#7 Chirp

Simple name, simple app! Chirp is a FREE app that lets you send information over the air to anyone that has the app open. It works off of sound. You can chirp a picture, website, or comment.

One idea I had was to use it to "chirp" a website to a student. Primary teachers should love this!!! I know kids struggle with typing in websites correctly. If you're like me, you usually end up typing the addresses in for them. Chirp eliminates this problem! Go on, chirp it to them!

#6 QR codes to practice multiplication

Another idea to practice multiplication from the Green Classroom. Use the same Avery labels/bottle caps mentioned in the last post to practice it! On one side put the problem, and the QR code on the other for them to check their answers! Instant fun and they're learning!

#5 QR codes and bottle cap fractions

I must admit I did not think of this, I got it from the Green Classroom, but it's a fabulous activity. It involves using QR codes and labeling bottle caps - to help students practice ordering fractions. Let's start with ordering fractions: Make 8 bottle cap groups with six fractions in each group using Avery lables (1" circles 5410). And then, lo and behold, did you know you can make QR codes in Avery? On the left-hand tool bar, there is a button for making bar codes and QR codes. So, make QR codes for the inside of the bottle caps. Once students put the fraction bottle caps in order from least to greates, the QR codes inside the bottle caps should reveal the numbers 1-6 in order.

#4 Vocaroo

I mentioned in a previous post about using a recording linked to a QR code for open house, but I didn't talk about how I did it! I use vocaroo! Vocaroo has the option of linking your voice recording to a QR Code. After you have made your recording, select Click Here to Save and then click QR Code in the bottom right corner of the box. It's that easy!

#3 Open House QR Code

There's been a lot of buzz about quick response or QR codes. They're pretty cool and the kids love them. Here's a cool little idea that I thought would be fun to do for open house. Make a recording introducing yourself with your contact information. Use a QR code generator to make it into a QR code. I was thinking it would be cool to post it outside your classroom so parents could scan as they walk in! Since most QR code readers log the scans, parent's will have it all year! If you don't like the idea of the recording, you can just type in the information. Hope you enjoy this little tidbit!

#2 Nearpod

Nearpod is an app that allows teachers to create interactive presentations. Presentations created by the teacher show up directly on the student's device. Teachers can design presentations that include some instruction and some exploration. This is one of the best interactive ways to use the ipad in the classroom that I've found. You can use it to introduce a concept, take quizzes, or make up work when they are absent. Nearpod actually grades student responses instantly, so it's a great way save time taking grades. I plan to use it for student's who are absent to reteach the concept they missed. The possibilities are endless. The best part is it's as easy as 1,2,3! 1. Make sure you have the free nearpod app downloaded through itunes. 2. go online at and create an account. 3. Upload one of your pre-existing presentations and add any features you want. You're done!

#1 Check out Dojo!

I've seen tons of bloggers out there blog about Class Dojo! It is a classroom management tool where you can award and deduct points based on behaviors. The site has behaviors already in place, but you can add your own. Positive behaviors already include hard work, participation, and following directions. Negative ones include disrespect and out of seat. You can add your own too!

Each student has their own avatar, which is a critter or monster. [This image is not my class; it is from Google Images!] Their avatar has their name next to it, and all of you students can be seen on your Smartboard. Click on their name, click on the behavior, and it adjusts the point total. The kids can also hear the sounds when points are added or taken away. And, you can print your data at the end of the day if you'd like. If your school is as hooked on data as mine is, this is an awesome tool. It's easy to to communicate with parents about how their child is behaving in class! Did I mention it's free too? Have fun!