magazines we follow:  

Sports Illustrated for Kids

Ranger Rick

Kids Discover

The Why Files

Science News for Kids

Tween Tribune

Bedtime Math

National Geographic Kids

So what do the kids think?  One day, after reading articles on Tween Tribune, I asked the kids to share their thoughts on reading online articles and Flipboard.  Here are a few of their comments.