Making sure students know quickly how to find their own login username, email (if they need it), and password can really make the difference between spending the entire small group instruction time helping students at the computer center – or actually teaching skills with a small group of students who are waiting for you at the small group instructional table.

I know which place I would rather be.

Keep reading for some quick solutions for helping students to take responsibility for logging themselves in without your help…

Always a good time: Taking kindergartners to the computer lab only to spend the entire computer lab time having them log in.

Especially at the beginning of the year when some don’t even know what a keyboard looks like, much less where each letter is – or for the really challenged – they might not know their letters yet!

Talk about an activity of futile proportions.

Might as well be trying to wrangle baby chicks and kittens at the same time in different cities.

Having something (anything) to help you once you find out which students need less help, the better.  Eventually as they learn, things start to fall into a routine, but until then, you desperately need something to assist you.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for simple routines in your classroom? This 106 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 15 articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:
• Organizing Absent Work
• Helping Student Get Organized
• Remembering Names on Papers
• Organizing All the Paperwork
• Bathroom Break Tips
…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

Easy Template to Keep Track of Usernames and Passwords for Kids

I know many of you have an owl theme from the conversations and polls we have had on the Facebook fan page.

So, I decided to give you a little something that might help out – and I think they are pretty cute too!

Here is the first of the series, which is a set of website login forms.

You could use these in a variety of ways:

1.  Print, fill out, and hang up near the computers for students to reference, or place in individual folders in their desk so they can grab when it is time to login.

2.  Print, fill out, and send home for students to be able to reference online materials from home with their own user names and passwords.  Parent letter is also included which explains that if they place the form in a sheet protector with magnets on the back (you provide to them), they will also have it handy and not lost.

Here is a picture of the sheet protector with the magnet dots stuck on the back:

Here is a picture with one of the forms inserted and placed on the side of the fridge:

3.  Or just fill out and keep a copy for your own reference in case of forgotten user names and passwords after you have given them to the students.

Keep reading to find your free printable worksheet below!

Other Options to Help Teachers in the Computer Lab

You can never have too many items in your teacher toolbox when it comes to storing student login info for easy access.

• If you prefer to go all digital, you could create a spreadsheet on your computer that has a different tabbed sheet for each piece of software students would need to know.  You could print it out or just have it on hand if students need to know the info at a glance.
• Another choice would be for each student to have a 2-pocket folder with brands.  In the brads, add a sheet protector.  Then, create an individual student log in form for each child which contains their specific usernames and passwords for each site they would need to access.  Sort of like a “cheat sheet” that the student could take with them to the computer and use independently.
• Need something more hands on for smaller students?  Grab some blank 3×5 notecards and post a picture of each child on their own card.  Add their log in info to the back of the card (in this example with the littles, make sure the logins are limited).  Then, take the cards and hole punch one corner to add them on binder rings.  Finally, add the ringed cards on command hooks on the side of the computer.  Make sure students know which computer their card is located and they will always use only that one computer so they can always find their picture and their card if needed.
• Last solution is similar to above, but perfect for your upper elementary students:  create a card for each and place in a card box on the table at the end of the computers.  Have alphabetical tabs or chronological number tabs in the card box so students can find their personal name or number easily, remove their card to use, and return back to the same spot for the next time if needed.

What other ideas have you used for keeping track of student website login information to make this process easier?  We would love to hear in a comment below too!

Ready for your free PDF download?  Just print and use!

I hope you like the freebie and enjoy!

~Charity

The post “Owl” You Ready with Student Passwords? appeared first on Organized Classroom.

If you are looking for a fun (and simple) tech solution for communicating with students and parents in your school district, you might want to check out the ideas below for using Animoto from a fellow teacher blogger.

I remember wanting to come up with a fun slideshow for my students at the end of the year when I was first teaching.  I downloaded all the pictures from my digital camera on to my classroom desktop with a cord, then I went to napster (oooopsss) for some fun party music.  Finally, I manually dropped each image into a Power presentation and used slide transitions to make the images come alive (hello Ken Burns effect).

After I spent HOURS making the final version, complete with a cute title and ender page typed up using Comic Sans font of course, I was able to insert a CD-Rom into the drive and burn one copy.  Repeat that process another 20 times so I had one for each student in my classroom.

Of course, I bought some super cute neon transparent CD cases and had to make the paper insert covers, but that was done by typing up something in Microsoft Word and using a paper cutter to size it up so it was a close enough fit.

Whew.  It was a task, but the third grade students always loved them, as did their parents who attended the end of the year awards ceremony.

