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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 



MARVELOUS MOVIE: TAKING PICTURES AND INSERTING THEM INTO GOOGLE SLIDES

by Naomi Meredith
As your tech stylist, I am going to teach you how to take and insert videos in Google Slides with my video tutorial. This tool is helpful for both you and your students to insert photos taken on your laptop within the same document.


Whether it’s student work or creating a project, this is a handy skill to know. I am showing this from a laptop so the steps on an Ipad could be slightly different.

How did your photo creation turn out?  Let me know and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!

Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith 


email-signature-picture

Email Signature Picture Tutorial for Teachers

by Naomi Meredith

Email Signature Picture Tutorial for Teachers

email-signature-pictureHaving an email signature is essential. This allows your audience to know exactly who you are and other ways to contact you in the future. It’s also an opportunity to add a face to the name. With your email signature, you want to make sure people know who you are when it’s best to reach you and other qualifications that make you stand-out and be memorable.

In this video tutorial, the steps for creating an email signature with an image will be shown. All creation is done within Google Slides and then exported as an image.

Email Signature Picture Tutorial Video

After changing the size dimensions of the Google Slide and editing, this can then be downloaded and inserted into your email platform. If for some reason the image turns out blurry after downloading, screenshot the image. This can sometimes get a more clear image for your email.
Email signatures can be added at the end of all of the message automatically. This isn’t something you need to do manually every single time.

Unsure how to do this? 

Don’t feel like formatting the dimensions of the Google Slide on your own? I’ve saved you time with my Photo Email Signature Template. Just open, edit, download, and add!

 

Click here to grab this template for your email signature creation!

email-signature-picture

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:

 

How did your email signature turn out? 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!

TECH BASICS: 6 ESSENTIALS FOR SURVIVING A TECH CONFERENCE

by Naomi Meredith

Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege to attend MANY conferences and professional development courses. In fact in highschool, I was on the yearbook committee and attend two conferences my senior year!
While I know attending conferences can be few and far between #heftypricetag, when YOU DO get the opportunity to go to a conference, you need to be prepared to get the most out of it.
With my experiences, I curated an essentials list when surviving a conference. Specifically a tech conference.

#1  KNOW THE CONFERENCES’ TOOLS
Every conference I have been to sends out information prior to attending. These aren’t the emails that you want to send straight to your trash can! You can even create a special “Professional Development” folder in your inbox to help organize this vital information.
Bigger conferences typically have an app for you to download with extra tidbits and class information. Often times a map is provided to help you navigate throughout the day.


Most likely, there is a website for you to access the information as well. Take the time at least a few days before to read through everything and keep track of the sessions that spark your interest.

#2  PLAN WITH A PURPOSE IN MIND

At tech conferences especially, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the cool new ideas. Before attending, pick a theme with 1 or 2 big topics and go with it.
It’s easy to get FOMO and feel like you didn’t listen to EVERY NEW IDEA out there. There have been times at conferences {before I took this approach}, where I would second-guess the tools I am using and need to use the next best thing.
Girl, please don’t get FOMO on me. I know you are already doing what you think is best for kids. You just are looking for enhancements to the great work that takes place in your room.


 When you pick an overall theme before attending, it will be easier to connect ideas if the majority of your courses align.

For instance, maybe next year you are getting a class set of Chrome Books and it’s your first time using G-Suite for Education apps. In that case, look for sessions that can help you best utilize that tool in your classroom and reach their maximum potential.  
If you’re going with other people, try your best to divide and conquer. There are times when it’s appropriate to go to the same session if there is a tool your whole school will be using.


It’s best though, to spread out and then come back to collaborate and condense all of the ideas. Especially if you go to ISTE,
This might sound harsh, but it’s o.k. to leave a session if you don’t feel it’s what you thought. The presenters want to give you info that successful and inspired and if you’re not feelin’ it, I’m sure they won’t take it too personally. {I surely haven’t when I have presented!}

#3  GET DIGITALLY ORGANIZED
I know you might think that since you are going to a tech conference, you need to have something fancy to keep track of all the wonderful ideas.
Lemme tell you something. You don’t.
You DO however, need to get digitally organized beforehand. It’s really distracting to your learning while trying to create this in your first session.
You know me. I’m always trying my best to streamline my digital work {which you can read all about that here}.
Simply create a Google Drive folder and name it for the conference you are attending. This will house any presentations and resources presenters will provide for you.


