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20 Activities The Don't Require Textbooks

Need some new ideas that don't require a textbook? Head over to Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller. Matt is the co-host of the Google Teacher Tribe podcast and has written two books that are on our must read list: Ditch That Textbook and Ditch That Homework . Matt created a list of 20 Digital Tech activities that include an engagement hook and a free tech tool. If you scroll to the bottom of the page you will see two clouds that are links to additional ideas that have been submitted by teachers. You can even make a copy of the activities to place in your Google docs! If you are not sure where to start or how to do something....Matt has you covered! He has these super easy to follow directions and tons of screencasts that give you step by step directions! You can find his screencasts here.
Recent posts

Tips for Back to School

Time is disappearing...literally I can feel the sands quickly sliding away with the summer sun. When school starts I never have enough time to get things done. There are classrooms to organize, decorate, clean, and lessons to create. By the time evening comes around I am exhausted and have no interest in thinking about working out. However, this tip could help me get my act together at the beginning of the year. I am currently trying to work on increasing my fitness goals and trying to prepare for a 5K. Google calendar can help me stay on track and use my time wisely. They have a great feature that will allow you to track your fitness goals on your calendar. Check out these easy directions !

Citing Sources - Senior Project Friends

For all my Senior Project friends and fans it has never been easier to cite sources while researching or writing a paper. Google Docs has made it easier than ever to research and cite without exiting your document. They have added a citation button that is going to make everyone's life more enjoyable during research paper time! Check out the following article for a quick how-to.

Podcasts - my Newest Addiction

Years ago, I remember listening to podcasts on my first iPod. Then, I just sort of forgot about them. Today I listened to 2 and I am dying to just stop everything I am doing and listen to them nonstop! On my to-do list for this summer after ISTE was to catch up on the Google Teacher Tribe Podcasts. After the first few minutes, I couldn't wait to hear the next one. The podcast hosts are Kasey Bell and Matt Miller. I had the pleasure of hearing them speak at ISTE17. They were amazing and provided so many resources that I can't wait to use this school year. Now, I just need to download every episode before I leave for Alaska! My plan is to listen to the podcast, then go to the show notes and check out all the resources for each episode. Yep, you heard me...they post ALL the resources that they mention! Did I mention...I LOVE the podcasts! If you don't believe me then read this article called 20 Reasons to Listen to the Google Teacher Tribe Podcasts. 

Wonderopolis

While at ISTE17, I stopped by the Wonderopolis booth and picked up some information. This website could come in very handy if I have younger students. My coworker is planning on using the information for her genius hour. They offer around 1,900 Wonders of the Day (and counting).  You can submit questions or have your students submit questions to be answered. They have Wonder Ground that is a how-to for educators. You can access blogs, lesson plans, correlations to standards, etc. #WonderChat is a monthly discussion on twitter that happens the first Monday of each month. The best part about Wonderopolis - is that it is FREE!

Matt Miller - Ditch That Textbook

Seriously, where has this man been all my life? I have been following Matt Miller on Twitter for the past few months but never took the time to actually visit his website, blog or resources. Freaking Amazing...and Life Changing! I mean it...stop reading and go to this website right now! Ditch That Textbook.   You can sign up for his free ebook. I can't wait to start working my way through the 101 different ideas! I am amazed at all the amazing resources on his website....seriously...freaking amazing!

Google Keep

GoogleKeep was one of those apps that I have forgotten about. Last year, I was reintroduced to GoogleKeep by creating before school and first week of school lists with a coworker. I have used it to create some grocery lists and packing lists. However, I never really thought about using it with students. Before going to ISTE17, I created several notes to keep track of evening events and details for our time in San Antonio. It was super easy to share information with my coworker and add links. Throughout the conference, we used GoogleKeep to share notes from sessions, links, pics, and videos. It's super easy to add files, pics, videos, and links that you receive from others. Just like sharing a pic to messenger you just share to GoogleKeep. Google has made it so easy! Why wouldn't we use this with students! For my Senior Project students this app is going to be awesome! I can create lists and add reminders for them. I can link forms and resources students will need for each