Luckily, times have changed and now with some new alternatives you can include photos AND video clips in those end of the year memories.  Imagine the possibilitites!

Plus, with the options shown below, you can even insert a quiz (might be fun for an end of the year activity where students have to test their knowledge of the teacher – haha!), student progress, and grading options too.

Even better that several choices in the tech world are free!  No cost = a happy administrator.  

I discovered a quick way to take photos of special classroom moments and upload them by using the application Animoto. The Animoto app is also free, but you can only upload up to 12 pictures per slideshow. If you want more, you will have to upgrade.

How do you use Animoto?

So, during the year, whenever students were doing a neat project or it was field trip day or party day, I would whip out my smartphone and take 12 pictures.

Then, when I had a free moment, I went to the Animoto app and created a photo album in just a few seconds (there you have options to add music and/or change the slide design layout).

Once I had a link for the slideshow, I could then share it with parents easily.

In just a few minutes, I was able to share a special memory that we made with my students and their parents!

At the end of the school year, we went through and watched all of the slide shows to reminisce about all the learning and fun times we had shared together.

Here is a screenshot of the video of my little sweetheart that I made in about two minutes.

How else have you used Animoto in your classroom now or in the past?  We would love to hear your ideas in the comments below.

Have a great summer!

Making a Google Slideshow to Share with Parents

Prefer old school and looking for something to use with Google Slides instead?

Download these slide templates to your Google Slides account, add your photos and captions on top, and then share the published link from Google Slides with your parents!

How to create shareable link:

Enjoy!

~Charity

The post Making & Sharing Slide Shows with Google Slides & Animoto appeared first on Organized Classroom.

A clutter-free computer station allows teachers to easily access resources and materials, saving valuable time during lessons. It also helps students stay focused and engaged, as they can quickly find the tools they need to complete their assignments. Additionally, an organized computer station promotes a sense of order and professionalism in the classroom, setting a positive example for students.

Tips for a Functional Classroom Computer Station

I want to show you how I solved my Computer Traffic Jam problem in my classroom. If you are like me, I only have 3 computers and 26 kiddos who want to use them for various reasons.  

At our school we do Accelerated Reader, Math Facts in a Flash and Dreambox.  So, the kiddos need computer time!  

We do have a regular computer lab time once a week for 45 min.  but this isn’t always enough.  So, our classroom computers are always busy.

Here is how we solved the problem of kiddos just standing around waiting their turn.  

I have done it a 2 different ways, so I plan to show you both!

First, I make each kiddo in my class a tag with their classroom number.  I use classroom numbers for a variety of things, so they know their number well.  

I used stickers.  I put a number on each sticker, laminated it with my personal laminator (the lamination is a bit thicker and holds up better).  

Then, I attached a piece of velcro to the back of each tag.  

Here is a picture of how I store their tags.  All it is is a small pocket chart that I cut to size and attached to the wall next to the computer station.

Then, I made simple number grids to put on each computer with 1,2, and 3.  

When there is someone on the computer, they simply put their tag on one of the velcro spots next to the next available number.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for simple routines in your classroom? This 106 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 15 articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:
• Organizing Absent Work
• Helping Student Get Organized
• Remembering Names on Papers
• Organizing All the Paperwork
• Bathroom Break Tips
…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

When the first kiddo is done on the computer, they go and get the person who’s tag is next to the #1.  

When that child is done, they take their tag off, move the others down and then they go and get the next kiddo in line.

Another way that I have tried is to put a long piece of velcro next to the computers and have the kiddos put their tags in a line from the top.  

Then, when anyone is done with their computer, they just go and get the next kiddo in line from the top.

This works well if the kiddos are doing activities that are of different time lengths.  That way they don’t have to wait for a specific computer.

It does take a lot of modeling and practicing, but it is worthwhile because I don’t have long lines of kiddos just waiting for a turn.  

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading!

Assessing Your Classroom Computer Station: Identifying Problem Areas

Before you can begin organizing your classroom computer station, it’s important to assess the current state of the area. Take a moment to evaluate the space and identify any problem areas that need attention. Use a checklist to ensure you cover all aspects of the computer station.

Common problem areas include tangled wires, cluttered desks, and lack of storage. Tangled wires not only create an eyesore but can also be a safety hazard. Cluttered desks make it difficult to find necessary items quickly, leading to frustration and wasted time. Lack of storage can result in a messy workspace, with items scattered around haphazardly.

