Ever had kids accidentally delete a huge chunk of a Google assignment? Well there is a way to easily get it back. This quick video tutorial will explain how to use revision history in Google Docs.
While the steps are recorded in Google Docs, these same steps can be used in Slides, Drawings & Sheets. This is a great trick to have in your back pocket.
How To Use Revision History in Google Docs | Need Help?
In less than 3 hours, you can be a Google Slides master while creating assignments your students will love. Click here to join me in my easy-to-navigate course.
What questions do you have about using Google Tools? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email, contactnaomimeredith(at)gmail.com, and I would love to chat with you!
State Testing Prep isn't a fun topic to talk about, but it's a reality public school teachers face. Instead of stressing about the test, preparing can happen naturally year round. This doesn't mean teaching to the test, rather helping build students' skills so they are comfortable with the testing platform.
In turn, students are learning valuable technology skills that can be carried into other content areas.
State Testing Prep | #1 Get Kids Typing
Just like handwriting, typing takes practice. While there is value in using typing games, this shouldn't be the only way students learn to type. Typing games can be great homework practice or a morning warm-up.
The real typing practice takes place when students are using the computer authentically.
Yes, it will take students forever to complete assignments through typing. At first.
However, the more it's an integrated part of the classroom, the less stressful typing will be for students. Published pieces are a great start, but also have students type “unpublished work”. Typing shouldn't be seen as a final piece type of tool.
Think about how we, as adults, use computers daily to complete tasks. Not also of us are typing to create a published piece! Emailing, texting and lesson planning are a few of many ways how typing improves efficiency into our lives.
Students should have the same opportunities as well, that are appropriate to their learning environment, to use typing authentically.
Here are a few ideas:
Give kids a creative writing prompt once a week where they need to type what comes to their brian and not having to use the entire writing process.
Have students typing their thinking about reading when using paper books.
Turn the weekly reading log and response into a digital assignment
Have students explain their thinking when solving a math problem through typing
The more integrated assignments are, the more kids will respond naturally when they are posed typing questions on a test.
State Testing Prep | #2 Answer Digital Questions
Along with having students type in a variety of ways, answering questions online is equally as important. Many questions on the computer are different than traditional paper & pencil tests. Both have importance, and both need to be practiced.
Some varying question types that differ on the computer are: scrolling on a page, toggling between two tabs and drag and drop questions.
Below are some great free resources to use with your students year round to practice answering digital questions.
1. Readworks.org: Differentiated reading articles you can digitally assign to students with corresponding questions
2. TweenTribune.com: Kid-friendly current events with deep thinking questions and a few multiple choice. There are often a few differentiated levels of each article as well.
3. Google Forms: Students don't need a Google Account to answer questions on a Google Form. Take a screenshot of the math problem/reading article you want students to focus on. Then, create different types of questions to correspond with it.
4. IXL.com: While there is a paid monthly membership, students can still answer a certain number of questions for free each day. The site is organized by grade-level, math concepts, and standards. It will immediate tell students if they are correct of incorrect with their thinking.
5. Math Playground.com: Free online math manipulatives. Using tangible manipulatives is important too, but students do need to know how to use digital manipulatives for various testing platforms.
6. GetEpic.com: This is an amazing, free-for-teachers website. With eBooks, audio books, read-to-me and videos not connected to YouTube, teachers can find resources that fit any content area. Teachers can also create quizzes for books with your own questions.
7. BoomLearning.com: This is also a website that has free and paid features. You can assign digital, self-correcting task cards to students for free to correspond with your content. There are many free card decks and paid decks to choose from.
State Testing Prep | #3 Answer Questions Using a Rubric
Students should be given time to practice a short constructed response in comparison to a rubric. After reading an article, have students respond digitally through typing. Then, print their responses for the following day (without names).
Pass out the written responses and in partnerships, have students evaluate the responses based on the criteria rubric. Afterwards, discuss as a class why certain responses were scored accordingly.
