Storytelling: Minus the Writing

Click image to see a sample video

Last year at NAEYC I listened to an amazing presentation by Vivian Paley as she discussed the importance of allowing kids to tell stories. One problem I have struggled with in my class is providing opportunities for kids to tell stories without letting their writing ability hold them back. One idea I came up with is using the iPad apps Felt Board and Educreations. I have posted about Felt Board before (HERE) but one feature it lacks is the ability to record audio. Enter the free app Educreations.

First I have the kids create a scene using Felt Board. This can be done individually or kids can collaborate together. Once they are done they simply press the camera icon on Felt Board and the image is saved to the camera roll.

Next the kids open Educreations and press the camera icon (mountain scene icon in image above) Once the camera roll is open they simply find their creation and select it. The image will be imported into Educreations and can be resize easily by pinching in or out on the iPad.

Last they press the record button and dictate their story. The story can be shared via email, Facebook, Twitter or you can send a link.

Sample Video with Felt Board and Educreations