Getting Started with Stop Motion in the Classroom

Stop Motion is one of the oldest filming techniques and was viewed as magic of its time. Do you remember Gumby or A Year Without a Santa Claus? Both are examples of intricate stop motion.

So why try stop motion with your students?

It brings stationary objects & topics to life
You only need minimal tools
Teaches patience & problem solving

Even when I have done stop motion with my classes, they even think that their own work is magic as well! I even used paper as the only prop for filming. Students had to create a video to teach others about a given topic. Here is my favorite about the human heart. {No sound.} They took over 200 pictures with tiny movements to make this possible.

Below are some typical questions that I’ve been asked when getting started with Stop Motion.

What devices & software do you suggest to use with this resource?

I would start with iPads or an iPhone. However, the same app can be purchased for Mac & Windows. I use the Stop Motion Studio {Free & Paid iOS app}, however, this resource can apply to any other stop motion app that you might already have.

What if I only have a few devices in my classroom?

Limited supplies shouldn’t limit what you can do with kids. This can be a great opportunity to create stations in your classroom. I do this ALL the time with my STEM classes. I teach you a few others ways to make this happen successfully in your room?

I teach in a Gen Ed classroom, is Stop Motion for me?

Y.E.S., YES!!! Technology & STEM should not be limited to just in the “specials” class. This can honestly be used across all content areas.

Are there ways to differentiate?

Definitely. Partnerships help with differentiating A LOT! Often times, my students who struggle with regular classroom instruction thrive with using technology. I would encourage the use of pairs to help with typical problem solving issues as well. Again, using guided tech groups are a great way to meet student learning needs. I find that working with students with technology in smaller settings is highly successful.

What is the youngest that you can start stop motion?

I think that you can go as young as kindergarten, depending on the task. With explicit instructions, the use of guided tech groups, you can definitely use this with all ages. I WOULD NOT suggest whole group with really young students. They can sometimes become lost with multiple steps.

Want more inspiration and guidance? Check out my Stop Motion 101 Resource.

With over 100+ pages of content, I have put together the ins-and-outs of this tech tool from the teacher’s side, ways to implement in all content areas, detailed lesson plans, student resources, examples, vocabulary are more!

Click here to download it for yourself!

Stay marvelous!

Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith

7 Online Tech Professional Development Courses You Should Try

by Naomi Meredith

Are you a classroom teacher looking to increase the use of technology in your classroom but need more training? Are you a tech or STEM teacher wanting to continue your practice? I’ve been in both positions and found that online trainings were a great option for me.

Here are 7 online technology professional developments that I suggest to continue your classroom technology knowledge! When you click on the name of each one, it will redirect you to their site. These aren’t listed in any particular order.

Note: I am not endorsed by any of these companies. These are just ones that I have done and found over the years and believe in that are worth sharing!

1. BrainPop 101 {Free, if you have a teacher BrainPop account. No digital badge, but a printable certificate} Everyone loves the videos that BrainPop produces. Have you tried all of their other amazing features that are to the right of each video? Primary sources, coding, quizzes… There is even a teacher dashboard to explore!

When logged into your teacher BrainPop account, towards the top right of the home screen, it says BrainPop 101. It will walk you through all of their features aside from videos and interact with them in an authentic way. You will also get a certificate of completion with one-hour of Professional Development Credit.

2. Common Sense Educator {Free, once you create your free teacher account. Receive a digital badge.} Common Sense Media is an amazing resource to help you stay updated with today’s technology, movies and social media. They also have great parent resources and talking points for all sorts of relevant topics that relate to the above. My favorite is their free digital citizenship curriculum.

This training is more so how you use their curriculum with students and share the information with others. If you are already using their stuff, this is a great refresher to narrow down on how you are using their resource effectively with kids and other teachers in your building.