This exercise isn't meant to embarrass kids; rather a learning opportunity on how they can improve. This also gives students a chance for their work to be seen from a different point of view.
State Testing Prep | #4 Learn Testing Tools
Part of the reason why students become overwhelmed with testing on the computer is knowing how to access the digital tools.
I teach in Colorado and we take CMAS, which. is a form of PARCC. There is a practice website to view and try question types and respond digitally.
As the testing window draws closer, practice with students how to use the tools on the practice website first. Creating a scavenger hunt to help search for and access the tools can help guide students' exploration.
Here is an example of one scavenger hunt task:
If possible, have students work in pairs to complete the hunt. This will give students the opportunity to talk about accessing the tools in a less stressful environment and add an element of gamification to the lesson.
What questions do you have about preparing for state testing? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email, contactnaomimeredith(at)gmail.com, and I would love to chat with you!
Wondering how to make a text box? There are a lot of ways to be creative when adding words with the text box tool in Google Slides and Drawings. Easily create a text box, change its color and style in this video tutorial.
Want to share this video with students but YouTube is blocked at your school? Click here to find the same {free} video in my store and you can get the downloadable version of this video that you can share with your kids.
How to Make a Textbox in Google Slides | Need help?
As you become more comfortable with Google Slide creation, you’ll discover all the tricks within the platform.
Still need more help? Stop spending hours on YouTube finding the perfect video to answer your questions. Let me sit with you and guide you through the ins and outs of Google Slides.
What questions do you have about using Google Slides to create? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email, contactnaomimeredith(at)gmail.com, and I would love to chat with you!
Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom
You're back to school after a long break! Just like with any classroom routine, it's especially important to remind students how to properly use technology for learning. Here are my go-to tips for reviewing technology expectations in the classroom.
Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.
Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom | Watch the recording down below:
Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom | #1 Make a list
Before jumping right in, make a class of routines and expectations when using classroom technology. This can. be done independently as the classroom teacher, but also more effective when made with students. Chart down student responses as to how technology is used in the classroom. This is also a great opportunity to add any new rules that you want students to add into their practice. It's ok to change things when it doesn't work well!
Here are some examples of expectations to think about:
How to carry a device in the classroom
Where the device goes during a lesson
Putting devices away
Where to store and gather headphones
Login information stored for independent use
How to troubleshoot technology issues
Using technology for academic purposes; staying on task
Communicating with others when using technology
Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom | #2 Model
Once it is clear what rules and expectations are used for technology, model! Students need to see how this should look in the classroom. Don't assume that students already know or remember, especially if new routines are being added.
Physically model real quick as the teacher, and have some student volunteers try for the whole class. Even adding in non-examples can be helpful to.
This step doesn't need to take long and it's not a lecture. People remember by doing, and modeling is such a great asset for remembering positive routines. Even making a video of some routines can be powerful as well and can always be rewatched, year after year.
You can see how I explain my classroom rules to students below.
Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom | #3 Take Pictures
Not all rules and routines are photo worthy! However, this can be especially helpful for organization expectations. Take pictures of what a certain area should look like cleaned up. Headphone and device storage as well as how to carry items in the room are great for this.
Before students start cleaning up, show the picture of what the final product looks like. This probably won't need to be shown all year, but this is especially great for students who need visual accommodations.
Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom | #4 Practice with Incentives
I always say in my class “Practice makes better, not perfect, because perfect doesn't exist.” This is so important for students to understand. They are always going to make mistakes and there is always room for improvement.
On a large piece of construction paper, write down a whole class reward. This could be something like, “10 Minutes of Free Tech Time!”. Next, cover the paper with sticky notes, side by side. Then, write down a technology expectation, one per sticky note.
As the majority of the class applies the correct technology behavior, take off the corresponding sticky note. Once all of the sticky notes are removed, the class can earn their reward!
Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom | #5 Visual Reminders
Reviewing technology expectations and flowing into a routine takes time. However, being clear about behaviors and being explicit allows students to be more successful and independent during work time.
