5 Favorite Apps

I wanted to share my 5 Favorite Apps that I use in my classroom.  Keep in mind that I don't use all 5 of these apps every single day.  I use Google Classroom and Classcraft everyday.  Follow the links to past posts to get more information.

1.) Google Classroom - Allow the teacher post announcements, assignments, and questions all in one place.

2.) Classcraft/Class Dojo - Behavior Management Apps.  In my opinion, Classcraft is for grades 5 and up, where as Class Dojo is for grades K-6.

2.) Plickers - Assessments using technology when you don't have 1-to-1 devices.

3.) Nearpod - Presentation App that lets you keep the students on the same "slide" as you. When you go to the next "slide", the students' device will also go to the next "slide".

4.) Remind - Text messaging app so you can communicate with parents.

Equity Sticks

Are you tired of hearing about Equity Sticks yet? Do you know what equity sticks are? Equity Sticks are used as a Random Name Picker. They are popsicle sticks with your students' names written on one end. The end with the names on it are put down in a cup or bucket. I even color the opposite ends with a specific color of those students that I want to hear from everyday (i.e. special Education Students, English Language Learners, or even extra quiet students).

Routines

The use of Equity Sticks enhances your classroom management and looks good on your formal and informal observations. You can even let the students choose the next student to answer the next question or the next student volunteer.

Purpose of Equity Sticks

• To choose students randomly
• To hear from specific students every day
• Stop the same kids from raising their hand daily and monopolizing the class discussion
• Get those quiet students participating

Virtual Equity Sticks (Random Name Picker)

Class Dojo has a Random Name Picker. Classcraft has one too, called the Wheel of Destiny. You can also Google Random Name Picker. There are other virtual ones, but you may have to put the students' names in each time. I recommend either Class Dojo or Classcraft since you would already be using them.

Classcraft

Classcraft allows you to transform your classroom into an epic adventure your students can play throughout the year.

It's a web-based classroom management system that brings gaming into your class. It's along the same lines as Class Dojo. It's like Class Dojo on steroids.  What can be done? There is also an App.

Students

• Create their character (1 of 3)
• Healer
• Mage (well-behaved students)
• Warrior (students that get in trouble a lot)
• Earn XP (Experience Points)
• Earn GP (Gold Pieces) - Rare
• Use their powers, based on their character

Teachers

• Award XP or GP
• Deduct HP (Health Points)
• Connect with parents (parents and award GP too)
• Personalize behaviors for students to earn XP
• Personalize sentences for students that "fall into battle (die)"
• Personalize random events
• Personalize game rules 
• Attach to Google Classroom (paid version)
• Create Formative Assessments (paid version)
• Monitor Volume and award/deduct points (paid version)