3. Code.org Courses{Free, once you create your free account.} I linked to the page that shares the progression of coding amongst grade-levels and the professional development opportunity that you would want to choose from. As a coding novice, this was a great learning experience for me to learn the basics of coding and be able to be a guide for my students in my classroom.

Find the big letters for your classroom by clicking here or on the picture.

4. Google Certified Educator: Levels 1 & 2 {Level 1: $10, Level 2: $25. Must have some sort of Google account to log in; either school or personal.Receive a digital badge & printable certificate once you pass the tests.} These badges you have to pay for, but the content and the training beforehand are excellent. While I use Google tools all the time within my teaching and personal practice, I still learned a lot!

You can review the training material for as long as you want before taking the tests. I try and do a session a day since it gets pretty lengthy. Whenever you feel comfortable, you can sign-up and pay to take your test. They do take a few hours, so much sure to block enough time for yourself! I honestly thought the tests were fun since they are application based and you have to show what you know in real-life situations by using Google to solve teacher’s problems.

5. Seesaw Ambassador {Free, application based. If chosen, will receive digital badge after training}. If you are already using Seesaw a lot with your kids and want to know more tips and tricks and effective ways to share your knowledge with other teachers, this program is worth looking in to.

If you aren’t accepted or need to wait to get in, Seesaw has other AMAZING professional development webinars, PD in your PJs. They also save a bunch of them on their YouTube Channel that you can rewatch later.

I have some quick Seesaw Tips & Tricks that I think you’ll enjoy by clicking here or on my picture.

6. Microsoft Online Courses {Free, after logging in with Microsoft account. Some courses earn digital badges.} If your school uses Microsoft tools, this is a great resource for ongoing professional development and how to use those tools educationally. This is one that I am diving into more myself. I grew up using Microsoft tools at home, but haven’t used it much with students. Being at my new-to-me district that uses Microsoft, this is an area that I am growing in!

7.Epic! Books Master Teacher {Free, application based. If chosen, will receive digital badge after training}. Again, this one is a lot like the Seesaw Ambassador program. If you already use Epic! Books in your classroom and want to learn more and have input within the Master Teacher Private Facebook group, this is a good program for you. I have led many teacher professional developments at my school about this tool and have learned great ideas by being a part of this group.

Click for some resources that I have created specifically for Epic! books

Want to learn how to create and add your digital badges to your email signature? Click here for my video tutorial and template! Once you’re done, share with me and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!

Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith

DIY Classroom Teleprompters

by Naomi Meredith

I love the creativity and rawness when students record their own videos. For most, it takes a lot of practice to be comfortable on camera. {Of course, you have those students are a complete natural and you know they are going to be on TV one day.}

To help students be confident in what they are trying to say and not hide behind their script, here is how you can create your own teleprompter in your classroom.

For items you see in this post, these are my Amazon affiliate links. When you purchase through my link, it’s no added cost to you and I get a little kickback in return. Win-win!

Step 1: Beforehand, students can type their script. Have script displayed on computer in a Google Doc. Make the screen fairly large so it’s easier for them to read.

**If the script isn’t typed, that’s ok! We have just taped the script right onto the iPad stand as close to the camera as possible so their eyes are looking up for the video.

Step 2: If there is more than one person talking, highlight each person’s lines in a different color.

Step 3: Connect a wireless mouse (USB or Bluetooth) and have one of the students scroll down on their script as they are reading so they can control their pace.

Step 4: Practice, practice, practice! I had them practice without recording first, then record a round. They then watched and decide on what changes to make for their final recording.

Bonus Steps! Record in front of a green screen. Use an iPad stand to keep the filming steady. Place your “Teleprompter” directly in front of the iPad stand. The best app that is easy for students to use and is worth the money is Green Screen by Do Ink.

How have you used a teleprompter in your classroom? Let me know and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!

Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith

P.S. Love the iPad stand in the pictures? You can grab it here and also see it in my {free} downloadable list of Top 20 STEM Station Must Haves.