Once the class is finding that rhythm again, post the classroom expectations and rules in the classroom. Adding words and visuals is extremely helpful for all learners. I typically have no more than 10 for my students, but pack a good punch in the ones I used.
Want to use my same rules and expectations in your classroom? Check out my print and go resource here! Digital versions are also available to help with any classroom setting.
What questions do you have about helping your class with technology?? Have any other ideas to share? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send my an email, contactnaomimeredith@gmail.com, and I would love to chat with you!
Have you wondered how to do a virtual read aloud? How can kids see the pages? What tools do you need? How hard is it really? Here are some tips and tricks when hosting a read aloud online. While these work well for remote teaching, a lot of these hacks can be used during in-person teaching as well.
Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.
How to Do a Virtual Read Aloud | Watch the recording down below:
How to Do a Virtual Read Aloud | #1 Picture & Google Drive Mash Up
This hack works well for when you only have a hard copy of the book. Now this tip isn't meant to infringe on copyright and have you share with the whole world what you created; classroom use only. This method is extremely helpful to help the kids see the pages on a video call while the teacher doesn't have the hold the book awkwardly to the camera. No document camera is needed!
If you know me, you know I am a HUGE fan of using Google Tools in the classroom as well as my person life. First, download the Google Drive app onto your phone. (Login of course!) Next, lay the book on a flat, clear surface with plenty of lighting. After that, using the Camera on your phone, take pictures of the pages in order. Edit and flip any pages now while in the Photos app.
Go into the Google Drive app. Hit the plus sign (+) and create a new folder while naming it the title of the book. Keep that new folder open and hit the plus sign again. Next, click ‘Upload', then ‘Photos and Videos' choose all of the photos of the book. They'll upload in the order of when the photos were taken.
Once they are uploaded into Google Drive, you can actually delete the photos off your phone to save space. It won't delete the pictures from the Drive.
Finally, when you're ready to read, open up the book folder on your computer during class and share your screen. All you need to do is click through each of the pages as you read the story live.
Before taking pictures using the method above, see if there is an eBook version already accessible. Again, share your computer screen with the class once the desired book is chosen. Below are great resources to use that I've used consistently with my classrooms.
Epic! Books (getepic.com): This is a free for teachers eBook library to use in classrooms. Not only are eBooks abundant, but audio books, read-to-me, chapter books and video clips that aren't connected to YouTube. Regardless of read alouds or not, this is a MUST USE resource in your classroom.
Your Public Library: Most public libraries have some sort of version of digital books that are available to check out. By using your library card, see what is already available for free! Don't live near a public library? Many public libraries located within a school district will give a card to teachers who teach in that area.
Amazon KindleBooks: A Kindle device is not needed for this method. In fact, the Kindle app can be downloaded into a computer device for free. Often, publishers will have flash deals where books are offered for free that you can download to your account. Also, Amazon gift cards can come in handy when wanted to buy the digital copy of the book. One word of advice; purchase/download Kindle books to your personal account. That way if you were to ever leave districts, you still have access to all of those books!
How to Do a Virtual Read Aloud | #3 Audio Extras
Bring a read aloud to life and help with visualization with audio extras! Build background knowledge about the topic about to be read by finding a video clip that helps explain a difficult word or concept.
Also, check out the app Novel Effect. Again, another great resource for teachers! While reading the book out loud, Novel Effect will listen in real time by adding in sound effects that relate to the page. Some books even have music that will play along, like Pete the Cat.
How to Do a Virtual Read Aloud | #4 Collaborative Read Aloud
This tip is a great way to get students involved with the read aloud experience. I would suggest using Seesaw with this method since it has the best tools to fit the job. Flipgrid could also be a great alternative as well.
Create a Seesaw Activity where each page is a different page of the book. Next, assign a student to a specific page to record themselves reading. You could even have each child read the whole book, then select one page from each child's submission for the final read aloud. Finally, during whole group time, share the collaborative read aloud.