Next, create a Google Doc note sheet to type your notes as you go and add any presentation links, websites and resources.
Oh! And you know what?! I already created a cute note taking sheet that you can use for your next conference! Click here to grab it FOR FREE from my TeachersPayTeachers shop.
Also, bonus points for you if you make your Google Drive folder and note sheet shared among your teacher besties who are also attending the conference with you!
#4  WHERE’S THE FOOD?
This sounds really lame and obvious, but every conference I’ve been to has been completely different. I’ve been to one where they provided breakfast and coffee all day {LOVE!}.
Another one, provided breakfast & lunch, but it was the same each day.
Another conference didn’t provide breakfast but provided an amazing lunch daily.
Another, no food was provided, but a {gross} food court was available.


So, get to know the food accommodations. Like I’m saying, it can always depend. Of course, if you have allergies, this is especially important to you.

One tip that works for EVERY conference is to bring an empty water bottle. You can refill it throughout the day and carry it with you from session to session.

#5  CREATE A TECH TOOLKIT
You do want to carry as light as possible during these tech conferences. If you can, a tablet or Ipad helps ease the carry load when walking around.
Many tech conferences let you play around with the tech tools and you want to be prepared. I’ve noticed this trend, thus, I created a little tech toolkit with the essentials.
Grab one of those little freebie bags you always get when buying make-up and fill it with…


-wireless mouse
-pens
-stylus
-Ipad/laptop charger
-small notepad
-phone charger
-earbuds
Even after the conference, you can keep this in your teacher bag. All these items come super handy!

#6  GET SOCIAL
Tech conferences especially are all about the social media. I know you’re techy enough already where you have a Twitter, Instagram & Snapchat account.
They will post it all around the conference, but take pics and post your thoughts about the conference while tagging them with the hashtag that’s provided.
Many sessions will even give you sneak peeks of what’s to come if you attend theirs. {I sure did when I presented about Seesaw. Check out my Twitter feed and how I did that here.}
It’s fun to connect and see what other teachers and experiencing at the same conference you are at!


After reading through my tips, which ones do you think are the most valuable? What are some tips you would add?


Also, remember to grab your FREE note taking sheet from my shop to help you stay organized at your next conference.


What conferences do you have planned for this year? Let me know and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!

Naomi from Marvelous Ms. Meredith 



TECH BASICS: 5 CREATIVE IDEAS TO GO PAPERLESS IN THE CLASSROOM

by Naomi Meredith
I know that you’re always looking for ways to save time and streamline the time it take to prep materials for your class. I’m sure you loathe spending at least one of your plan times during the week making copies.
Fun fact: At my old school, we had an allotment of copies we could make. If we went over our limit, that amount got taken out of our paycheck!
Needless to say, I’ve developed some creative ways to save paper in the classroom which in turn, can help you become paperless.

#1  SHEET PROTECTORS
Are you one of those teachers who loves cutting lamination? Do you find it soothing? #heynoshame
I wish I had that love. Buuuuuut I don’t. Therefore, sheet protectors are one of my best friends. I’m so used to not laminating things which is nice. Once less thing to worry about.

For example, all the curriculum math games I need are printed on regular colored paper. When it’s time to use the game, I quickly place them in the protectors and they are ready to go.
If you don’t have little whiteboards, just place a blank sheet of paper inside a sheet protector and students can easily keep this in your desk. It’s probably a lot cheaper this way too!
{There is a good set on Amazon for only $7 for 100 of them if you want to click here and grab them. Kick a few cents my way.}
Sheet protectors often erase better than lamination as well. The black markers actually erase the best in my opinion. I don’t know why, but now you have a reason to keep all the pretty markers to yourself the next time one of your student’s asks.



#1  ERASABLE SURFACES
Along with that, take a look around your classroom {or visualize it if you’re sitting on the couch like me}. What type of erasable surfaces do you see?
Well, desks for sure. I went to a conference last summer and they whipped out a pack of regular Crayola washable markers and whiteboard spray and we literally wrote on the tables.
Now my semi-OCDness didn’t like that {and I haven’t had my students personally do it}, but it does actually work really well.
OK, keep looking around your classroom. Do you have any windows that could use some lovely student writing? Dry erase markers work well on those.

