Classroom Activities for the Beginning of School

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 197: 10 Low-Tech Ways to Refocus StudentsWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is Episode 197 called 10 Low-Tech Ways to Refocus Students. In this episode, we will talk about 10 low-tech or no-tech ideas for brain breaks, mindful moments, whatever you call them, you’ll learn some cool ways to refocus students in your classroom. This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: School OpeningOur school opening PD days focused on the importance of getting kids off screens.Funny because I’ve been hearing students for years say they still prefer pieces of paper for many things in class and that they get tired of looking at their tiny chromebook screen.This also makes sense because there are strong links to learning and handwriting. Also, have you ever tried staring at a screen for your job all day? It’s not fun.In that spirit, we collected some ideas for brain breaks / mindful moments, with a focus on low tech or no tech solutions.Segment 2: Low Tech or No Tech Brain BreaksBingo Bongo SplatYou write down a secret number on a piece of paper so you don’t forget it yourself. Can be as many digits as you want. Students take turns guessing the number. As they make a guess, you record it for all of them to see, along with the word, bingo, bongo, or splat. Check out the Tik Tok video from LifeofSteph on thisBingo=1 digit in the right placeBongo=1 digit but in the wrong placeSplat=nothing matchesReverse Simon SaysSame rules as Simon Says—but if you don’t hear “Simon says,” you should do the action. Flips their brains into focus mode.Slow Reveal GraphsSeries of images of graphs, beginning with almost no labels or information, then slowly adding more. Students share out what they think the graph is about. Their responses get more detailed and specific with each new reveal. Teaches graph skills and is fun!Bandle Phone AppWordleRemember that craze! It’s still around. Play the real NYT version or make your own at flipptyWhich doesn’t belong?4 images are shown and students must argue for which one doesn’t belong. There should be a possible reason that could be argued for each image. Start with a dessert example (chocolate layer cake, choco chip cookies, berry pie, ice cream), and then make one that fits your content. Close by having students design one. Extend this by having them present it.Story TagOne student starts a silly story with one sentence, and it goes around the room quickly. Each adds just one sentence—short and energizing.Another option: You will tell a story one word at a time. Ideally you’re in a circle on arranged in a way that’s clear which order you’ll go in. The first student starts with one word (One), then the next student comes up with another word (morning), then the next student continues (a)…Another option: You will tell a story using only questions. Ideally you’re in a circle on arranged in a way that’s clear which order you’ll go in. The first student starts: “Where did the dog go?” The next continues with: “I’m not sure, should we go look for him?”The next continues with: “Do you know where his leash is?”Upside-Down ArtistStudents have 30 seconds to doodle...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 196: Classroom Activities for the Beginning of SchoolWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 196: Classroom Activities for the Beginning of School.&nbsp; In this episode, we will share 8 new and improved ideas for starting off the school year in the most fun, positive and student centered way possible.&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: September is coming… back to school is approaching!Segment 2: Back to School ActivitiesGuise:Team ChallengesDesign, Build, Retrieve, CompleteClass RelayQR Scavenger HuntMinute to Win it PuzzlesSuccessful completion in under a minute gets their team a piece of the puzzleEscape RoomSurvey the class before the start of the yearAnimated Avatar Design with Canva and https://sketch.metademolab.com/Silent line-up (extreme):&nbsp; Students have to line up by birth date, ABC order etc, but with built in challenges unique to your classroom like half of the people are blindfolded or an extremely short time limitSurvival Scenario:&nbsp; choose ten items from a large listEdtech Throwdown:&nbsp;Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcher&nbsp;&nbsp;<li...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 195: Rethinking Research: Teaching Inquiry and Integrity in the Age of AIWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 195 called Rethinking Research: Teaching Inquiry and Integrity in the Age of AI.&nbsp; In this episode, we will explore how the role of a teacher must change now that AI is becoming integrated in all aspects of our lives.&nbsp; Specifically, we’ll share 8 changes you can make to your classroom and assignments that will help encourage students to think creatively and critically in an age where it’s more important than ever.&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1:&nbsp;As my students completed their final projects, I started noticing something this year … all their work was very technically sound and met my project expectations almost perfectly.&nbsp; Was it too perfect?Specific example:&nbsp; One of the elements of my rubric references a creative title.&nbsp; Usually everyone does “Chemistry of __”, but this year, they were all things like “9 Volts, 2 Electrodes, 1 Reaction: The Chemistry Behind the Charge and the Connection”.&nbsp; So what suddenly happened this year for me to get such great titles?Also - When students came to me with questions about content, like the girl who needed help understanding the chemistry of Na/K pumps in cells, I found myself going to ChatGPT for the fastest resolution.