This PrepositionBuilder™ app also includes:
- Activity
- Graphic & Image
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Prepositions can change the meaning of a sentence and children need to know how to use them properly. Here is an app that has been designed with the struggling learner in mind. It uses visual and audio cues to help elementary-aged learners or those in remediation better understand the purpose and use of prepositions.
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App Overview
Learners will drag and drop a preposition into an incomplete sentence that pertains to the image shown. Audio narrations state the word as the user drags and drops it into place. A correct answer results in verbal praise, and an incorrect answer result in visual and audio cues intended to assist the learner in choosing the correct word. Each sentence the child creates can be recorded and played back as a way to reinforce the concept.
Settings:
- Establish student profile or change users
- Turn audio instructions on/off
- Turn correct answer reinforcement on/off
- Turn record feature on/off
- Select modules
- There are nine modules total, and each one deals with a different set of prepositions
Play:
- The preposition set is labeled at the top of the screen. For example, on-in-under
- A sentence containing a black space is presented over the image the child will use as reference
- The three prepositions which the module is focusing on are presented at the bottom of the screen in large bold letters
- The child drags and drops one of the three prepositions into the black space in the sentence at the top of the screen
- When they complete the sentence, the audio narration provides feedback and then reads the sentence to the child
- If the record feature is on, the child will be prompted to read and record the sentence he has completed
- Each sentence can be played back and saved
- To progress to the next sentence, simply tap Next Sentence
- If the child answers incorrectly, the image changes to show the sentence the child made and the audio explains what the picture is showing. The child is then prompted to try again
Stats:
- A performance report can be accessed by tapping Stats at the bottom of the screen
- It shows the number of attempts the child made for each preposition module
- Stats can be e-mailed or reset
- The child can access his overall progress by clicking Show my animations
- As the child passes each module, he earns animations that will eventually reveal a complete animated scene
Instructional Ideas
- Have the app available as a free-time activity that provides additional practice, or leave it at a station, where children can work in pairs to complete a set number of sentences
- After using the app to practice, have each child in the class write a sentence that includes a preposition. Take all of the sentences and re-distribute them to the class. After each child has a new sentence, he/she will need to stand up and show or act out them out. This is a great way to address multiple learning styles while fostering confidence and an understanding of the definition of a preposition
Classroom Considerations
Because the app provides a way for children to record their voices, some may take advantage of this feature in an inappropriate way. Monitoring and strict rules regarding the use of the tool is suggested.
Pros
- Provides an easy way to track student progress
- Allows for multiple users
- Reinforces learners with fun rewards and verbal praise
- Provides feedback that helps learners understand their mistakes
- Images help the child see what each preposition means and how it works to change a sentence
Cons
- Some children may find the animation a bit juvenile