Google Forms

I started as a 7th grade ELA teacher back on December 2nd, and it has been a complete whirlwind! Initially I had the goal to at least post once per week, but clearly the weeks flew by before I relaxed enough to post.  Becoming a classroom teacher after teaching an enrichment the past four years has been incredible.  Being around my students, having a homeroom, and the connections I'm able to make with them, has been extremely rewarding.

My first week with my new classes, I started off by giving them a survey to find out more about them.  I used Google forms and students used our cart of 30 iPads to take it.  It was easy to make the survey, it wasn't too long, and all of their responses went to the same location so I could read them later.  If you haven't tried out Google Forms in your classroom before, you definitely should! 

Some of the questions I asked them:

• What do you consider your biggest strength in ELA?
• What do you consider your biggest weakness?
• What is one of the best experiences you have ever had in ELA class from the last 7 years?
• Do you know your Google Apps log-in info.?
• What advice do you have for me?

Those are just some of the questions, but you can view my survey here

My students were so candid with their responses, and I was able to get great information from them.  Some responses:

• (Advice to me) "When I really like to read a book I will read it all the time so don't be afraid to tell me to put it away"
• (Favorite ELA experience) "Having teachers that help you learn while playing a game."
• (Biggest dislike about ELA) "When teachers draw sticks to pick you to do something"

I could go on and on with their responses, because it was so great to learn about them! 

If you need help trying Google forms out for yourself, check out Google's Help Page with videos & instructions. Teach Thought also posted about creating a test on Google Forms that grades itself! Looking for more information on Forms? Richard Bryne at Free Technology For Teachers has a massive collection of information on forms and ways to use them.

Do you use Google Forms with your students? Please share!

The Last Week

This week will be the last week I teach technology to 6th & 7th grade .  A week from tomorrow I switch to teaching 7th grade ELA, but luckily in the same school! This is going to be a busy week for me, and I'm trying to hang on and not get too overwhelmed.  It seems so easy to become consumed and dragged down by all that you have to do as a teacher.  One thing I feel a little overwhelmed about it is the vast amount of super cool things you can do as an ELA teacher! I have started following new blogs, pinning like crazy on Pinterest, and reading lots of books! My brain is spinning with excitement, but also a little panic.  How do teachers try everything?  How do we incorporate new learning ideas into a pretty structured curriculum?

I want to leave you with a video I recently viewed and love.  I know I'm a little late on jumping on the Kid President bandwagon, but I love his enthusiasm and he makes me smile.  I hope he makes you smile too as you start a new school week tomorrow.

So it Begins...

     In 9 short days I will make the switch from a 6th & 7th grade technology teacher to a 7th grade English teacher. I'm nervous, scared, excited, and emotional.  It has been four amazing years working as both a technology teacher and technology specialist providing tech support for my school, but I needed and wanted this change.

    While I have blogged for my students, this is the first time I'm blogging for a larger audience.  I'm hoping to document my switch, and all the experiences that go along with becoming a "first year" teacher once again.  I hope to connect with other teachers, to learn and to share.

My goal this week will be to complete ALL the tech work orders I have so to leave my replacement with a clean slate.  Wish me luck!