NarratorAR is an Augmented Reality App that supports early literacy. In short, you print out a page. Children write on it. They open the app to scan the QR Code on the sheet, choose a character, and watch the character spell the word.
I love using NarratorAR with my youngest students. I love how I can teach them about augmented reality and QR Codes while also engaging them in literacy.
Because they are learning how to spell their name and letter identification, I print out he alphabet sheets and create sheets with their names on them. These familiar print items are a great way to introduce Augmented Reality & QR Codes.
The kiddos love how they can draw on their paper of they want when they finish writing. But most of all, they are in awe when the unicorn or rocket start spelling what they wrote on the page. Their excitement and wonder is catching.
I introduce NarratorAR similarly to how I introduce different apps. I model for them.
With younger students, I teach them to put their paper on the floor. The height that standing provides makes it easier for kiddos to scan the sheet. It also makes it easier for them to see what happens on their screen after scanning.
When I show them how to use the app, I explain why I choose each character. For example, I say, “I really like unicorns and want the unicorn to bring my writing to life.” Or “I was just watching a movie about space and want to see the rocket spell my word.”
Particularly with younger students, I show them how to hold the iPad and the relative distance to hold it above the sheet. Really, for this app, students just need to scan the QR Code for it to work.
One of the cool things about NarratorAR is that even if the students move around a bit (and what young child isn’t prone to do that) the character will still spell the word. They love seeing their writing come to life off the page.
Oh…and if you have a kiddo who struggles with letter formation, NarratorAR is a great app to model that for them! All they’d have to do is scan the sheet to see how to write each letter. Then they can try it out on their own.
When it comes to apps and tools like NarratorAR that require scanning, it is helpful to display what you are doing on the projector.
Typically, you can connect your iPad to the projector if you have an Apple TV. If you don’t have that, or other mirroring options available, be sure to sit lower than the students so they can see as much as possible.
This helps them see how to line up the page, hold the tablet, and what to expect when scanning the page.
Early Literacy & Numeracy: Narrator is a great way for students to practice reading and writing print. The same with reading and writing numbers in different forms. There are so many printables to choose from and you can create your own. So if you have older students who struggle with spelling, I highly recommend creating a set for them to practice with. The immediate feedback students receive when they scan the page, reinforces correct spelling.
Vocabulary Acquisition: Because you can create your own printables, this is a great way for students to practice spelling it correctly. But more importantly, they can illustrate and/or write the meaning of the word.
Spelling Practice : Sight words, word wall words, and word lists can all be brought to life with Narrator. Just go to Narrator and create your own printable. Either pop them in a station or provide them as a choice for practice. I highly recommend keeping the originals you print so that you have them the next time you need them.
Community: There are also booklets available to print on the Narrator site. We use the love booklets to share things about ourselves. These pages are great because there is room for students to illustrate their writing.
Enrichment: Once students know how to use the app with the sheets, you can leave a set out for students to use after they finish their work.
When I decide to use an app, there are a few things that I consider. I always wonder if it will be engaging for my students. Typically if I love it, they do as well. My enthusiasm is contagious.
I determine if it is applicable for many purposes and can be used outside of the media center. Lastly, I try to figure out how long it will take me to teach students to use. If the answer is less than a class period, I’m in.
NarratorAR meets all of that criteria. It doesn’t take long to learn and can be quickly taught to students. This is also why I have been using it for about 5 years now.
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