STEM & Stories: Activity to Support Not a Box by Antoinette Portis

by Naomi Meredith

During my first year as a STEM teacher, I lead a club weekly on Thursday for the entire year. I ran 6 different clubs, the last being a Makerspace Club.

While planning this club, I kept my live for literacy and picture books in ming. In fact, My growing STEM & Stories collection integrates books and a corresponding STEM activity that works for multiple grade levels.

Let’s dive into how STEM is integrated after reading the story Not a Box by Antoinette Portis.

**All links are clickable to purchase through my affiliate link. No extra cost to you, but I get a little bonus if you purchase through it!**

After reading the story Not a Box {or listening to it online on YouTube}, students will first plan how they will create a marble maze or game out of cardboard and limited materials. I did just a marble maze since I had limited time with my 1st-5th grader club {45 minutes} and they were able to listen to the story, plan and build. Their planning can be done either on paper or digitally.

They can also utilize the Design Thinking checklist to help them keep track of their progress along the way through this challenge. This is also helpful if you need to extend this activity into multiple days or even during different time blocks in one day.

Keeping their plan in mind, they can build their design and make modifications when needed to have their game work. The maze is the most simple of the two challenges; all you need are straws {bonus points if they are neon}, masking tape, marbles and cardboard. With a basic sized shipping box from Amazon, you can get 12 pieces from all the flaps and sides. I had 24 students in my club so two boxes was all that I needed.

Again, for a harder challenge that will most likely take longer, they can also create a different type of game using cardboard and materials of your choice. I have a couple of videos for inspiration that they can watch and reflect on before planning.

Once students’ designs are built, I would encourage students to create rules to their games as well as gain peer feedback. This is of course, depending on the time you have for your challenge.

Of course, reflection is essential for continuing a growth mindset, and students can write, draw or even record using a tool like Seesaw, how the Design Thinking Process through this STEM activity worked for them.

My STEM students always get so proud of their creations and want to take their work home. For this challenge, I let them take their work home since they created it out of consumable items. The marbles were fairly inexpensive any way and I let them keep that as well. They were soooo excited about this!

I even sent home this sheet {that you can get for free!} with other resources that will be helpful and continue to spark their cardboard creativity.

Using Seesaw, I often have students take a video or photo of their work so they can continue that conversation at home with their families.

Seesaw is always free. However, you can get bonus features with Seesaw Plus through my link.

This is a great STEM challenge that has so many possibilities depending on the amount of time you have, the age of your students and materials you use. You can grab all of the printable and digital student sheets, here. There is also a bonus anchor chart for taking clear photos of your work as a student guide.

How do you integrate STEM and literacy in engaging ways? Let me know and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!

Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith

Click here to grab a free printable to send home with families to encourage cardboard building and Makerspace at home!

STEM & Stories: Activity to Support After the Fall by Dan Santant

by Naomi Meredith

When I left the regular elementary classroom into my K-5 STEM position, it was really difficult for me to part with my extensive library. I kept some of my favorites of course, but most of my collection went into my friends’ classrooms to continue to benefit other kids.

However, I still use literacy in my STEM instruction all the time! My growing STEM & Stories collection integrates books and a corresponding STEM activity that works for multiple grade levels.

Let’s dive into how STEM is integrated after reading the story After the Fall by Dan Santant.

**All links are clickable to purchase through my affiliate link. No extra cost to you, but I get a little bonus if you purchase through it!**

After reading the story After the Fall by Dan Santant {or listening to it online on YouTube}, students will first plan a way where they can build a safe wall for Humpty Dumpty to sit on. Their planning can be done either on paper or digitally.

Keeping their plan in mind, they can build their design and make modifications when needed to keep Humpty safe on the wall. Use any building materials you have on hand. Unifix cubes, LEGO and wooden planks work great. We used plastic easter eggs to represent Humpty. For an extra challenge, you can fill the eggs with a heavier material or even try wooden eggs!