Decluttering Your Classroom Computer Station: Getting Rid of Unnecessary Items

Once you have identified the problem areas in your classroom computer station, it’s time to declutter. Start by removing any unnecessary items that are taking up space and causing clutter. Be ruthless in your decluttering process and only keep items that are essential for teaching and learning.

To declutter effectively, sort items into categories such as “keep,” “donate,” or “discard.” Consider whether each item is truly necessary for the computer station or if it can be stored elsewhere. By getting rid of unnecessary items, you create a more functional space that is easier to navigate and maintain.

Creating a System for Cables and Wires: Tackling the Tangled Mess

One of the biggest challenges in maintaining an organized computer station is dealing with tangled cables and wires. To tackle this issue, it’s important to create a system for managing and organizing them. Start by labeling each cable or wire with its corresponding device or purpose. This will make it easier to identify and locate specific cables when needed.

Invest in cable management solutions such as cable clips, cable ties, or cable sleeves to keep cables neatly organized and prevent them from tangling. Consider using color-coded labels or tags to further differentiate cables and make it easier to identify them at a glance. By implementing a system for cables and wires, you can eliminate the frustration of untangling cords and create a more streamlined computer station.

Organizing Computer Accessories: Finding a Place for Keyboards, Mice, and Headphones

In addition to managing cables and wires, organizing computer accessories is crucial for an efficient computer station. Keyboards, mice, headphones, and other accessories should have designated places to prevent clutter and ensure easy access.

Consider using storage containers or drawer dividers to keep accessories neatly organized. Label each container or section with the corresponding accessory to make it easy for both teachers and students to find what they need. Encourage students to return accessories to their designated places after use to maintain an organized computer station.

Encouraging Student Responsibility: Teaching Students to Keep the Computer Station Organized

Teaching students to take responsibility for keeping the computer station organized is an important life skill that goes beyond the classroom. By involving students in the organization process and emphasizing the importance of maintaining an orderly workspace, you empower them to become more independent and self-disciplined.

Create a set of guidelines or expectations for students regarding the use and organization of the computer station. Clearly communicate these guidelines and reinforce them regularly. Provide positive reinforcement and recognition for students who consistently demonstrate responsibility in keeping the space organized. By teaching students to keep the computer station organized, you create a more harmonious and efficient learning environment.

Would you like a set of Student Computer Number Cards to print and use in your classroom computer area?

Enjoy!

The post Computer Traffic Jams? appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Giving students the opportunity to learn computer programming at an early age is vital to their skills and career development.

Introducing coding into the elementary classroom curriculum has never been easier.

Simple Steps to Introduce Coding in Elementary Classroom

Introducing coding in the classroom may seem daunting, but it can be easily implemented following these simple steps:

1. Choose the Appropriate Curriculum: Look for coding curriculums that match your students’ age and skills. Start with a simple program that systematically broadens their understanding of coding.
2. Program Introduction: Introduce coding in a simple and easy-to-understand approach, starting with the basics and fundamentals and gradually moving into more advanced topics.
3. Set up a Coding Club: Establish a coding club to promote enthusiasm and encourage students to work together. Arrange regular coding sessions to help them learn and improve.
4. Incorporate Fun Coding Activities and Games: Encouraging students to engage in coding activities and games to help them learn better. Choose activities that are simple and easy to understand, such as coding puzzles, pixel art, and interactive games.

Best Coding Activities, Games, and Programs

Don’t you love when something that students love to use is also educational?  Well, my personal third grader was certainly tickled when I gave him an opportunity to “play” with this super fun learning resource Code Car!

Honestly, it isn’t just for kids!   I know a little bit of coding, but not as much as this “beginner” activity.  I am definitely going to be sitting down and doing the lessons with him too.  I love to learn new things myself as well.

So what is Code Car?   It is a little computer board that has audio and lights, which plugs in to your computer via the USB cord and by adding different pieces of code to it, you are able to make the “car” perform various functions, such as:

• Headlight On
• Brakelight Blink
• Flash Both Sirens
• Toggle Your Sirens
• Beep the Horn
• Car Tunes
• Brake Pedal
• Honk the Horn
• Honk the (Variable) Horn
• Rising Pitch Horn
• Siren Lights Button
• Siren Toggle Button
• Backup Alarm
• Headlight Switch

And for those that are a little more advanced (or way more advanced than me), there is a Hack the Code Car option to really dig in to customizing the code for the car.  Pretty awesome, right?

