IPad for home learning in Y1

[Cakeweek]

I have a bit of a quandary and wanted to ask what others thought please.

DS1 has recently started Y1..I knew we'd have home learning like we did in reception which is fine. But we've been sent details of 2 apps - one literacy and one numeracy. Not a problem I thought. We have a Kindle, I'll upload them, then DS can do his 15 minutes a week.

Both apps are only available on Apple devices. DH and I both have Android phones, we have the Kindle Fire and that's it. My laptop died a year or two ago and we've not needed to replace it - I was made redundant while on mat leave recently so we've no cash spare right now.

I had a look today and there is no way on this earth we can afford or justify buying an iPad. Money is super tight, but we just about manage in a monthly basis.

We've got a Parent consultation in November, so I'll take DS to the library until then if we can get there and get on a pc when its open. But if I say to the teacher I can't afford an iPad, what's she going to think? And is this an ok thing for a school to do? Surely we can't be the only people who can't afford iPads?

I just wondered if anyone else had come up against this and what they'd done.

They should have really checked if the app was available on android etc as well and it's probably just an oversight - I'd see the teacher /call the school and let them know - I doubt you'll be judged for not having an ipad.

I understand how annoying it is though, DS has a microsoft phone and I massively don't recommend it as it's never compatible with any apps he wants/needs!

Thanks, that's reassuring. Apparently the numeracy app used to be on Android but has been withdrawn.

We've just never been Apple users, and I feel a bit guilty, like I'm letting him down. It's so silly isn't it?! The Kindle Fire was a Black Friday bargain and I naively thought it'd be perfect.

My friend's daughter's primary are obsessed with Apple. Everything is Apple!

But at their secondary it's back to PCs.

OP speak to school and see what they say. They need to be inclusive and take into account that not everyone can afford (not want!) iPads and iPhones. DS recently had his SATS meeting and although yes there are apps we were advised of textbooks that follow the same principle which DS will be using as I disagree with kids on technology at such a young age!

Oh thanks yorkshirecountylass textbooks or worksheets would be a great workaround. I'll definitely ask.

It just seems so restrictive - I wonder if they only have funding for certain apps.

My DD school uses a maths programme that only works on a PC. DD, and DS before her, couldn't use a mouse at 5 (not well enough). We fretted so much with DS but then we just said "sorry, we can't manage it" with DD.

That's not reasonable and I think a lot of children spend enough time on screens anyway! We don't need schools to encourage it.

I wouldn't wait until November. I'd pop in and speak to the teacher. I'd be surprised if you were the only ones in this position. There may be the option for your DS to use a school device before or after school, or at lunchtime.

If the teacher says 'just don't bother', I wouldn't be happy with that - your DS would be losing out on a learning opportunity that's available to others. If they can't provide access to a suitable device, I'd ask for the equivalent work in the form of worksheets.

If you can use it on a pc, can’t you use the browser based version on the kindle or your phones? for most, you don’t need the app

Agree with yorkshirecountylass. Unless it's a private school, they can't assume that all parents have access to ANY sort of device. Also agree with LetItGoToRuin and talk to the teacher sooner rather than later.

our school do give them online stuff to do but they have always been clear that if children don't have access to IT at home then they can go to the library at lunchtime and use school resources or request printed copies instead. I would go in and just say you don't have it and can they either give it on paper or what are the arrangements to do it at school.

We're an apple free household too.
I'd just ask the teacher if there are some similar android apps that you can use at home, or see if they will work in a browser. I wouldnt wait til November tho.

I loathe apple with a passion. Fortunately DDs school do homework books.

If the school insist on homework being done on an ipad then they have to provide one. I suspect they havent noticed its not available on android anymore. Contact them now.