Once students’ designs are built, they can use different units of measurement to measure the height and the width of their design and record their results.

My STEM students always get so proud of their creations and want to take their work home. I use a lot of nonconsumable items and that isn’t always an option. However, using Seesaw, I often have students take a video or photo of their work so they can continue that conversation at home with their families.

Seesaw is always free. However, you can get bonus features with Seesaw Plus through my link.

This was such a great Spring Time activity and was also easy for a sub to implement when I wasn’t in my classroom for a day. You can grab all of the printable and digital student sheets, here. There is also a bonus anchor chart for taking clear photos of your work as a student guide.

How do you integrate STEM and literacy in engaging ways? Let me know and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!

Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith

Must Have STEM School Supply List

by Naomi Meredith

Must Have STEM School Supply List

The best resources to add to your STEM school supply list.

Perfect for:

Teachers wanting to implement STEM in their classroom
Materials to add to school redesign of their STEM lab
STEM classrooms that need a supply refresh

This list of 20 resources are what I recommend for elementary students. There is a mixture of consumable and non-consumable items to fit your needs.

STEM School Supply List: Consumable Materials

These are my Amazon affiliate links. When you purchase through my link, it’s no added cost to you and I get a little kickback in return. Win-win!

Case of Play Doh: Use by itself or integrate with other materials. Great addition to Stop Motion animation (which you can read more in my blog post here)

Assorted Chenille stems: Replace once they are too twisted and bent

Masking Tape: Set clear expectations of how much tape can be used during projects or this will run out within a week

Velcro Dots: Perfect for labeling materials and also creating reusable STEM activities

Marbles: Technically, these are reusable. However, I seem to replace these each year as they roll into unseen corners in the classroom.

Felt Squares: These are a great size for little hands and this particular brand is a harder felt which is great for multiple designs.

Neon straws: Any straw works to build with, but neon is way more fun and colorful.

When collecting other consumables for your classroom, donations are a great way to get started. Here is an editable makerspace supply letter that can be sent home printed or digitally to families in the community.

STEM School Supply List: Reusable Materials

These are my Amazon affiliate links. When you purchase through my link, it’s no added cost to you and I get a little kickback in return. Win-win!

Brain Blox Wooden Planks: A cheaper version of Keva planks and work great for any STEM challenge. Comes with an idea guide that students can refer to during free choice.

Colored Domino Pieces: They don’t have dots on them, but this package comes with A LOT! A colorful building material students love.

Colorful Dice: Great for math games & coding challenges

Stackable Storage: organize and sort materials in easy to carry and clear containers

LEGO-like Mini Figs: Add an element of storytelling by adding characters to STEM designs

LEGO-like build plates: The original version can get pricey. These are compatible with real LEGO and helps make some structures more sturdy. They also work great in stop motion animation and green screen

Mixed bucket of LEGO: Of course, asking for donations might get you some as well. This is a great starter kit when on a budget. Add a bucket or two each year to add to the mix.

iPad Tripod: Improve student video quality with a steady camera. This tripod also has adjustable heights and easy to store when not in use.

Bee-Bot Robots: Great for beginning coders and, very durable and rechargeable.

Sphero Mini Robots: Great for more advanced coding and a nice addition when on a budget. You can read more about how I like this robot and others in this blog post.

LEGO WeDo 2.0: A great coding & building addition that is a must have. Multiple lesson ideas are included on the app.

Felt plastic needles: Great and safe for little hands

HAPPY HOLLA-DAYS: A MARVELOUS CLASSROOM HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE {2018}

by Naomi Meredith

Holiday shopping is already here! Whether you are looking for a way to spend a TpT gift card, buy something for your teacher bestie or just simply want to treat yo’ self, I have the most marvelous shopping guide for you!

I created it specifically for different price ranges and also to fit different personalities. You can grab everything you need from my TpT store here. I had such a fun time creating this and thinking of the different categories!

Click on the image to view the PDf version of the guide or go to the free resource library that you have access to as a Marvelous Member.

