Flippity for Student Engagement

 Now that SMASD is beginning its 1:1 efforts, we need to rethink how we can leverage devices in the classroom. Before, we would not have thought to use technology for something short and sweet. Devices were difficult to come by, and you didn't want to hog them for a whole period for a 5-min activity.  Now, opportunities for quick bell ringers, formative checks for understanding and extension activities for fast finishers are available.

Let's take a look at how I leveraged Flippity Manipulatives this week as a bellringer for my 7th graders. 

Click HERE for the 📼 Video or HERE for just the slides. 

Link to my manipulatives from today ➡ Click HERE. 

Don't hesitate to reach out to brainstorm more ways you can make the most of the new 1:1 environment.

Google Form Fans, This One's for You!

Google Form Fans, This One's for You!

If Google Forms have become part of your regular routine, you may want to check out some of these time-saving tips.

Make a Google Form from a Spreadsheet.

I always say teacher time is too limited to waste!  Get the most out of your efforts when creating new materials!  This is why I always promote putting vocabulary terms and key unit questions into a spreadsheet first and foremost.  From there you can import them into a variety of online quiz games and assessments.

Google Forms is no different!  And, with the help of Alice Keeler of Teacher Tech you can create a form directly from a spreadsheet.   Go to alicekeeler.com/form to get started.  Copy and paste your questions from your unit spreadsheet or import this one later for a Quizz.izz, Quizlet or Kahoot !

*Be patient with the Add-On menu when you first try it.  It takes a moment to appear on the list.



Import Questions from one Form to Another
Now that you have an easy way to create a Form from Sheets, why not make a "Master Form" for your chapter, unit or novel?   Have the whole department collaborate on a "Question Bank" Form.  No one will really use this form, it will just hold your question inventory!

Then, when creating pre-tests, post-test, formative checks, spiral reviews, differentiated quizzes, etc  all you need is one button > Import Question to access your bank of pre-made questions.

Select the "Master Form" and quickly check off the questions you would like to reuse in your comprehension check, exit ticket or summative assessment.  Then POOF you are done, faster than you could have gone to the copier!

Let me know how I can help you make this and other tech work in your classroom or office!


Keep working smarter, not harder SMASD!

He's Makin' a List & Checking It Twice....

Need to mark off who is naughty or nice?   Or perhaps all of your holiday break to-dos?

Here are three Google options for you!


Google Keep 

Google Sheets

Google Tasks

Don't forget to double check all of your blessings too!  Have a great holiday break everyone!

Throwback Tuesday - Flippity for End of Year Review & Games

Need a review game?   How about a random name picker?  Certificates? A timeline project? 

Could you use an easy way to have students practice spelling words?  How about a way to mix and match ideas for creative writing prompts? 

There is so much you can do with Flippity & the only skill you need is the ability to type text into a spreadsheet.  This original post was brought to us back in November, and the web application just keeps getting better and better.

As Breakouts become more and more popular I would like to showcase Flippity's version. They call it a "Flippity Scavenger Hunt".

Try out the demo now by clicking HERE! 

No programming skills needed, just add your questions and answers to the Google Sheets Template.

No time???

Have your students make up games for year-end review then challenge teams to open as many locks as possible in a station rotation!

Brain frazzled from PSSAs & Keystones? 
Here is exactly what you need to post to Google Classroom.

Link to add to Classroom:

 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ubDVulJpW7B2NDDuHMA1CtBwRxGiehQQZzeJpExdcwQ/copy


Did you or one of your students make a game?   Post the link for us below to try!

Weighted Rubrics in Google Sheets

I have shared this one before, and I will share it again!

Google Sheets Rubrics!!! 

Here is the quick scoop: 

1. Make a Copy of Alice Keeler's Rubric Template by clicking HERE.

2. Go to PowerSchool > Backpack > Highlight the Roster > Copy

3. Paste the roster to the first column on the spreadsheet

4. Put their smdutch email (OR.. just copy your email) in the 2nd column.

5. Adjust the rubric to meet your criteria & ......................

you can "weigh" the criteria!!!!! 

You care about spelling, but not enough to make it worth a quarter of the score.

So make it 10% instead! 

               

6. Run the "Rubric Tab" add on & watch a rubric be automatically created for each student!

7.  Give a value (1-4) for each criterion and POOF!!! -  A magical score is calculated based on the weight of each criterion!!!! 

8. Add comments in the comment box

9.  Print or email to students. 

10. Feel awesome that you were able to make demonstration of learning the most valuable score!

Here is a video I made last week while grading using the Google Sheets Rubric.  Check it out! 

It is hard to feel "good" about grading, but this is one of the tools that I am proud of.  Students have a clear understanding of their score as well as understanding of where they need to grow versus what they have mastered! 

Don't forget, if at all possible, show the students the targets before they start the assignment!! 

Need help setting a Google Sheets Rubric for the fist time???  Let me know!