This method works well of course with remote teaching, but also for homework assignments, substitute plans and even book groups. Pre-recording readings of a book don't have to be fancy. For this method, I'll typically use Screencastify. This is a Google Chrome Extension that is used on the computer when Google Chrome is open. It can record your screen only, screen & face, or just face.
Once the recording is complete, it saves automatically to your connected Google Drive. There is even the option to upload to YouTube right away. (I recommend making the YouTube link ‘Private' or ‘Unlisted' unless you have permission from the author/publishing company.) This extra time saving step allows the user to grab the share link right away and plop it into the desired assignment.
Screencastify is a freemium tool; the free features are great and can get the job done. But for unlimited use, the paid version is inexpensive & worth it. (I always renew my subscription).
Consider pre-recording picture books and chapter book chapters. This is incredibly special for your students when you have a substitute and the students can still hear the “correct voice” reading all the chapters.
This method can also be used for independent reading of book clubs. When the audio version isn't available, send students the link to your video to help them read through their assigned work and understand the fluency and key vocabulary.
So you're ready to teach your kids how to use Google Tools, but where do you begin? Here are my top 5 tips for how to use G Suite for Education with students. After using these tools when I was a classroom teacher, K-5 STEM teacher and even training adults, these strategies have seen positive results over the years. G Suite for Education tools are a major asset to have in the classroom and allows students to be using applicable skills they can build on with various assignments.
Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.
How to Use G Suite for Education | Watch the recording down below:
How to Use G Suite for Education | #1 Assess Prior Knowledge
One of the biggest things I've learned when it comes to students using academic technology is to never assume. Although students might be proficient using video games and YouTube at home, this doesn't always translate to using academic technology. Kids are very capable and should know how to use basic technology skills proficiently; it might not be natural at first.
Before teaching a new technology tool, including G Suite, assess quickly what students may or may not already know about the tool. This can be a quick check in or even a class discussion with responses written down.
As a teacher, this will help with planning as to which skills should be taught first as a whole class, and others that may be taught separately in smaller groups.
How to Use G Suite for Education | #2 Keep Login Steps Consistent
When starting with a new technology tool, students need to know the exact steps for logging into the platform. Honestly, based on my experience, this step is the one that takes the longest and most practice for students. Don't be discouraged when logging into the platform takes 20 minutes the first few times; it's completely normal.
Create a class anchor chat with the exact steps as to how to log into the platform. Drawing, (or if you make a digital version, inserting images) images of what the step looks like is extremely helpful as well. This can be a great aid for all students when repeating this common step. Also, as a teacher, you can quickly point to the correct step when a student asks you, “What do I need to do next?”
Likewise, keep student login information where students can independently access it. It's important to have this information on hand as a teacher, but the goal is to have students be successful and advocate for themselves. Here is an example of how I've done this for Google Classroom.
Don't waste important class time passing out student log in cards when they can be taped inside of their pencil box, next to their keyboard or student planner.
How to Use G Suite for Education | #3 Use Universal Icons
Universal Icons are simple pictures that are used to represent an action in multiple platforms. For example, the ‘play' icon is seen on YouTube videos, phones and TV remotes. Google Tools also have universal icons within their platforms that signal a specific action.
Have students take note of these universal icons and notice what they mean. As you begin to use more Google Tools in your classroom, like Docs, Slides and Forms, students will recognize how these icons are across the platforms.
Keeping a running list in an area in the classroom or even student journals can help that visual recognition and build meaning. Here is one that I created for Google Drawings that can translate to many of the other Google Tools
How to Use G Suite for Education | #4 Explicit Baby Steps
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the steps you want students to learn while using G Suite for Education. As a teacher, you may know most of the tools naturally and it can be frustrating seeing students who might not even know the most simple tasks.
In addition, think about the basics you want students to know when using the tool. Then, break each of those skills into their own, separate task.
As simple as possible.
For example: Highlight the word you typed. Find the U icon and click on it. What happens to your word?