Once you sign-up, not only will you have this great guide, but access to other freebies as well!

What is your favorite resource from this list? Let me know and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!

Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith

How Selfies Can Transform Student Gift Giving

by Naomi Meredith

Every year as a classroom teacher, I always stressed out about having the perfect gift for my students to give to their families during the holidays or at the end of the school year. As a person who enjoys giving gifts myself, I try to ensure that my gifts are purposeful and unique.

I believed in the same concept as to what I was going to have my kids make. While I am a big fan of crafting, with 24 children, it can go bad real quick. Also thinking about how much it was going to cost each student to make their gift can get expensive!

After some thoughtful planning, I thought of a way to integrate students’ use of technology into their family a gift to save time, money and still create something personal.

That’s where I came up with the Selfie Station Calendar. With a new year approaching, a calendar is very useful! I know that teachers will often times have their kids decorate each month with a little art project, but honestly, that seemed like a lot of work to me.

Instead, each month was decorated with their child and different props to represent each month. My first year doing this project, I brought in some items like sunglasses, hats, and all sorts of crazy stuff and a parent helped me take 12 different themed pictures of each child. As this project evolved each year, it’s been more student centered and less work for me. After all, it’s THEIR gift that that students are giving to parents!

What did you use for the calendar?

I created a calendar template for each month using Google Slides. The top portion I left empty for students to insert their pictures. I shared this template with the students in my class using Google Classroom so that it made a copy for each one of them. This also was great management when students needed tech support and I could hop onto their piece and work with them to solve the problem.

When the calendars were finished, I could easily find each students’ name and print. Another added bonus was for students who had divorced parents, I could easily print multiple copies and they didn’t physically have to make more than two.

What did you use for the props?

As I mentioned in the beginning, my first year doing this project, I brought in all sorts of random stuff I found at home and in my classroom. Any costume item that I owned was in my room for over a week. As this project evolved, I actually created my own printable props that were themed for each season of the year.

This actually turned out a lot better because students had more prop choices for their photos, I could store them easier in just one file in my filing cabinet, and they actually turned out to be more vibrant and photogenic!

I printed and cut out each theme, sorted them by months and wrote in pencil on the back which month the prop represented. I then sorted the months around the room and students would grab one prop at a time to take their photo for that month.

How did they actually add their pictures?

Since students were working with a Google Slide and using their Chromebooks to do so, there is a feature within Slides that allows you to take an insert a photo within the application. {It’s funny because this used to be an original feature, it was taken away, but now it’s back.}

Students helped one another face their computer camera at the proper angle to take a picture for each month of their calendar and then insert in to template.

You can have students make their own calendar or work together collaboratively and have a class calendar! That way, you will only need to print one!

How did you manage their projects to ensure they were finished in time?

Since my 3rd graders hadn’t ever done a gift like this before, there was a huge amount of buy in. They also thought that the props and my example calendar was funny so they were super excited to make their own. I also started this project the month before break so I could print and bind each calendar and then have students wrap them. That way if students were absent, I had plenty of time for them to make to make it up.

As far as the prop management went, I told students that they didn’t necessarily have to go in order for their calendar. That way not all the January props were gone at once!

We worked on these for about 30 minutes a day for 3 days and the majority of my class was finished. Those who finished quicker were able to help others or even type in important events within their calendar.

How much did this gift cost you?

Zero dollars. That’s right! Since I made the props and calendar template myself, it was free-99. I also had the benefit of having colored card stock paper to print on for the props and binding I could use to bind the calendars.

I did have to print in black and white a couple of years because of restrictions we had on our school’s color printer. They still looked really cute! I also told the kids that they could definitely print in color at home and send to other family members as well.

I know that the cost might vary for different classrooms, especially if you use my template and props to get you all set up. Overall, this is a low cost project that is highly engaging for your students. There was a reason why I did it many years in a row. The families absolutely LOVED them!

