“I appreciate your teaching SO MUCH oh by the way…

I need a recommendation (for college, my summer internship, my clothing store application…”

This is always the week students ask me for recommendations for the summer and for next year! They think they can butter me up during teacher appreciation week and then come to me for a recommendation… and they are RIGHT! I always give in!!

Does this happen to you too teachers?!!

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Animate Google Classroom!

Google Classroom comes alive!  Customize and Glitter your Google Classroom theme or your online delaney cards with an animated gif.

Brighten your students day and change your banner every day! This is perfect for the virtual/ digital classroom.

We have so many great header/borders available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store here!

We even offer bundles so you can bring your Google Classroom to life or spice it up for the holiday season!

If you are looking for ways to animate your google classroom here is the easiest way to do it:

First, pick your favorite banner! For back to school I like to use one from my September or back to school bundles, but perhaps you have a theme to your classroom and want one of my other fun selections!

Animated Google Classroom Headers (September) for Distance LearningAnimated Google Classroom Headers (Back to School) for Distance Learning

Find the upload picture button on the upper right hand side of your classroom.

gclass1

Next, upload the gif file that you like in the proper size. Make sure to UNZIP it first!  Upload just like any other picture file.

gclass2

Now, you can adjust the size.

gclass3.png

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Use an avatar in the classroom and for Parent Teacher Conferences!

Ever since the movie Avatar came out I have loved weaving speaking characters into my classroom. Not only is it fun to watch for students (and parents) of all ages, but students get a kick out of seeing the characters on the screen. You can create your character and add a voice to it so it can speak. You can change the backgrounds as well. Here are four ways I use avatars in my classroom:

  1. Have students make historical avatars. They can  type text to each other on the computer that would be appropriate for the historical period.
  2. Make an avatar of yourself (the teacher). Leave it up on the classroom smartboard. Hit a button that has pre-programmed sayings for when you see students are off task during groupwork.
  3. Use avatars during parent teacher conferences. Have it up on the smart board or in the waiting room for parents once they arrive.
  4. Use avatars during college conferences. I have created an avatar to emulate a student so I could walk through the college admissions process for a parents evening.

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