3 Ways to Use Google Classroom During Literacy Stations

Have you ever used Google Classroom with your literacy stations? Recently many schools I work with have been purchasing chromebooks and are wanting to use the devices during their station/small group time. Here are a few ideas I have seen in classrooms using chromebooks in literacy stations.

The Morning Journal
The teacher linked a video to the Classroom Assignment and then attached a Google Slides where students could type their journal response on a specific slide. This could be a collaborative effort or the setting in Google Classroom could force each student to make their own copy. After the student creates their response, they can turn in the assignment for the teacher to review.

Reading Log Recording Sheet
The teacher created a reading log recording sheet template and then added it to an assignment on Google Classroom. The students were then able to get their own individual copy which was saved in their Google Drive. This made it easy to distribute a paperless reading log which will always be in the student's Google Drive for easy access to complete each time a student completes a book.

Reading Comprehension Activity
If you are looking to create a paperless classroom, this might be the route for you! Google Classroom allows you to upload a reading passage as well as a comprehension quiz. Not only can students read the passage on the chromebook, but they can also take the comprehension quiz online, thus creating a paperless classroom.

After watching a few teaching in action, I put together a short presentation to help other teachers incorporate chromebooks into station work time. 


These are just a few ways I have seen teachers incorporate chromebooks and Google Classroom into their literacy/small group stations. What other ways have you seen teachers use chromebooks during literacy/small group time?

#OKCPS Hour of Code Cohort Wrap Up

Each year I work with a cohort of teachers interested in the Hour of Code. We work through three to four types of coding and then their culminating activity is to host an Hour of Code event on their campus. Last year we had six teachers complete the cohort and activity. 

The first week we explored Unplugged Coding or coding without technology. We learned about and explored programming, debugging and more all without a tech device!


The next week, we explored four different web-based coding programs. This allowed for differentiation as well as a wide variety of experiences.


The final week, we explored Code.org and set up classroom accounts.


We will be wrapping up our cohort by hosting Hour of Code events in classrooms as well as on campuses. Stay tuned for Hour of Code events updates!

Reinventing Learning

Over the summer and last week I had the chance to present about Reinventing Learning. This session is about 21st century skills. Last spring, our district identified 8 high-impact instructional practices. One of the practices we identified was 21st century skills. This practice includes making real-world connections, using multimedia tools, digital citizenship, HOTS questions and flexible grouping.

As a former CTE Counselor and current Ed Tech Trainer, I prefer to focus on real-world connections and multimedia tools. These two areas can engage students, motivate students as well as make learning relevant and visible!

Some of the tools we explored included Skype in the Classroom, Virtual Fieldtrips and digital storytelling.

I changed the presentation from summer to fall to incorporate hyperdocs to promote more engagement, interaction and critical thinking.

Digital Storytelling in the 21st Century

Last week I had the opportunity to present at my district's Fall Focus. It was a great professional learning conference for our teachers. I decided to present on digital storytelling.

Why Digital Storytelling?
The world is full of stories. Digital storytelling allows us the chance to tell our story in a creative manner. The images in our digital stories are impactful and help the audience remember the story. 

Digital Tools
There are many tools to use and the key is to find the right tool for you and your story. When deciding on a tool to use in your digital story, evaluate the devices you have available to you as well as how you want to convey your message. A few of my favorite tools are Adobe Spark, Powtoon and YouTube. This is also a great time to discuss digital citizenship with your students. 

Here is how we explored digital storytelling at Fall Focus.