How have you used a selfie station in your classroom? Let me know and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!

Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith

TEACHING DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP IN THE ELEMENTARY CLASSROO

by Naomi Meredith

Like every back to school year, setting up classroom routines and expectations are essential in having a successful school year. The same was true for the first month in my STEM classroom, the Innovation Lab. I’m going to give you a brief outline of what I taught each grade-level, Kindergarten-5th grades and the free resources I used to be successful.

#1: CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

When first entering my room, students explored our renovated space and learned the correct ways to use the furniture and tools in the room. It sounds a bit silly, but I didn’t want to assume that students knew the correct way to use everything in the room. Not even kidding, I walked through every single class what the classroom rules were {which you can see them here} and how to use flexible seating. It took a lot of my time, but now being a couple of months in, it’s been worth it.

#2: THE RESOURCES

Next, came the digital citizenship part. When working with technology, there are expectations when being a safe digital citizen and using online tools. Well, how did I know what to teach them?

Using my previous classroom teacher knowledge and a couple of great resources got me started. I mainly used Common Sense Media, Google Interlard and BrainPop/Jr.

Common Sense Media is free for teachers when you create an account. They are constantly updating their materials so it works well with any grade level. They sort their materials by grade level and topic to help you find what you need. There are also great videos and printables to share with students as well!

Google Interland is also, no account creation needed. I used this for 3rd-5th since the content is more appropriate for those ages. The lessons are divided into what they call “kingdoms” and there are lessons and printables for each one. I often made those printables into a Google Form format to cut down on printing and help students practice the skill of typing in a web address.

At the end of the week of lessons, you can have students play Google Interland that has a matching online game for each kingdom. Kids were literally obsessed about it and wanted to play at home! (Which they can.)

BrainPop & BrainPop Jr. are paid video subscriptions, my account has access to one. If you have access to this, you already know how great it is for their short and kid-friendly teaching videos. I found a lot on there about online safety and digital citizenship.

#3 THE LESSON PLANS

I didn’t necessarily have to write my own lesson plans each time, but I did organize an outline for each grade-level so I remembered what to teach for each one. Since this was my first year at this school, a couple of grades did the same topic to help my planning and build their background. Again, I didn’t want to assume that they knew everything about digital citizenship already. (Which I definitely assumed correctly!)

Click here to grab this easy-to-use Private vs. Personal Information anchor chart.

Below are the general topics that each grade level

discussed…

Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade: I can be safe when I use technology. (Common Sense Media, searched by grade-level)

3rd Grade: I can be safe with the information that I share online. (Google Interland, Mindful Mountain)

4th: I can be kind when I communicate online. (Google Interland, Kind Kingdom)

5th Grade: I can be aware of what’s real and what’s fake to stay safe online (Google Interland, Reality River)

Topics that were discussed among the grade-levels were: ways to communicate effectively with others online, private &

personal information, being an up-stander to those not being kind, kid-safe websites and online games.

#4 WRAPPING UP THE WEEK

I experimented with exit tickets with some classes to help them reflect on their work. I didn’t collect the exit tickets for a grade, but rather a discussion piece that students could bring home and share with their families. I honestly wish I gave them more time to reflect since I think that this could have been more powerful. Next year, I want to do this in Seesaw knowing that my students will have the skills for that after being in my class this year anyway.

With the younger kids, I had them color and put together a puzzle to remind them of what we learned this week. {You can grab that puzzle for free HERE.}

#5 PARENT COMMUNICATION

Not only are these lessons essential for online safety at school when students have integrated technology lessons, but also when they are interacting with technology at home. These are lessons that should be an open conversation at home throughout the year. You can communicate this with families and give them the tools to openly talk about this at home.

Need a way to get started?

Again, Common Sense Media has valuable lessons to discuss with children to ensure they always demonstrate online safety. What I also love about the website is that it gives ratings to movies, apps and online games and if it’s appropriate for certain age groups. You can share with website with families as they have a section for them as well.

