Plickers

"Today we are going to use Plickers!"  My students looked back at me with confusion as I passed out barcodes with A, B, C, and D labeled around the outside of the code.  Basically, Plickers uses a QR/Barcode system for students to submit answers to multiple choice questions.  The awesome thing is that by using an app on my phone or other device, I can quickly sweep the room and conduct a fast formative assessment.  The immediate feedback allows me to alter my instruction to meet the needs of my students. 

Plickers is FREE and you can print the cards.  If you want more durable ones, plastic cards can be ordered on Amazon.  With a free account you can ask up to 5 questions at a time (in a PowerPoint type slideshow).  If you want the ability to do more, you can pay a small monthly fee.

This amazing post by Laura Candler gives many different innovative ways that Plickers can be used in the classroom. https://www.lauracandler.com/innovative-strategies-for-plickers/

Get Wiser with Wizer

What do I LOVE about Wizer???  Well let me count the ways...

1. It's a WONDERFUL tool to use for blended learning

2.  No time to grade?  Wizer can check your students' answers!

3.  Wizer is interactive and can act as both a formative and summative tool

Check out my intro video below!

https://youtu.be/Itrynzf3hfk

ReadWorks

ReadWorks has come a long way in a few years.  This year, with my new position in middle school, and with the focus being on increasing student vocabulary acquisition, I decided to take another look at what they had to offer.  I am so impressed with the streamlined approach to selecting articles, assigning them, and reviewing the data.

Above you will see a picture from my teacher dashboard.  I assigned the article, A Drop's Journey.  I can easily see the Lexile number, genre, and how many students have submitted the assignment.  I can also see that I have allowed this article to be read aloud to the students.  I can also quickly click on "Class Results" and view the data from my class.

Did I mention that this resource is entirely FREE?????  Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

Interactive-Road to the Whitehouse

Scholastic has done it again!  Here is an amazing resource that reminds me of an infographic, except that it is interactive.  As you scroll down the page, the "campaign vehicle" drives down the road and pop-ups appear that explain each step from the Campaign Kickoff to the Inauguration.