Why EVERY Teacher Should be Utilizing Google Docs in the Classroom

Google Docs is a wonderful tool to use in the classroom.  As an ELAR middle school teacher I use this frequently in the class, particularly in collaborative writing assignments.  Multiple students can work simultaneously on a document on separate computers.  It is a fabulous tool to help build the skills of struggling writers by placing them in groups with stronger writers.

Additionally, the ability to work collaboratively on assignments applies to not only only Google Docs, but also Google Slides, Google Sheets, and Google Forms.  

This very week the students were assigned an assignment on Google Slides where they were to work collaboratively to build a presentation on an historical event or hero.  You may be thinking, “Hey, isn’t that History?”  But  ELAR is one of those subjects that can link all the subjects together!  With STAAR testing coming up, my team and I found the perfect opportunity to help simultaneously build strengths in reading comprehension, writing and history.  

While Google Docs is extremely useful in the class, it is extremely easy to use also.  Earlier this year my students worked collaboratively to create a Holocaust timeline.  They conducted research, and wrote a report with visuals based upon their research.  When they were finished they shared the document with a peer for peer editing, revised, and then sent it to me.  After checking over the report, I printed the assignment, and the students placed it on the timeline in the correct location out in the hallway for the other students to see and learn from.  

The  possibilities are numerous.  The biggest benefit, undoubtedly is collaborative aspect.  Students need collaboration, and this is a great tool to help them build multiple skills, including their collaborative skills.  

Every teacher should be utilizing Google Docs in the classroom.  The only setback, however, in the inability of many students to type.  That said, give plenty of time to conduct the research and type the reports.  The benefit also, is that students are able to access their documents at home, so they can always work on unfinished assignments at home.  Personally, I discourage homework, particularly computer-based assignments, in schools where the population of students is comprised of lower socioeconomic level students and ELLs (English Language Learners), the choice is ultimately yours.  Perhaps in another post I can share my rationale as to why homework is not helpful for the population above.

To Read the "Historical Events & Heroes" assignment, follow the link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yOh4UTs8ASKy0FKkRazqZqlMUtIyVYnTSLAKTX-hkAg/edit?usp=sharing

Pinterest In The Classroom: Why YOU need to do this!

There are many reasons to get a Pinterest account, whether it is a desire to improve upon your baking skills, or find innovative and cost-efficient ways to improve your home décor.  Yet, Pinterest goes beyond personal use and self-improvement, and is a wonderful means to collaborate globally with educators.  A simple search on metacognitive thinking strategies, can lead you to hundreds of pins from teachers who have found crafty and effective ways to reach this generation of easily bored students.  A search on classroom décor can help give you a plethora of useful and, more importantly, adorable suggestions on how to create a warm and friendly environment in your classroom. 

If you think middle schoolers and high schoolers have grown out of the need for a colorful environment, you are Wrong, with a capital “W” my friend.  At the moment my classroom is covered for STAAR testing, but in a later post I will show you my classroom.  I have bright greens and pinks, flowers, big and decorative letters, and inspirational quotes.  You can walk into my class and feel comfortable, and let’s face it, school is an uncomfortable place for many kids.  So why do many classrooms for older students look like prisons?  I need color and I am more than twice the age of my middle schoolers.

Lastly, Pinterest is for more than simply stylistic choices in a classroom.  You can get wonderful ideas for lesson plans!  I have gotten free worksheets, suggestions, PowerPoint’s, etc., all on Pinterest.  Pinterest truly proves that sharing is indeed caring, because good educators understand that when they have a great tool in the classroom, they share it with other teachers, so that the lives of students can be impacted by teachers who care.

You can follow my "boards" on Pinterest @: https://www.pinterest.com/leesebee/classroom-ideas/