Emojis are a modern day version of hieroglyphics; they visually convey a lot of meaning and emotion. Learn how to use the emoji chrome extension, and bring this tool into the classroom.
Emoji Chrome Extension: Getting Set Up
First, add the extension in your Google Chrome toolbar. Chrome extensions are like little apps that you can use to enhance your experience only when using this web browser.
There are many emoji extensions out there. Currently, I’ve been enjoying the Joypixels Google Chrome extension.
Here’s how to get started. Follow the steps below or watch my quick video tutorial.
- Open Google Chrome and login
2. Go to the Chrome Webstore, chrome.google.com
3. Search ‘Joypixels’
4. Click the ‘Add to Chrome’ button
5. Follow the prompts
{Optional} Close out of Chrome & restart computer to ensure extension was added properly with full functionality
Emoji Chrome Extension: Organizing your Google Drive
Google Drives can get messy fairly quickly. However, there are ways to streamline organization and keep it visually appealing and easy to access. Of course you can color code your folders (which you can watch that video tutorial here)
Why not make your Google Drive organization EVEN BETTER by adding in an emoji in the title? With color and a picture, it will make searching for your go-to files so much easier (and a little more fun!)
Emoji Chrome Extension: Label assignments & directions
Struggling readers and even strong readers love pictures. No matter what reading level someone is, having a visual to match the words increases reading comprehension.
Use emojis when labeling assignments and directions. My favorite places to do this are in Seesaw and Google Classroom. While I love both of these platforms immensely, both streams can get overwhelming quickly. Try and match the emoji to the assignment name and the kids will be even more excited to click on the assignment.
Curious about Google Classroom but don’t know where to begin? Click here to go through my free 3 part video series and feel more comfortable with this platform.
Emoji Chrome Extension: Giving student feedback
On the flipside, student feedback can receive some love with some emojis. The emoji Chrome extension is great for this when giving feedback while on the computer.
Often when I am swiping through student posts on Seesaw while watching The Bachelor, I’ll throw in some emojis to help students pay attention to the comments I am giving them. The emoji keyboard on your phone is also great asset for the classroom!
Emoji Chrome Extension: Student Responses
For most written assignments, I don’t encourage students to use emojis within their work since the goal is to have them write in complete sentences. However, when it comes to quick assignments where I want to know their thoughts on a topic, using an emoji might be more appropriate.
This is a topic as a classroom teacher you want to be very clear on the boundaries and when emojis are/aren’t ok on certain assignments.
How have you used emojis in the classroom? What questions do you still have? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!
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