My kids love listening to music in class and have lots of different songs we listen to. Quite often we listen to kidsbop - kids versions of popular songs that have been rerecorded without swear words or in appropriate versions for children. We also like to listen to originals, so I have searched and put together this youtube playlist of lyric versions you can play in class. These are videos of the songs with lyrics so could be used in singing time, learning time or for fun! Find the link to this playlist at the bottom to listen to the songs or add it to your own playlist for school. 

Google apps are a great tool to use in the classroom - regardless of your age of students. They are free to use, multi-purpose and allow for creative opportunities in the classroom. Google incorporates a range of apps like docs, sheets, slides, drawings, sites and more! Each of these can be used in many different ways depending on your age and students you teach. Here I will share five simple ideas for using Google in your classroom! 

I have used Google forms for lots of different curriculum areas, especially in maths or data gathering. I love using it to gather voice and then create data sheets to show the information that is displayed. Check out a few examples of Google forms in use below. 

A question I get asked quite often is how can student icons be changed! This cheat sheet shows you how to walk through it and change the icon they might have been pre allocated. You can even use student photos or other images instead of the Seesaw provided ones! 

I was asked by Rob Clarke from Learning Architects to do a guest blog post on their website. I was so honoured and excited as this is my first type of post on a website that isn't my own. In this blog post I talk about using daily check-ins for distance learning. Something I have and continue to use all the time in my programme. I find them hugely valuable and important to gain an insight into the child and their wellbeing. 

Read the blog post below on why I use check-ins plus links to some templates!

During this lockdown, teachers have needed to adjust, make changes and reflect on practices that have or have not worked for them. Everyday we are learning as professionals what will work for our students online in this distant home learning, and what also is just a complete fail. Communication has been a huge part of this, with many using zoom to connect, teach & continue to build skills with our students. 

In my zoom sessions I do model a lot of my learning so my students can see, hear and have me explain what is happening. This is modelled through my iPad, air played to the session in my zoom. I have found this very helpful in helping connect my students to the learning and also to ensure I am being clear in my learning. 
Check out this video tutorial below that shows you how I use screenshare and annotation apps/software during a zoom conversation. 

I came across this Bitmoji scene from a lady on a facebook group I follow. This amazing idea is such a fun and creative one using your Bitmoji. There was a tutorial that I followed to make my own but then I couldn't find the post again. So I just created my own tutorial instead. Many people are using this for Google classroom, seesaw posts or just updates for students to add excitement or difference. Check out my example below and tutorial you can watch to make your own!

There is nothing harder than helping parents and students use Seesaw without being around to actually help them. It is already hard enough doing online learning, but sometimes technology makes it even more difficult!
These cheat sheets were designed to help target key questions that parents and students have when using Seesaw. How to sign up, how to interact and how to navigate. For students it shows how to post to their journal too. Great to share with parents who might need a visual guide to help them navigate this new learning. Preview the sheets below and grab a copy on the link below. 

This week I set up digital sticker books on Seesaw. These are to provide motivation for the work completed and submitted online for our week activities on Seesaw. These are easy to set up and use the stickers that I have created as well - just slightly different. My students have loved this online reward system and encourages them whilst we are on home learning. Watch the recording tutorial below! 

I am using zoom for daily class meetings whilst we are in lock down, meaning that I will be attempting to run some sort of normality PLUS fun activities in these sessions. Using this type of learning could be tricky, but here are some tips that might help you! These are grouped around home fun, reading, writing, maths and word work. Something for everyone and all of these can be done without technology (apart from the zoom session). Click on the link below for the posters. 

Today I ran an online zoom session sharing what I am doing in my classroom for home learning whilst we are on lockdown. I have delivered lots of online learning over this holiday period but for some reason I was extra anxious today about sharing my ideas. Mostly because of how judgemental people have been online and I am mindful of what people think about setting work for their students online. But nevertheless, I shared what I am doing with everyone and you can take it or leave it. 
I have always loved sharing what I am doing in the classroom and remote or home learning is no different. I am confident in the ideas I have and that it will help continue to build connections with students whilst also practicing key skills we have learnt in the classroom. 

Missed the session or want to watch the recording? Find the below and also a link to the slides you can access - with links to resources I have made available for you to make copies of. Find that at the bottom of the page. 

Over the past week I have been creating Seesaw cheat sheets for educators! One page help tips on using Seesaw and their tools! Great for new users, someone wanting a little bit of help or that visual reminder for your classroom or office! These are constantly being added to based on needs and requests so stay tuned for more! These are free to download and use - simply click on the link at the bottom to be taken to the pdf! 

Want the second set of cheat sheets? Grab them below!