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TECH BASICS: HOW TO TRANSFORM DIGITAL COMMENTING IN THE CLASSROOM

by Naomi Meredith


Giving constructive criticism is hard work. You want to be able to pinpoint exactly what a student’s successes are as well as what they still need to work on.

At the same time, you don’t want to overload them with a bunch of information, whether it’s good or bad.
That’s why it’s super smart to streamline HOW you comment on student work. Not only that, but more work is being turned in digitally and the feedback you give is equally as important.
To help you out, I’m giving you some tips that I’ve used in my class to provide effective feedback in less time.


TIP #1:  STREAMLINE ASSIGNMENTS
One thing that might be stealing your time when giving effective feedback is THE WAY you are having students turn digital work in.
When I first started using technology in my classroom, I was so excited, but I really didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I would have students do awesome work and when it came time for them to turn it in, I didn’t really think that part through. I usually reverted to, “Just email it to me.” And my inbox was flooded with 22 beautiful assignments.
Sound like a similar experience?
So, to help save you time from the get go, streamline where you will receive the work.


My top three favorite online tools to use are Google Classroom, SeeSaw and Google Forms {where students submit their link on to the one form}.
All three tools are free and allow you to keep track of student work in one place. While I am not going to go into detail about each tool right now, they are worth setting up for your class and prevent less headache for you!

TIP #2:  SCHEDULE YOUR COMMENTS
Especially in elementary school, you often work on the same skill multiple times in a row. What I have found with students producing digitally, it takes them a lot longer than paper-pencil work.
That’s actually not a bad thing because it can stretch things out on my end when it comes to commenting.
Like you would with Guided Reading groups, create a schedule for the week as to who you will be giving feedback too.

The students who need the most support, make sure to comment on their work first and more often. The students who are producing at high levels, make sure to comment fairly early on so they know what their next steps may be.
This will take the pressure off of you so you don’t need to feel like you HAVE to get it done in one day.

TIP #3:  THE BALANCE OF 3
I like when things come in groups of 3 and I don’t know why! This little commenting trick is something that I started when I did writing conferences with my students years ago. It helped me be direct but effective with more students. This will really help your digital commenting too.


When giving feedback to students, I like to give them one comment for each of these three things:
-One thing you did well
–One thing you need to work on
–One question I have for you
I know that you want to comment on all the things, but that’s not realistic. Maybe you are commenting on JUST their comprehension. Maybe you are commenting on JUST their collaboration skills. Pick a theme or skill that your comments will relate to, then stick to one category for each.  

TIP #4:  GET CREATIVE
When using your balance of 3, it doesn’t necessarily HAVE to be typed.

**MIND BLOWN**

If you are a G.A.F.E. school, try using the free Chrome Web Browser Extension, ScreenCastify. You can record videos straight from your desktop computer! Then, insert the links on student’s Google work and they feel like they are getting a face-to-face conference with you!
Within SeeSaw, I love how there is a voice comment feature. As I view student’s work, I can quickly comment using my voice. It’s always good to switch it up and keep students on their toes!


You don’t always have to do personalized comments either. Make your rubrics digital and you can give students feedback that way by giving them the link and how you rated their piece.

TIP #5:  PERSONALIZED COPY & PASTE
Ever since I’ve had to do report cards, they’ve been digital and I’ve had to give personalized comments. As you know, this takes an absolute lifetime.
I knew I had to create an efficient system or I would be spending my precious weekends commenting on kids’ work.
I analyzed the comments I was giving over and over again and started making a digital bank that I could copy and paste from. The comments were what I would be saying anyway, so for each kid, I would just copy and paste the comments I needed.

Out of all the tips I’m giving you girl, this one is the most helpful. I would get your Google Doc ready with all the comments for each subject.

 If you don’t know where to get started, that’s fine. Use my list of go-to tech comments and you can add to them whether it’s for daily assignments or quarterly report cards.

What are your special tips for commenting on students’ digital work? Let me know and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!
Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith 

HAPPY HOLLA-DAYS: OPTIONAL BREAK HOMEWORK PACKETS {AND WHY YOU NEED THEM}

by Naomi Meredith


I know you love the perks of having long breaks as a teacher right!? There is no shame in that. We deserve it! But what can often be frustrating coming back from those breaks is that the students have a little bit of digression with their learning. It’s normal, but it doesn’t have to be.
Ever since my first year of teaching, I have always given out optional break homework packets. I emphasize the optional with the kids, they really don’t have to do it.
I’ve never had an entire class complete a packet. Close, but never 100%. However, if they do, it’s entirely worth it. I’ll share with you how I put together the packet, how I communicate this with parents, and what the incentive is for kids once they complete it.

