In the days of instant connection and constant access to the internet, we can find ourselves getting carried away in the land of the interwebs. Many of our lessons include online components, digital teaching materials that need connectivity, and online tools and manipulatives that students and teachers depend upon during instruction and work time.

And then………. you hear it. Your head starts to spin and your stomach starts to feel queazy. “Staff, this is Principal Pal. The internet is down and we don’t know when it will be back up.” You turn and look at your class and then look down at your lesson plans. Your perfect lesson with technology integration has just been destroyed.

Does any of this sound familiar? Of course not. But if you’d like a few ideas that will get your gears grinding, go ahead and read on. Oh. And if you’d like help with any of these ideas, feel free to hop on over to the “Let’s Collaborate” link and have a TIS come help!

1. Use Pages or Microsoft Word to Create a Project 

Aside from general word processing tasks, these two apps have a lot of potential. Each one includes many project templates to choose from. Explore the available options and allow your students to create a project that showcases what they have learned!

2. Use Keynote or PowerPoint to Create a Book

Yes, Keynote and PowerPoint apps allow students to create slideshow presentations. However, don’t let that be your only option! Treat each slide as a book page. Allow students to add shapes, text, pictures, and drawings to make their stories come alive! Also, you can export the files as a .PDF and copy them to the Books app on the iPad. Students will be able to open their projects in the Books app and read it like other e-books. 

3. Use Numbers to Create a Graphic Organizer

Some folks think of Numbers as just a spreadsheet application. It can do so much more! Have students open a new spreadsheet. Delete the table. Have them tap on the + and then tap on the shapes tab (circle & square). Students can use many different shapes, lines, arrows, etc. to create flow charts, graphic organizers, and other tools to organize information. Students have the ability to add text inside shapes by double tapping on the shape. 

4. Use Notes as a Whiteboard App

Have students open up the Notes app. They can tap on the pen at the bottom to use the markup tools to write and create visuals to show understanding of the topic at hand. 

5. Camera Scavenger Hunt

Have students go on a scavenger hunt for things they are learning about. For example, students could be given a list of geometry terms (right angle, obtuse angle, acute angle, intersecting lines, parallel lines, etc.). Give them the task of snapping a photo of something that is an example of that term. They can also use the markup tools to show further understanding of the concepts.

6. Voice Memos for Reading Fluency

Try using the Voice Memos app at your reading fluency station. Have students record themselves reading for a selected amount of time. They can listen to their recordings and follow along in the text. Students will be able to hear if they are including pauses for commas, using proper phrasing, etc. 

7. Use Camera and Clips or Keynote to Create a Six Word Story

Students must create a story using only six words! They can use photos that they take to help convey the message or theme of the story. Markup tools or formatting tools within the apps will allow students to add the words to their story. 

8. Use Voice Memos to Create an Interview or Podcast

Students could create an interview script with a friend and record or pick a topic and record a podcast segment. 

9. Explore Using Hyperlinks in Keynote or PowerPoint to Create a Quiz Game

Did you know you can create quiz games by linking slides together in Keynote or PowerPoint? Students could be responsible for certain reading materials and then create a game that others can play to learn the most important content. 

10. Create a Soundtrack or a Song Using GarageBand

Students can use loops and instruments in GarageBand to create music for projects. Also, give them a challenge to create a song or a rap about a particular topic! 

11. Explore the Measure App

Need to measure something? Need to compare lengths? Use the Measure app! The Measure app uses AR, augmented reality, to set points on objects to measure distance. Students can take screen shots of the measurements and add to their photos.