Setting it up was super easy:  download the software from their website, plug in the car, and open the program.  Each easy lesson includes:

• an Introduction as to what the car will do when you are successful in installing the code
• the actual Code in a code box so students can install it right away to see what it does, but most importantly they are able to start “reading” and deciphering how the language of coding works
• Tutorial Videos for reading the code
• Challenges that have the students applying their new knowledge about that particular piece of code
• Concepts which explain more in-depth what they are really learning
• and a super short Quiz which tests how well they learned it (we’re talking a 2-question multiple choice quiz so nothing students will panic over)

The box include all the pieces, including the retractable cable and code reference cards.  I love that the lid snaps shut so the pieces are all contained – plus it is small enough you could easily fit an entire class set into 1-2 plastic shoeboxes.

Needless to say, Code Car was a hit with my third grader.  He was almost late getting to school because he was having fun learning with the lessons and begged me to use it again tonight INSTEAD of playing video games for his 30 minute allotment!

If that’s not a testimonial, I am not sure what is – ha!

In fact, as he was  using the first code lesson, he decided to see what would happen if he added something into the code.

Well, it “broke” because the code was not set up correctly any longer.  I imagine MOST kids will also want to do this instinctively to see what happens.  

The best part of watching him was noticing he immediately then took a look at the code again – and even played the tutorial video – to try and figure out how to make it work correctly again.

Watching the problem-solving skills is something educators strive to see as much as possible.  It was almost magical.

I know Code Car would be a wonderful gift for any child maybe third grade and up who has access to a computer to be able to use the tutorials.  It would also be fantastic for classrooms!  

Learning the Language of Coding

Coding is already a high-demand skill and learning the “language” can be like learning any other foreign language.  

If we can teach our children the basics of how computer coding is read, then they have a head start on being more interested in those technology jobs that will become even more commonplace as the demand for technology continues to grow.

Coding literacy is an essential skill that young students must acquire in today’s digital age.

It can be an easy and fun addition to the elementary curriculum that has many benefits, from improving problem-solving and critical thinking skills to opening up a world of career opportunities, creativity, and innovation.

By following the simple steps mentioned and choosing the best coding games, programs, and activities, teachers can introduce coding in a fun and enjoyable way that will ensure students continue to learn and improve in this important subject.

This would be a wonderful suggestion for a Donor’s Choose project or a request for funds from a local tech company who could use it as a tax write-off for their business.

Would you like a simple donation request letter you can send to local businesses in your area? It is 100% editable. Simply download and open in either PowerPoint or Google Slides to change the text, print, and mail.

Click here to email your freebie

Have fun coding!

~Charity

The post Cool Classroom Coding appeared first on Organized Classroom.

I started this post to be specifically geared to a computer center and then realized that it also pertains to iPads, MP3 players, E-Readers and various other forms of technology that might show up in your centers.

My personal classroom has 3 computer stations and an iPad station, which get mixed and matched depending on the needs of myself and my students.

Would you like premade posters to inspire your students?

This pack of 25 colorful watercolor posters includes quotes from famous athletes.

Click HERE to grab them and save yourself time!

Technology can be a vital addition to a classroom at any grade. As a former computer lab teacher, I am constantly thinking of new and interesting ways to integrate my computers and iPad into my day.

However, I have learned first hand that if I have not organized this technology well, it will become wasted instructional time.

For many teachers, this wasted instructional time leads them to give up on the technology which might have served them well.

So, today I am here to give you some simple organizational tips, which will help technology to be an effective addition to your learning centers, rather than a frustration.

1. Organize your space and make sure students have everything they need in the exact proximity of the technology they are going to use.

This includes accessories like head phones or microphones, but it also includes directions, worksheets etc.

It is a good idea to place a printed copy of directions in the location where technology is going to be used, perhaps in a page protector attached to the bulletin board, or on index cards on a ring.

For younger students, print screen shots to help guide them through multiple steps and/or sites with log-ins. Older students can and should manage a list of steps with specific websites, username and password directions.

Consider using a website management system like ikeepbookmarks or sqworl to make accessing websites easier for you and your students.

2. Before sending students to technology, have a purpose in mind. Identify specifically what skills you would like students to work on and express that purpose to them before they get to the technology. This will help your students, see technology as a teaching too, rather than just a very expensive toy.

3. Try out the technology ahead of time. Know exactly what website, program, or app you want your students to work on. Be sure you have played with this technology and are aware of places where students have to enter information, navigate to different screens, etc.

By playing with the technology ahead of time, you will know exactly what students are supposed to click on, and where problems may occur. This will help you to be ready for their questions, and even allow you to warn students about places you think they might stumble.

