My husband will tell you I love to make up words, words that don’t exist but just seem to fit the situation. In fact he has teased me that I shouldn’t be teaching the next generation my made up words!! So when I learned a new term I just had to start using it, APP SMASHING.

App Smashing Defined: The process of using multiple apps in conjunction with one another to complete a final task or project.

This week our first graders got to put this term into action. Based on the idea of Performances of Understanding students got to, “use what they know in new ways or situations to build their understanding.” ALPS Performances of Understanding Article)

1.Students Select An APP: Students demonstrate their understanding of a math fact. Having students select the app is intentional, it builds independence, provides student ownership and encourages students to view technology as a tool to make thinking visible.

2. Screen Shot Thinking: This is the where the iPad becomes more than just a replacement of drawing or modeling on paper!!

3. Time to APP SMASH: Students open Educreations, find the picture they just took in another app, draw and explain their thinking.

The great part about this lesson is that once you have taught these simple skills, students can APP SMASH with any app with very little teaching.