Paperless Student Information Sheet

The motto "Welcome to the 21st Century Classroom" has been rolling around in my head lately.  I use technology (at least what our school has available) a lot and love to integrate whenever possible.  For meet the teacher this year I am putting up a QR code for those parents with smart phones to load my contact information.  I also started thinking (thanks to pinterest inspiration) about having parent fill out an online form rather than paper.  I could set up stations....so to work I went.  If you have google docs you can do this too:)

1. Open Google Docs

2. Click on Compose and choose FORMS

3. Start typing in your questions : Student name, parents name, phone number, email, .....you get the idea.  

4. Once you are done copy the url it gives you.

5. Open up another browser (just in case;) and go to tinyurl.com

6. There it will help you create an easier URL for parents (ideas?....mascot, school name...teacher name...subject, etc.)

7. I would do a test entry yourself to make sure it is working out ok.

8. Have parent night and they can either fill out online form there or even at home if they have internet access.  

9. When all done you can go to form summary and there you have all your information.

THERE YOU HAVE IT!  A paperless, modern solution to parent forms:)....at least from the teacher;)

MAGNETS: Science Lesson

This clip was a hit when it was used as the anticipatory set for the unit on Magnetism.  Kids always get engaged when you speak in their language....and Wall E is definitely their language of humor.

Motivation: GO GET IT!

Every year I get to be creative by making a motivational video for my students.  I use a simple formula.  I find a motivational clip, add some titles, take video of every kid in the grade level, choose some motivational music the kids are familiar with and viola.....movie masterpiece.  I have done it every year and am surprised that my material is never lacking....yet every year is different.  This year the beginning of my movie was a clip from "Pursuit of Happiness".  It really worked well because it encourages to "Go Get It", with IT being your dreams.  Perfect beginning to encourage them to GO GET the TEST.  (since we are rated by standardized testing in our state).  They loved it....and I truly believe they did their very best.