Engage Early Learners with iPad

iPad includes many built-in features that can be used to support early learners. In our Apple Professional Learning Live session, we explored how to use iPad to inspire creativity, support communication, and engage early learners in deeper, more meaningful learning experiences.

Here’s a recap on each of the experiences and some resources for you to take your learning further.

Sorting and Classifying with Pages

Pages is a powerful tool for creating graphic organisers that help early learners sort and classify objects in meaningful ways. Built-in features like audio recording, images, and flexible layouts support diverse learning needs while encouraging learner independence, confidence, and problem-solving. With easy sharing and collaboration, learners can take ownership of their thinking and learning.

Learn to create a graphic organiser to support early learners to sort and classify objects using Pages.

1. Open Pages. Choose the Blank Layout template.
2. Add a rounded rectangle. Resize and reposition. Copy and paste.
3. Fill shapes with colour. Then add text, images, or other shapes.
4. Select all three shapes. Use the Format panel to Lock and Group.
5. Share your Pages document or collaborate with others.

Here is a screen recording on how to create this template in Pages (with a few added extras!)

Shape Scavenger Hunt with Camera and Freeform 

Freeform is a highly flexible tool that supports open-ended exploration and creative thinking across the curriculum. With an infinite canvas, intuitive drawing tools, and easy ways to add images and shapes, learners can organise ideas, make connections, and collaborate in ways that suit their learning.

Explore how to support shape recognition in everyday objects using Camera and Freeform.

1. Open Freeform and create a new board.
2. Find some basic shapes from the Shape Library, then resize, name, and colour them.
3. Insert a picture or take a photo of shapes in your environment.
4. Use the drawing tools to identify the shapes.
5. Share the Freeform board or collaborate with others.

 Here is a screen recording on how to create this Freeform (with an extra "go further" task).

Building Word Families with Keynote

Use Keynote to build a word family activities to help early learners build phonemic awareness and recognise and decode similar word patterns, ultimately improving reading and spelling skills.  You could adjust this activity to suit your context and explore words from books you are reading with your students and even extend it to a vocabulary dictionary for those that are ready for it.

1. Open Keynote, add a blank slide.
2. Add shapes and text. Resize and reposition.
3. Duplicate the slide multiple times. Adjust text and shapes.
4. Add an audio recording for each sound and the word.
5. Share your presentation or collaborate with others.

Here is a screen recording of how you can create your own CVC sound template. 

 Bring an APLS to Your School

Australia - https://www.apple.com/au/education/k12/how-to-buy/professional-learning-specialist-and-providers/

New Zealand - https://www.apple.com/nz/education/k12/how-to-buy/professional-learning-specialist-and-providers/