For an even bigger impact, have each of the tasks build on one another so students can begin to see how the tool is connected and interacts.
How to Use G Suite for Education | #5 Focus on One Tool at a Time
Just as it may seem overwhelming with all the skills you want to teach your students, it may feel the same as to which Google Tool to teach students first.
Whenever I am teaching my classes new technology tools, I focus on one tool during a lesson. I'll use that same tool for multiple lessons throughout the week in various ways and subjects. When I see that students are becoming more comfortable using that tool, I'll integrate another they might already know from a previous lesson.
As the year goes on, I'll keep adding in new G Suite tools. Studente begin to see patterns within these tools as we use them for various assignments.
Here is the order I typically teach G Suite tools to students, but you can definitely change this up:
Google Docs
Google Classroom
Google Drive
Google Drawings
Google Slides
Google JamBoard
Google Forms
Google Sheets
How to Use G Suite for Education | Putting it All Together
After using G Suite for Education tools for awhile, you'll recognize how you want to teach the skills you've developed to your students. These are the steps that I've taken and perfected over the years.
In fact, to help you save time, I have created and continue to keep updated my Google Tools Scavenger Hunts.
Each hunt comes with a pre and post assessment while also giving students specific, basic tasks to complete to learn each tool. The hunts can be printed or shared digitally.
Also, there is an editable version that comes with a mini-lesson to support teaching this tool to your students. (The non-editable version doesn't include the mini-lesson).
When I first started teaching, communicating with parents via email wasn’t a “thing” in my district. Of course, I got a few emails from my co-workers and administration, but my email life was pretty manageable. Then I switched to a district where emails get flown at me left and right. I knew I needed to find a way to streamline my digital communication outlets, specifically in my email.
Managing your email inbox doesn't have to be complicated or overwhelming. Learn how to organize your email and stay on top of all of the important messages.
Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.
Here are the key takeaways from this episode:
How to Organize Your Email | Watch the recording down below:
Email Groups
This can be time consuming to set up, however, once it's complete, you'll be thanking your past self! Create groups of people that you typically send to the most; parent lists, specialist teams and grade level teams.
That way when you to send out a mass email, type in a couple of letters of the group name and it inserts everyone’s in the email box.
Address Emails All (Work Day) Long
Add your work email app onto your phone (not connect it to the mail app that's already there.) For example, my school district uses Outlook, so that specific app is loaded onto my phone.
Then, go into the settings and play around with the notifications. Set specific work office hours (also included within my email signature, see tips below) and only have email notifications go on during those hours.
Turn email notifications off during the nights and weekends! It will be hard at first not emailing people back at 8:00pm on a Friday. Along with that, don't answer emails after those work hours.
Most emails can wait. If it's an emergency, they can call. Setting up email boundaries for yourself is extremely important and necessary for work-life balance.
Also, don't wait until the end of the day to delete your emails. This takes a large portion of your time that can be used for other things. Yes, usually a couple require longer reponses. However, most can be addressed in the moment and can be done quickly on your phone.
Delete!
When my email notifications are on, I address emails immediately. I have emails connect to my Apple Watch (which you can read more ways to use your Apple Watch in your classroom HERE).
A large portion of the emails that come in I can delete right away. After I scan the email, I immediately delete.
How to Organize Your Email: Folders for Everything
I also set up A LOT of folders to organize emails as they come in. Some people set their folders up, emails come in, it will go straight to the folder for you and you don’t have to do anything about it. I don't usually use this method since I like reading the email first and organizing it second. Strive for only have 10-15 emails in the inbox at all times. (Most tips about this next.)
When naming folders, add in the school year range at the end. That way, at the end of the year, the emails are still organized but you can “hide” the folders from my sidebar. This makes the list a lot cleaner. I also don’t ever delete my trash can just in case I need to search for something within there.
Think about typical emails that are sent regularly; weekly newsletters, student updates, technology troubleshooting and tutoring sessions.