4. Explain and model expectations clearly ahead of time.

If available, use a projector to model for students exactly where they are supposed to click, enter information, etc.

Be sure they know ahead of time what you expect them to do while they are utilizing the technology. Students will also need to know when their turn is to be utilizing the technology. Very few of us actually have one computer per student, so we need to be sure students know when their turn is and how long they should expect to have.

Rotations are not the only way to organize time on the computer. Think outside the box – what are some other ways to organize the process of students getting on to and off of technology?

In the past, I have used Priority Lists, which give certain students or certain activities a higher priority when it comes to time spent on technology.

I have also set up specific time slots that overlapped with other activities, in an effort to be sure each student got their screen time.

Use whatever management system fits best into your overall classroom routines, but be sure that your students know and understand what is expected of them before they ever get to touch the technology.

Need a quick and easy Tech Rules Poster? This pack of 2 includes one premade and another that is blank for you to edit in either Powerpoint or Google Drive.

Click here to email your freebie

5. Hold students accountable for their time on the computer. Students are more likely to stay on task during their technology time if they know they are going to be held accountable for their actions.

This can be as simple or as complex as youíd like. There are many paper-free options for this, including leaving a comment to a blog post or edmodo, leave a sticky note onto a wallwisher page, or add to an editable Google document.

If you would rather students have a paper to work on, you could easily use a graphic organizer, a checklist, or an internet scavenger hunt.  (Click on each possibility for a free version you can download from Google Docs.)

6. Assign technology tutors. In all classes, some students are stronger in technology than others. Give your strong technology students a chance to be a helper by making them technology tutors.

Be sure that other students know who and when that they can ask for help. This should be a part of the expectations that are taught before students get to their technology center.

7. Think about saving. Before students begin working on projects that requires saving, be sure you know where they are going to save, and be sure that they know where and how to save their work. There are many possibilities, flash drives, networks, cloud networks like Google Docs.

8. Start small and work gradually, allowing students to get used to a website or program before switching to a new technology.

Choose websites and/or projects that will allow students to get used to utilizing the technology and start with these.

Then, as students build confidence in the assigned technology or program, they can move on to more complex assignments. By the end of the year, they’ll be amazing themselves (and you) with all that they can do.

9. Expect students to make mistakes, plan for it, and allow time for it. Some students will take longer to complete activities, especially as they build confidence with a given technology.

However, on the opposite end, some students will finish early. Always have an additional website or activity for early finishers  Jigzone is also a great possibility.

10. Have a non-technology back up plan. Itís going to happen, the internet will go out, the electricity will go down, a computer will stop working.

Always have a back up plan, even if itís just silent reading, so that the kids donít have to interrupt your teaching if this happens. If technology dies, they should always know what to do next.

I hope some of these tips can help make your technology center run smoothly.  If you’d like some specific website suggestions for your technology center, I’ve written an e-book, Websites for the Elementary Classroom, full of possibilities that you can download in a variety of formats for free.

Heidi Raki teaches at an International School in Casablanca, Morocco. In addition to being a teacher, she is also a mother of 3 young boys and the author of the blog Rakiís Rad Resources. She believes in using quality teaching strategies and quality resources to create quality teaching moments that will resonate with her children, increasing understanding and a love of the learning experience. Feel free visit her blog at www.rakisradresources.com.

The post 10 Tips for Organizing Your Technology Center appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Children are so engaged by technology that we must find ways to use it to our advantage.

Voki is a free online program that can help you in a variety of ways.

The image of the male Voki was made by one of my students, when I taught in a self-contained and pull-out classroom. His research topic was on gun control, and he had to make a Voki of someone that would explain the problem and his solution.

I love that he put him in a big city, where this child knew gun control was a problem. The kids had so much fun making these!  This is just one way to use them!  There are so many more.

Would you like premade posters to inspire your students?

This pack of 25 colorful watercolor posters includes quotes from famous athletes.

Click HERE to grab them and save yourself time!

1. Use to remind kids of directions on an independent activity – We often have many different centers going in our classrooms. How often do you hear, “I don’t know what to do. What am I supposed to do?” If you have a computer or iPad at the center, a Voki can be made with the directions. A child can watch and listen to find out the directions instead of interrupting the teacher.

2. Use as a substitute – Okay, admit it! When you know you will be out for a day, you plan the easiest activities because you are worried about the substitute explaining it correctly. Make a short Voki to explain the directions and have a substitute play it for the students.

