Day 8

Webinar: Fine Motor Skills

This morning I watched the webinar Fine Motor Skills. I was torn between which one to choose but since I'm not teaching math next year, I decided to watch the one on fine motor skills. I learned a lot of valuable information while watching this webinar, since it is not my area of expertise. Fine motor skills are the the ability to make precise coordinated movements using muscles and joints in the wrist, hands and fingers. This webinar presented many iPad apps that can be used to assist children who experience fine motor dysfunction. iPads can be used as a part of a comprehensive fine motor skill remediation program.

In the past, I haven't really had to work with children to develop their fine motor skills. This year I will be teaching a grade 1/2 combined and a grade 5 class that has a lot of varying abilities and behaviours. From the conversations I have already had with this years teachers and the learning centre teacher, I know that these apps will be beneficial to some of my students. As I mentioned before, our school did purchase a few iPads this past year. If Maureen and I prepare a list of apps that we think could benefit the students and suggest that our principal view the apps on youtube, I am hopeful that she will allow us to make purchases. By doing this, the iPads can be used as centre activities within classrooms and to support individual students. I know there will be some controversy amongst students because there are only two iPads, but once there is a routine in place while we have access to them, hopefully it will be successful. I'm a little nervous about next year, but I'm hopeful that I will be able to incorporate some of this assistive technology into my class to engage the students and motivate them to learn. 

I loved all of the apps presented in the webinar! A few of my favourites are:

           WritePad

WritePad costs $9.99. It is a handwriting recognition app that instantly converts handwriting to text. Students can use their index finger or a stylus to write. It provides some great activities to reinforce handwriting. I think this activity is a great way to motivate students to practice their handwriting. It is an activity that would benefit all students.

    Bugs and Buttons

Bugs and Buttons costs $2.99. It is a pinch and grab activity that requires thumb and index finger control. Students need to apply the necessary pressure on the screen to drag the bugs and other objects to the necessary jars. As the levels increase, the activities become more difficult. This is a great activity for students to work on developing their fine motor skills without them even knowing that they are actually working! Love this app!

            Dexteria

Dexterity costs $4.99. It is an app that provides therapeutic hand exercises supporting and enhancing fine motor skills. It also helps children and adults with their writing. It promotes dexterity, finger sequencing, isolation and control. A stylus can be used to complete activities. This app is very engaging for students in order to complete in class tasks. 

       Touch and Write

Touch and Write is a free app.It also the user to touch the screen with their finger or a stylus and learn letters, numbers and words. You can write with shaving cream, ketchup, gelatine, pudding, chalk or a pencil. There is a option of two high frequency word lists and you can also create your own. There is also a choice of 29 different paper styles. It enhances handwriting skills, control and grasp. This is a great engaging and creative way for children to write.