My 3 Favorite Apps

Eberopolis, Teaching Reading & Writing With Technology is one of the newest blogs I'm following, and she just linked up with Thirsty Firsties for a linky party about ipad apps, and I'm going to follow. With this linky party you are asked to share 3 apps: your favorite FREE app that you use in the classroom; your favorite PAID app that you use in the classroom, and your favorite app for personal use. 

My favorite FREE app is Pic Collage. 

Pic Collage is a very simple app for students to use. It allows them to take a variety of pictures from their camera roll, or the internet and mesh them together. Words and symbols may be used as well. I've used this app in the classroom for vocabulary, and characterization. I've seen science teachers use it to teach or have students demonstrate life cycles. Pic Collage is an app that I also use a lot outside of the classroom.  Below is a picture of my son problem solving:)  After putting together this collage, I realized that it would be a good app for working on sequencing, especially in the younger grades.  

My favorite PAID app is Strip Design. 

For $2.99, Strip Design is an app that students use to create comic strips. Again, this is an app  I have students use for vocabulary, retelling, and so much more. The creativity that my students demonstrate when using this app amazes me. The comic strip below was created using strip design. Students were asked take a non-living object found in class and personify it. 

For PERSONAL use I like Apps Fire. 

Apps Fire is a free app that I use, a lot! It informs me of apps that may be free that day, or apps that are being offered at a discounted price for the day. I have gotten several paid apps for free using this app. I've also discovered new apps just from browsing.  I usually check for deals twice a day, as they are continuously updating. 

What are some of your favorite apps? I would like to hear about them. I'm always in need of a good app.  Don't forget link up with Thirsty Firsties.

Thirsty Firsties.

Currently June

This time last year I was just getting into blogging, and was able to get a few post in before the school year started. Then I got busy with school and couldn't find the time to blog much. Now that summer is here, I have the time to get back into blogging. In doing so, I keep seeing linky parties, and have decided to take some time to link up. 

This one I found at 

You link up at the beginning of the month with what's "Currently" happening in your life. I like this! It just may keep me blogging (once a month anyway).

Here is my June Currently:

Click to link up. 

Listening: It's a cool Sunday afternoon, and many kids are out at the park across the street. Sounds of summer oh so sweet! 

Loving: Since I am not a morning person (more of a night owl), I am loving staying up late and sleeping in. Night time is the best time to be on my computer; no interruptions. 

Thinking: June is my birthday month, and  the theme this year is "Another Year of Fabulous!" Now that the theme is set I just need to plan the rest. I really enjoy planning parties. Maybe I'll host a linky party before summer is over. 

Wanting: Having a 20 month old running around things get pretty messy, and a housekeeper would be nice. Not going to happen, so I'll just keep wanting. 

Needing: Every summer I have a summer cleaning list, and every summer I wait until right before it's time to return to work to complete it. This summer I plan to be done early. If that's going to happen I need to start soon. 

Vacay Essentials: I enjoy vacationing in the summer. Flip flops and sunglasses a must. Along with that is a camera. I've pretty much put away the traditional camera for my iPhone camera. Plus there are some pretty cool picture apps I like to use:  Memory Jar, Collect, A+ Signature, and Pic Collage. I have yet to catch the Instagram bug. 

Have a FABULOUS June!