CCSS Practice Via "Scootpad"

                                      

              I just learned about this amazing FREE Common Core ELA and Math practice website!

It's so easy to set up your class and it is "ad-free."  Scootpad automatically creates CCSS grade-level based practice for each student with no intervention from the teacher. Students can sign in from school or home at any time of the day.  Earning points and badges makes it fun for students!  The awards can be set up by teachers and/or parents to further motivate students.
                               
                             

 When clicking on the Scootpad reports tab, teachers can get real-time data on how their students are doing.  There is even an option allowing teachers to assess and customize proficiency settings, curriculum, and the practice pace depending on student needs.

There is also a social media feature enabling students to connect with their friends.  Preselected messages are available to choose from, as well as, the option of changing the student's avatar.  A news feed provides information such as updates about messages from friends and coins they have earned.  Teachers can post to the media wall as well.

 

Let me know what you think about Scootpad!  I know that if you're like me, you just love "Free" resources!!  Thanks to the folks at Scootpad for providing this opportunity for our students and teachers!

Here is the link if you would like to check it out:

http://www.scootpad.com/for_teachers

ClassDojo: A Classroom Behavior Program Webtool

This year I began using ClassDojo in my classroom and I LOVE it!  It is a free web-based tool that is designed to:

Improve student behavior and engagement by awarding and recording real-time feedback.

Print or email behavior reports to easily engage parents

Save time by recording behaviors and accomplishments right in class, with just one click: NO extra data   entry required.

The ClassDojo screen can be projected on the IWB so that students can view their points and see when a reward is given.  The teacher has the option to show both positive and negative rewards.  Another nice feature is the ability to create your own rewards based on the need of your classroom.  You can also choose to have an audible tone accompany a reward.

I have found that students really sit up and take notice when a fellow classmate is rewarded for their behavior or involvement in class.  The whole class works better as a team to get points for the entire class, and they can't wait to see their "end of the day" report. As a class we discuss the sections of the "circle" graph to see how many were "good helpers", "hard workers", "on task", etc.  Students cheer for their great efforts that day.  I give the class an extra special treat if we go three days without any negative section on this report.  This report has benefits for me, the teacher, also.  It is a really good self-check to ensure that the number of positive comments/rewards given in any one day are at an acceptable ratio with any negative points.  This really hasn't even been an issue though as students are so engaged in the process that negative behaviors rarely happen at all!


ClassDojo is such a fast and efficient way to record behaviors. I use the iPad app, so behaviors can even be recorded when we leave the classroom.  At the end of the day I make comments on a students page if necessary.  On Friday, the two students with the most points get a prize from our class treasure box get to pick a new avatar. (Each student has a cute avatar next to their name on the screen.)   I also send individual reports via email to parents requesting them.  (An introduction letter explaining ClassDojo, along with a request form was sent home at the beginning of the year.)  This process only takes a few seconds!  I reset all points back to zero for the new week.  (This is optional.)


The ClassDojo folks are very efficient at answering any questions.  They also have an ongoing format for teacher input and are continuously making changes to their product based on this input.

Here is the link if you would like to take a look at this great web tool:

http://www.classdojo.com/

I would highly recommend it!