3. Response to Reading – Have a child make a Voki to portray a character from a story or even to summarize a story. The free version allows recordings up to 1 minutes, which is a great way to teach a child to briefly summarize with only the most important events.

4. Research Projects – Use a Voki to present material from a research project. My students presented a problem and solution from their 21st Century projects. Here is one a student and I worked together on to help someone get a job. Their problem was that there were too many homeless people, and the solution was to help them get a job. Click here to go see it.

5. Give a voice to children who struggle to speak aloud or are scared to speak in front of others – There are four different options for adding a voice to a Voki. You can record your own voice from your computer, as I did above. There is also the ability to call a number to record your voice (in case a microphone is not available). For individuals that don’t want to speak, words can to typed in or an audio file can be uploaded. When words are typed, a computer voice is chosen to read the text. There are so many possibilities for differentiation in your classroom.

These are just a few ways that Vokis could be used in a classroom or home. There is a a paid version of Voki for the Classroom that you can get, but the free version is great and has been enough for me right now.

Go to Voki by clicking here and sign up for a free account. This is a great site for engaging students! How would you use a Voki?

Would you like a quick Voki Star Student lesson idea?

Grab it below!

The post Using Technology to Engage Students appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Similar to costly classroom response clickers, Plickers provides teachers with quick and timely feedback on classroom instruction without the cost.

To use this tool, you just need the Plicker cards, available as a free download, and the app. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms. Students will NOT need the app. Only the teacher.

Would you like premade posters to inspire your students?

This pack of 25 colorful watercolor posters includes quotes from famous athletes.

Click HERE to grab them and save yourself time!

Here’s how it works:

Each kid is given a card with a number on it. It is similar to a large QR code. For organizational purposes, it’s best to keep the card number consistent each time as the student’s assessment information will be accessed using this “ID” number.

Each card is labeled with letters on all four sides of the code. To share their answer, kids simply turn the card to reflect the correct multiple choice answer.

So, for instance, if the answer to the question is A, the kids would turn the card so that the A is face up.

Teachers must create a question in the system by entering the question number and selecting the correct answer.

You cannot view the question within the app, it must be on a separate sheet of paper or displayed on your projector.

To check student answers, the teacher opens the app and scans the codes with a quick sweep of the class similar to the way that one might scan a QR code.

I was surprised with the accuracy of the application- most kids’ codes were picked up on the first sweep through the class with only a few to scan a second time. The application collects and displays student responses- either correct or incorrect for the teacher to see.

With a glance, it is easy to see which kids have answered and which kids understand the given topics.

Teachers can create their assessments on the fly or you can tie it into an existing tool.

I like to create PowerPoint files with daily quick checks so that I can display the question on the board and kids can respond. This is handy because I can reuse the assessments and I can go back to look at each question to see the specific skill or concept.

Would you like a list of 10 Fun Ways to Use Plickers in the Classroom? {Beyond the typical end of lesson quiz?}

Grab it below!

The post Free and Easy Student Response with Plickers appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Having the piece of mind that the technology is being taken care of properly so it lasts longer is very important  for classroom teachers.

A really easy way to organize your technology is to simply grab yourself a handy (and economical)  rolling cart, along with some patterned washi tape.

Would you like premade posters to inspire your students?

This pack of 25 colorful watercolor posters includes quotes from famous athletes.

Click HERE to grab them and save yourself time!

Then, “brand” each device with a different color or pattern by using simple colored dots, washi tape, or even a sharpie.  This would be in addition to the obvious bar codes for school inventory purposes.  

The color-coding will be super helpful to allow students the opportunity to take some ownership of the device they have in their hands at that moment, and will know exactly where it will be returned.

Use the matching color-coding material to mark all pieces of your unit, including the tablet, keyboard, power cord, and any other peripherals specific to that particular device.

Finally, assign each drawer of your rolling cart the same identification color.  

In this way, all the components of each 2-in-1 have a spelled out home.  

This makes passing out and returning the materials that much more effective.

The rolling cart can also be rolled around the room if necessary, then tucked in a corner – or under a large piece of furniture while the devices are charging overnight.  

It also makes it that much easier to share the technology with other classrooms in the building.

Would you like to know step-by-step routines that put teachers back in control in just 4 weeks?

Download the FREE Classroom Systems Starter Kit now!

Having a color-coded system to store your 2-in-1s will make your experience with your new technology even sweeter!  

What are some of your storage solutions for keeping 2-in-1s organized?  

We would love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

~Charity

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