A lot of the popular games the students were telling me

that they play are actually more appropriate for students outside elementary school.

MY REFLECTION

In my opinion, teaching digital citizenship isn’t a one time lesson and be done for the rest of the school year. Obviously, technology and what it out online is always changing and students need to be prepared and have the tools and knowledge to know how to interact. Keep this an open conversation in your classroom, and constantly bring it up. Your students and their families will thank you.

Don’t forget to get your freebie;Digital Citizenship Puzzle!

What resources do you use to teach digital citizenship in your classroom? Let me know and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!

Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith

TECH TOOLS: 5 EASY WAYS TO INTEGRATE AUGMENTED & VIRTUAL REALITY IN THE CLASSROOM

by Naomi Meredith

AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) are unique ways for students to learn and access information. As this technology is becoming increasingly popular, students need to learn how to use these types of outputs and comprehend the information. Let’s explore ways that you can easily integrate these tools into your instruction.

What is the difference between Augmented and Virtual Reality?

Augmented Reality = Computer-images added and shown in your real world

Example: Snapchat Filters

Virtual Reality= Computer environment that creates a realistic experience that makes you feel like you are in a different place

Example: Google Cardboard Virtual Reality Goggles w/ use of a VR app

Now that you know the difference between the two, let’s explore the different ways that you can get started to use them!

#1- Build Background Knowledge

Before diving into a new topic, it’s important to activate and build students’ background knowledge to increase their engagement. You probably have your go-to’s like I do: Brainpop, Discovery Education video clips or various books.

With the use of an AR/VR app, you can create an almost 3D experience for students to grasp on to and support the work you are about to do in your class. Want all kids to explore the inside of the alarm clock before diving into a telling time lesson? Well, you definitely can with specific AR apps, like JIG. (And you don’t have to go out and find 30 alarm clocks either!)

#2- Learn problem solving through a new tool

Technology is always, and will be changing. I am a huge believer in that no matter what tech tool students are introduced to, they need to be able to logically problem solve how to use it and what to do when a problem arises. {I even created an anchor chart for students to refer to when solving these problems that you can download for yourself here.

Since new AR & VR apps are being constantly created and updated, there are bound to be glitches. This is a great opportunity for students to attack these issues and learn how to adapt to them.

#3-Collaboration

When we had Google Expeditions come pilot their app at our school, my students had a “hands-on” experience about landforms that brought so much excitement!

Google brought in the devices, but students had to work in pairs while sharing one device. As a class, we had a few guidelines that we ALL needed to follow. Then, each group came up with their own set of rules for taking turns and for viewing the scenes.

While I didn’t formally didn’t asses collaboration during this task, this could have been a great opportunity to do so!

#4- Research

Finding information is very easy to do in today’s world. Have you ever thought of using AR & VR as another resource to gain information?

I found these VR headsets at Walmart for $5! Of course, I bought one in my favorite color.

While there are many playful apps that can be useful when utilizing a makerspace, there are also many nonfiction apps that can be helpful as well. DISCOVERY VR and GOOGLE CARDBOARD have many real-life, 360* that can make fact finding exciting.

#5- In-House Field Trips

Field trips can be expensive and a lot of work for the teacher! But they don’t have to be with the use of GOOGLE EXPEDITIONS. Pick a destination you want your class to “go-to”, be the tour guide and have kids connect to your expedition. Now you are in control how long students can be in each section and can pause all their devices at any time.

No need to worry about collecting money, scheduling buses and weather. Bring the field trip to you!

Integrating AR & VR in your classroom doesn’t have to be scary! Trying these tools in your classroom will bring a whole other level of engagement that you and your students will love.

With the use of any of these apps, I created differentiated response sheets for your students to reflect on after exploring. Place these in page protectors and use them over and over again!

How have you used AR & VR in your classroom? Let me know and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!

Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith

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