Does your big whiteboard really have to be all for you? How could you make it more student friendly?
There are more places ready to write if you take a moment and think outside the box.

#3  PLICKERS
Ok, you will have to print something for this tip, but only one time!
Plickers is such a cute little name. It’s literally paper clickers. Plickers is a free tool for teachers to use.
Beforehand, you will need to create your own teacher account and assign each student a number. I always use the same number for the kids for everything, including technology. I’m sure you do as well.
To use Plickers you will need:
-A projector to display questions
-A computer to link questions
-A smartphone with the Plickers app downloaded and connected
-The paper Plickers


Within the account, you will have access to print the Plickers. They kind of look like weird QR codes. You will notice around the edge there are tiny letters and numbers. Each student has to get their unique Plicker card {I’ll explain why in a second}.
The types of questions you can ask in the program are multiple choice and true false. This isn’t something you would want to use if you want more detailed, thought out responses.
When students answer, they have to hold their paper Plicker straight up and down with their answer choice on the very top. {For little kids, you can write the letters nice and big on the back to ensure they are holding their Plicker in the right direction.}

To gather their responses, you have to use the app to scan over their cards. It looks like you are taking a picture but like a QR code, it will read each of their unique codes with their answer choice.
Since each shape is different and assigned to the student’s number, you will know that you have grabbed their answer because it will pop up on your computer screen.
This tool is great for quick check-ins which can help eliminate small papers you collect from kids and streamline it all in one place.




#4  SHARING IS CARING
Remember my copying dilemma from earlier? Like I said, I had to get creative with how information was shared and documented with students.
Think of ways how you and your grade level team can get smart about the resources you use. Plan together and see how you can share the same class set of articles multiple days. Maybe on Monday, your class reads the article about jelly beans and your teammate has their class read about donuts. The next day, switch.


Even it when it comes to using a graphic organizer or math worksheet, use the page protector sheet from earlier and share worksheets that way.
If you really want to plan ahead, have a bin of go-to articles you seem to use every year. That way you aren’t making copies every year and saving the earth at least a little bit.




#5  DIGITAL PAPER
When possible, you can many different technology platforms to replace the need for paper. Again, all of these resources are free.
You don’t necessarily have to have a 1:1 environment to use them either. Even if you share resources with students a couple times a week digitally, you are still saving loads of paper.


Here are some of my go-to digital, paper-saving resources. Click the links below to access some of my favorite free resources. Most of them you will have to create accounts for, but that shouldn’t take too long.


{1} GetEpic.com– This is an amazing free resource for eBooks. You can search through their vast collection of books and assign them to your whole class or specific students. This is great when working on paired selections {fiction and nonfiction}. You can also create quizzes for books with your own questions.

{2} QR Codes– On your computer, you can take any link to any site, copy and paste that link in an online QR {quick response} code generator, then it will create the unique code. I like using this for sharing reading articles that I saved to my Google Drive. There are a lot of generators out there, but I am linking my favorite one. On your mobile device, download a QR code reader.

{3} Digital.Readworks.org -Differentiated reading articles you can assign to students with corresponding questions. Even a few pages a week that you’re not printing makes a huge difference. I also use this when I am preparing my kids for state testing which you can read about it here.

{4}Google Classroom– I am obsessed about this tool and you should get on board if you are a G.A.F.E. school. The easiest way to get started is to just share links to resources you want students to access. Once you get more accustomed to it, you can create different digital “classrooms” for different topics you are learning about.

{5} SeeSaw– This is perfect for documenting those small moments in class. In my opinion, it has more capabilities on the Ipad than a laptop. Even if you have just one Ipad, this tool is amazing. Students don’t need to have a Google account to be able to use SeeSaw. They can take pictures, videos, audio, drawings and more with this super-user friendly platform.

{6}Google Link Shortener: Don’t have devices to scan QR codes and don’t feel like linking them to Google Classroom? Like you would with a QR code, you can take any link to any site, copy and paste that link in the link shortener generator, then it will create a small and unique link that is easier to type in your web browser. One tip: when your students type it in, it needs to have no spaces and capitals typed as capitals.




So, whether you are a 1:1 school or not, easy tweaks to your lesson prep can help you save time as well as paper.


The earth will thank you for it.


In what ways have you gone paperless in your classroom? Let me know and send me a message on Instagram @marvelousmsm

Stay marvelous!


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!