Apps

More than ever schools are using digital media in the library and classrooms as teaching aids. Devices such as the iPad where the interactive component allow kids to be engaged and actively participate in educational apps that encourage feedback, imagination and creativity.  Each day Children's writers and app developers convert wonderful classics  and  create amazing new books as apps. There are countless titles based on age, topic or content, just waiting to be discovered & downloaded.

 

During kids book & app discussions, the first question often asked is “What’s a book app?” A Book App is so much more than an eBook, it’s a digital book brought to life with animation, music, narration and fun filled activities or games woven into the story. Book apps encourage kids to read, play and explore and are available for use on digital tablets such as the iPad, and smart phones.

 

 

 

 

Best of all, they’re very inexpensive and provide a unique, entertaining and learning environment. Most fall within the range of 99c-$4.99, a flat fee which usually won’t have ‘in app purchases’. Paid book apps are a preferable option to free apps which bombard our kids with ads or prompt a purchase in order to proceed.

 

You can find book apps  in the iTunes App Store, under the Books category.

In Google Play, you can find book apps under Android Apps > categories > books & reference. There you’ll find wonderful, interactive stories that deliver an animated reading experience. Book Apps like “Grendel’s Great Escape” for iPad /Android and “Treasure Kai and the Seven Cities of Gold” for iPad/iPhone allow children to interact with the story, through reading, music and fun activities.

 

 

 

For a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a book app, visit the Kids Korner.

http://bluesandpiper.webs.com/kids-korner

 

To see a 2-minute video called “Kids Have Fun Reading on the iPad” visit

http://youtu.be/QEIzvxQo3Vo

 

Not sure which book apps are suitable for your child? These sites feature the best cildren apps and reviews, and provide direct links for downloading.

 

 

 

 

Digital Storytime www.digital-storytime.com

The Appy Mall www.appymall.com

 iMums  www.theimum.com

 I heart this app iheartthisapp.com

 

Guest blogger; Michelle Anaya is the Author of Grendel’s Great Escape & the soon to be released Monster Jam Children’s book apps. She finds that creating books on a digital platform not only entertain kids, but helps them learn to love reading as well by making it fun & interactive.

 

Grendel's Great Escape Children's book App:

iPad: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grendels-great-escape/id585972636?ls=1&mt=8

Android tablet: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.bluesandpiperimprints.grendelHD&feature=search_result

http://www.bluesandpiper.com

 

Treasure Kai & the seven cities of gold https://itunes.apple.com/app/treasure-kai-seven-cities/id565841661?mt=8

Hello~

Our annual Field Day event at Robertson is coming up on May 10th. The makeup date will be May 17th if it rains. This is an all-day event run by Coach Moore, Coach Bustillos and our Field Day Chairperson, Toni Parham. We are in need of a lot of volunteers to make this run smoothly. You can sign up at: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C4FA4A92BA31-robertson We will begin setting up around 8:00 AM and would like to have about 5 volunteers to help with the set up. We could really use some strong men for this. Stations will be set up outside around the school. Some of the stations are roller racers, tug-o-war, water waiter, etc. Grades K-2 will participate from 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM and Grades 3-5 will participate from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM.

 
Volunteer times are set up in 45 minute increments.  Each station is 10 min 
max and we'd like each parent there for at least 45 minutes. If you volunteer, 
you will be able to find your child after your volunteering shift to continue 
through the stations with them. 

If you want to spend more time with your child during Field Day, consider 
volunteering during an opposite time of day (e.g., if you have a 1st grader, 
volunteer to help in the afternoon so you can spend the full morning with your 
child).

Volunteer shirts are available for $6.00 each. 
If you would like to order one, please email Toni Parham at admartin@alum.howard.edu 
by May 2nd.  Be sure to indicate the size that you need.


This is an event that the kids really enjoy.  We could definitely use your help 
to make this a success. Don’t forget to sign up at:   www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C4FA4A92BA31-robertson
If you have any questions about Field Day, you can contact Toni Parham at 
admartin@alum.howard.edu. 

Thanks for all that you do to make a difference at Robertson!

Stephanie Keys
Volunteer Coordinator

Congratulations!!

Congratulations to Robertson PTA for winning 4 awards from the Texas PTA:
1. Membership Increase Award
Presented to each local PTA with a membership increase on December 1 as compared to the previous year’s December 1 total. Totals are based on the records maintained by Texas PTA.
2. Silver Award
Presented to all PTAs that recruit and report membership totals equaling at least 50% of the school’...s student enrollment by the Spring award deadline of March 15.
3. Golden Apple Award
Presented to all PTAs that recruit and report 100% of school faculty as members by the Spring award deadline of March 15. Texas PTA’s definition of faculty is: principals, assistant principals, teachers, counselors, and aides employed at the campus full time.
4. Texas STAR Award
Presented to all PTAs that have a President on record at Texas PTA, were active by October 15, have updated bylaws within the last 5 years and increased membership by March 15.

Book Fair April 8-12

Students are previewing Monday, Thursday and Friday this week, April 1-5. Our book fair will be open next week, April 8-12 for purchases.

Kinder Round-Up

Frisco ISD invites parents to pre-register their children to enter kindergarten for the 2013-2014 school year.
All 33 elementary schools will host Kindergarten Round-Up the week of April 8-12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Extended hours will be available Tuesday, April 9 until 7 p.m.



To attend kindergarten, students must be five years old by September 1, 2013.
Note: A student who is younger than five years of age as of September 1 may only enter kindergarten if he or she is able to pass the third grade STAAR test.

To complete pre-registration, please bring your child’s birth certificate, social security card and immunization records, as well as proof of residence (for example, a utility bill) and a parent’s driver license.

Note: If you are living in temporary housing and are purchasing a home in Frisco ISD, you must present a proof of contract at the time of pre-registration if you want your child to begin school in the attendance zone where your permanent home will be located.

Specials Week April 8th-12th

Hi Parents!

Next week is Specials Teacher Appreciation Week! Let's show our Specials Teachers how much we appreicate them by sending in daily treats. Click on the sign-up below to view their favorites!

Feel free to contact me with quest...ions or ideas at stimacs@live.com

Thanks!
Tricia Stimac
PTA Hospitality

http://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/2030020620104