Distance Learning: Video Conferencing Suggestions

As distance teaching has become the norm, I've noticed that students are clamoring for interaction, engagement and connection with each other AND with me.  A good portion of my distance teaching strategy hasn't been the 'assign them work and then check if they did it' strategy.  Just like inside the classroom, relationships come first.  To help maintain and foster classroom community with my students, I've adopted a strategy of morning meetings twice a week that are about sharing, connecting and spending a little 'fun' time together.  If you're looking for some ideas, here are 7 8 games that I've played with my students that genuinely helped foster that connection we ALL need right now.

 

Below is a description of each game, and a link to download your FREE copy!!

The "What's Missing" Game

The whats missing game is a google slide with an underwater image on it.  Each item in the image is editable.   You reveal the scene and students can study it.  You then hide the scene and delete an item.  Students have to figure out what's missing!

The "Close Up Image" Game

The Close Up game is just that, students are provided a close up image of an item and they see if they can guess what the item is!  There are DOZENS of images in this slide deck for you to share!!

Scattergories

This game is SO much fun!  A digital randomize generates a letter and a category and students try to come up with the most unique items suitable to a specific category and letter.

Snake

This game is a game of luck and a 'little' bit of skill.  Students avoid getting "Snaked" during a 5 round challenge of dice rolls.

Parachute Game

This game is a slightly more positive spin on the age old "hangman" game.  Students work as a group to see if they can identify the missing word BEFORE all of the parachute cords run out!

Scavenger Hunt Game

In this game, students retrieve designated items. The first 3 students to show the requested item wins!

The Cartoon Silhouette Game

Forty Four cartoon silhouettes are in this slide deck of characters.  Students have to see who can be the first to identify the mystery silhouette!

Emoji BINGO!

Emoji BINGO was so much fun!!  Spin the digital spinner and have students use a digital bingo card to keep track of their BINGO!

As always, thanks for Using Your Smarticles!

 

 

 

 

I had them ROLLING this time!

My latest classroom 'invention' is not necessarily technology intense but it is simply useful and effective. It is a spin off of the game Left Right Center: LCR® LEFT CENTER RIGHT DICE GAME - TUBE/colors may vary. The original game was introduced to me by family members and it kept a group of multi-aged cousins occupied for hours!
To play the game you start with three chips and three dice. Each player rolls 1, 2 or 3 dice depending on how many chips they have. If an "L" comes up, you pass chip to the left. If an "R" comes up, you pass your chip to the right. If a "C" comes up, the chip goes into the center. If you are fortunate enough to roll a "DOT" you do not have to do anything. The winner of the game is the last person with any remaining chips.
The advantage of this game is that it can be played with 3 or more players AND no player is ever truly 'out' in the game...there is ALWAYS a chance that chips will get passed your way.
In the case of my classroom, I modified this game a bit and called it S.L.R.C. (We lovingly call it Slurk) The only difference in my classroom is that if you roll a "DOT", you have to spell a word from your spelling list. If you spell it correctly, you keep your chip if not, you must place it in the center.
Instead of purchasing several sets of L.R.C., I use three standard dice per group and give them this rule sheet:

GET IT HERE!!!
Other ways to modify the game:
(1) Use individually wrapped pieces of candy instead of chips!!

(2) Play a whole group game with an interactive wipe board using virtual dice

(3) Instead of using spelling words...ask test review questions, vocabulary or math questions!.

(4) Use the Virtual Dice app on your i-pod touch or i-pad.

Remember to PIN this for later!!

As always, thanks for