Create templates emails that can be inserted as “canned responses”. Some email providers have options to save templates. If not, save in your drafts, then copy & paste the pre-written message. Everything is saved and formatted how you like, and can be used right away. This saves so much time in the long run!
For technology troubleshooting emails, I have an on-going Google Slide that I'll add to throughout the year when common issues arise. It has step-by-step directions, typically with visuals, to help troubleshoot the issue.
When I receive emails about these common issues, I will download the particular slide that shows the steps (click here to learn how to download Google Slides), then attach that to the email. Again, a major time-saver and I'm not rewriting the steps every time.
Upgraded Email Signature
It can be tiring typing your name after every single email. This seems silly, but it actually all that time adds up.
I quickly figured out how to make an email signature, but it was really ugly. {And those of you who know me, I like to make most things pretty.} It's actually possible to have an image as the email signature with all the info you want as well! Also, adding in your picture helps families and those in the district put a face to the name.
Finally have an email signature created but not sure how to add it in your email? Once added correctly into Outlook, the signature will be automatically added after the body of the email. Follow these easy steps on how to do this in Outlook.
How to Change Outlook Email Signature Video Tutorial
Having 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.
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.
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!
Learn how to add a timer to Google Slides with this video tutorial. This tech tip can can help students manage time in your classroom. In just a few clicks, classroom productivity can be enhanced.
How to Insert a Timer to Google Slides Video
When picking the video timer to add to the slides, double check the timer sound first. There have been many occasions when I've had a timer that's made the worst sound. Sometimes it's even sounded like the fire alarm going off!
Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.
Here are the key takeaways from this episode:
Remote Teaching Ideas | Watch the recording down below:
Welcome Slide as Kids Enter Meeting
Use the transition time into the meeting as a productive time. Ensure that students have all of the necessary materials prepared for the lesson; both the digital and physical items.
Some of those can include:
microphone on mute
sound on
camera on (if possible)
physical items needed for the lesson (notebook, something to write with, building materials…)
It can be exhausting staring at the screen and listening to lectures all day. Consider having hands-on activities the kids can complete at home while in the virtual class setting. A favorite with my younger students are my Engineer Inspiration Boards. (You can see my growing collection HERE).
During virtual class, I'll display the board by sharing my screen. Students have the opportunity to build any of the items with the material they have at home. I'll typically email parents the day before to ensure student have something, anything, to build with. Even drawing is a great option.
While students are building, I'll set a timer on my screen (video directions on how to do that here), and play music in the background. The Disney piano collection is a popular request!
When the timer goes off, I'll have some students share. I also highly encourage the students to share their creations with me in Seesaw when class time is complete. Grab an extra month of Seesaw Plus for free by using my link HERE!
Randomize Calling Names
Definitely use the icons within your video platform as a way for students to raise their hand and respond. These are great digital tools. Sometimes mixing it up is fun too! Classroom Screen and Wheel of Names are free tools to try. Both have random name pickers. Just like a game show, it's fun to see which name will be picked from the machine!
Guest Speakers
Is there a new science topic you're wanting to introduce? How about a math concept that an expert uses daily in their job? Could an author speak to the class about their most recent book? Think about ways that guest speakers can be added into the virtual classroom setting. Your students will enjoy hearing a different perspective and gather deeper insight about the topic.
Virtual Field Trips
A lot of museums, zoos and public places have virtual field trip options. Use this as a tool to build background and observational skills in your students.
Consider changing your background within the video platform to get started. For example, if you're learning about the ocean, change your background throughout the meeting with different ocean settings. Then, show students video clips of those places. This definitely would be a lesson that kids wouldn't want to end!
What are some remote teaching tips and tricks you've tried that were successful with your students? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!
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Learn how to add a timer to Google Slides with this video tutorial. This tech tip can can help students manage time in your classroom. In just a few clicks, classroom productivity can be enhanced.
Teaching online and need a refresh? Here are 5 remote teaching ideas to try in your classroom. Mix it up and have fun with your students!