STEP 1: SETTING UP THE PACKET
I actually haven’t done paper homework in 3 years which has been AMAZING! {Keep an eye out for an upcoming blog post.} With the break homework packet, I would suggest always doing paper. That way kids can take it anywhere, especially if they are traveling during that time.
On the first page, write a fun letter describing the purpose of the packet and when it will be due. On the next page, include a checklist of the items the student needs to complete. I always do: a reading log, math fact log, a letter to the teacher, a reading article with comprehension questions, math question review and a fun activity {like a hidden picture, game or crossword puzzle.}
Increase the amount of pages based on the length of your break. I always do more on the two week breaks. I try to make the packet fun but challenging enough where it would take some effort to complete.
I’ve included some of my favorite online resources for grabbing things to fill up my packet. {The links to each site are clickable and listed at the end of this blog post.}

STEP 2: BUILDING THE EXCITEMENT
As you already know, part of being a teacher is “selling” ideas to kids. You have to convince them that what they are learning or get to do is the best thing in the world. I definitely do this for this Optional Break Packet.
I mean, come on, does homework EVER seem like a good idea?
Once your packet is put together, give little previews the few days before break. The first day, show them the front page letter, enticing them about this extra learning opportunity.

The next day, show them a cool page they will get to do in the packet, like this awesome reading log I created to include.
Have the packets sitting out in a place that students will see them so they can’t wait to get their hands on them. I’m telling you, it’s all about the way you sell it to them!
On the day before break, pass out those packets like they are the best thing in the world and how excited you are to get them all back the day you return.
STEP 3: COMMUNICATING WITH PARENTS
When communicating to parents in your weekly email or newsletter, really emphasize that this is an optional assignment and that students won’t be punished for not completing it.
I’ve never had an issue with parents with sending homework home over break by the way I’ve presented it to them.
A few weeks before break, communicate with parents that this is something you are going to be sending home with their child the day before break along with when it’s due {the day returning from break.}

One trick that I have when emailing my whole parent list is copying & pasting that same message to the homepage of my blog. That way if they somehow miss my email, there is another place for them to look.
If you want to get even more techy, add a link to a digital version of your packet that parents can print just in case the packet is lost or their child was absent the day the packet has been sent out.
This tip has been a lifesaver every time I’ve sent a packet home so there are less excuses as to not completing it and I don’t have to feel obligated to check my email on my time off.

STEP 4: REWARDING HARD-WORK
Now, the kids do all of this work, what do they get out of it? This part was a little tricky for me to decide on because I didn’t want to take away from regular instructional time.
The best solution I found, that was meaningful, is to have a special lunch party. It could be as simple as having the kids come and eat lunch with you if they turn in the packet.
I boost up the lunch a little and include a special treat. I don’t even know how this happened, but I somehow themed each homework party off of the “If you Give….” by Laura Numeroff book series.
I’ve done: a pancake party, cookie party, donut party, cupcake party and even a popcorn party. The kids still eat their regular lunch, but bring in a topping to share for their sweet treat.

The kids go CRAZY over these parties and even more so if you don’t tell them what the party is beforehand. It sounds weird, but it builds the anticipation even more.

Maybe now you are convinced that assigning break homework isn’t so bad. Is this something you already do? Is this something that you might try and implement?Let me know and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!

Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith 



Links To Break Packet Resources
{Click the resource to be redirected to their site. Books are affiliate links but the others are just resources I recommend!}



downloading-google-slides

How to Download Google Slides

by Naomi Meredith

How to Download Google Slides

download-google-slides

There are times when you just need to download your creations from Google Slides. In my video tutorial, I will show you how to do exactly that!

I actually do most of my product and worksheet creations with Google Slides since the text boxes and images are easier to manipulate as opposed to Google Docs. Try it; your life will be changed!

 

It’s helpful to know different ways to download Google Slides just in case you need them for other mediums that aren’t online.

Different formats you can download are: 

  • Microsoft Powerpoint (.pptx)
  • ODP Document (.odp)
  • PDF Document (.pdf)
  • Plain Text (.txt)
  • JPEG Image (.jpg, current slide)
  • PNG Image (.png, current slide)
  • Scalable Vector Image Graphics (.svg, current slide)

I use this method of downloading images when I am creating backgrounds for assignments. I typically assign my classroom assignments in Google Classroom. Need help with Google Classroom basics? Click here for a FREE 3 part video training series that I created just for you. 

downloading-google-slides 

When do you use this downloading option to help your productivity? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

 

Want more resources to support Technology & STEM all year long? Grab this FREE downloadable guide that I’ve put together for you!