In Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace Darth Maul said, “At last we shall reveal ourselves to the Jedi. At last we shall have revenge.” Well, that didn’t quite work out, did it? At least not then, and certainly not because of the tattooed Sith Lord. Sure, Maul killed the preachy Qui-Gon Jinn, but he in turn got cut in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Huh? I’m clearly out of my element. I introduced a new book in our reading center today. It is an encyclopedia of Lego Star Wars characters. Saying it was a huge hit is an understatement. The above discussion, or something like it, was taking place today between Hagan and Caleb. They are my Star Wars experts. The excitement over this new book was not unexpected. Interest inventories taken on my students clearly showed the need for this new addition. However, what happened next was unexpected. In the midst of all of the Star Wars techno-babble, the boys decided it would be great to go to the iPad and write about it. They planned out what they wanted to each write and how they would illustrate it. The discussion was amazing. Their engagement was priceless.
I am passionate about my students’ writing. We have several author studies throughout the year and I use mentor texts to inspire their writing. It is essential in teaching creative writing to provide opportunities to link writing topics to who the children are familiar with and to what excites them. Conferring with the students, having them look at their own writing and sharing their writing helps them make connections with good reading and writing skills. The use of iPads, in conjunction with systematic teaching in Reading and Writing Workshop, is producing the most advanced reading and writing that I’ve seen in the 23 years I’ve taught. The data is compelling.
Hagan and Caleb-Star Wars aficionados
Whether the students are writing on iPads, blogging, creating eBooks, or writing with pencil on paper, they are immersed in rich language all day long.
So, whether you side with Darth Maul or Obi-Wan Kenobi, I believe “The Force” is strong in kindergarten!
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iTeach with iPads 
I am so glad to see you say, “huh?’….I too totally do not get the Star Wars element. But, I am truly amazed at how you are taking what is an interest and incorporating it into the children of kindegarten. These children sound amazingly older than their 5 or 6 years and I believe teachers like you are giving them opportunities that my generation NEVER had.
I agree with Laura… thanks for providing our children with these opportunities…
I do however love Star Wars too!!!!
Skillful teaching is engaging a child where there interests lie and incorporating learning at that place. You are amazing at that!
Love this! It’s so rewarding when kids make conections between their interests and their learning! They become so much more committed to their education…and without even realizing it! It becomes a part of them! So exciting!
Kristi,
Hi. I teach K-5th grade ESL to 40+ students in Durham, NC. Got my iPad (not provided by school) and use it with my students, and now have access to desktops and should have a Brightlinks shortly, but would LOVE to have 1:1 iPads and a Mac to use with my students. Any thoughts about sources, etc.? 10 would be great. Thanks
Barbara Isasi-Brown
Barbara
Most everyone I know is writing grants for iPads. I really dont know of any other sources at this point. Good luck to you!