&nbsp; Clearly they are doing the same.Two questions arose:Is this research?Is this type of research good or bad?Segment 2: Student Research in the Age of AI1. Redefine Research as Inquiry, Not Just Information GatheringAI makes facts and summaries instantly accessible, so teachers should shift the focus from finding information to asking meaningful questions. Students should be taught that good research begins with curiosity and that AI is just one of many tools in that process.Teacher Tip: Require students to submit a “research question development log” showing how their question evolved through discussion, feedback, and exploration.2. Teach AI Literacy as Part of Research InstructionStudents need to understand how AI tools work, their limitations, and the potential for bias or misinformation. This helps them critically evaluate what AI produces instead of blindly trusting it.Teacher Tip: Have students compare AI-generated content with academic sources and reflect on differences in depth, credibility, and tone.3. Require Research Process DocumentationRather...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 194: Tech That Teaches: Hardware We Actually LoveWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 194 called Tech That Teaches: Hardware We Actually Love.&nbsp; In this episode, we will go over the hardware that allows our classrooms and offices to run smoothly and efficiently.&nbsp; Save time, headaches, and hopefully some money!&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1:&nbsp;Who doesn’t like gadgets?Segment 2:Nick’s GadgetsWorkstation Set-Up:&nbsp; Use a USB splitter connected to an external monitor.&nbsp; That splitter has all my “stuff” to facilitate quick connection. Connect my laptop to the monitor and then I’m also auto-connected to all my gadgets.&nbsp; I use the Anker Hub 4 Ports and love it, but there are many options that are all pretty good.Second monitor!&nbsp; Dell 27 inch Monitor, P2725H Full HD 1080p Computer Monitor.&nbsp; If you haven’t started using a second monitor, get on it!Wacom Tablet - I like this better than a touch screen stylus because it feels more like writing on a piece of paper.&nbsp; When I use the stylus, I find that it my hand accidentally clicks things on the screen, zooming in by mistake,...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 193: Check This Edtech OutWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 193 called Check This Edtech Out.&nbsp; In this episode, we’ll share some edtech tools that we would use to create a specific activity for a specific purpose in our classroom.&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1:&nbsp;Segment 2: &nbsp; 3:50 into a long pause as we took attendanceClassroom Environment PrepIdeasPostersRulesEdtechCanvaDigital WebsitesDo Nows/Q of the Day/Exit TicketsIdeasGraph FridayWhat’s in a PictureAssessment PrepTeam BuildingConnectionsEdtechCanva SheetsGraph of the Day WebsiteQuizizzClasshook.comCourse Long GamificationIdeasSurvivorLeaderboardsEdtechCanva SitesGoogle SitesFlippity.netgoosechase.comActivity WebsiteIdeasCase Study<li...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 192: Awesome Edtech for the SummerWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 192 called Awesome Edtech for the Summer.&nbsp; Every year when school ends we publish an episode where Guise and I share what we’ll be reading, listening to, and exploring over the summer break. 192 is that episode and this is another you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: Summer PlansSummer plansSegment 2: Resources for the SummerNickPodcastsScience Vs:&nbsp; here are a lot of fads, blogs and strong opinions, but then there’s SCIENCE. Science Vs is the show from Spotify Studios that finds out what’s fact, what’s not, and what’s somewhere in between. We do the hard work of sifting through all the science so you don't have to and cover everything from 5G and ADHD, to Fluoride and Fasting Diets.Mr. Barton Maths:&nbsp; How do you make a podcast about math? By coming at it from a human-first perspective and examining why so many students (and teachers) have an instinctual adverse reaction to the subject. Host Craig Barton is a former math educator and founder of diagnostic educational software company Eedi, so he has a fair bit of personal experience in the subject matter. U.S. listeners should note that Barton is based in the U.K.; while some of the references to the British education system may not resonate, the sentiment behind the content certainly will.BooksEverything is Tuberculosis by John GreeneTeachers and Machines: The Classroom of Technology Since 1920Grab BagFully explore Canva Code.&nbsp; What is it good at, what is it not.Nanolearning Unit Development:&nbsp; This is a good website that covers the differences between nano and micro and how to do implement themGuisePodcasts&nbsp;Steph and Joe on the Go&nbsp;<span...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 191: 10 Canva Code Ideas for TeachersWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 191 called 10 Canva Code Ideas for Teachers.&nbsp; In this episode we’ll introduce, explain and analyze one of the features in Canva AI called Canva Code.&nbsp; We’ll also share 10 ways that teachers can use it to help spark your creativity when it comes to this exciting new feature.&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: Intro to Canva CodeWhat is it?&nbsp; Canva’s AI writes code for you to create specific games/apps/simulations/etc that function in Canva.&nbsp; When you’ve got the code just right by prompting and then adjusting with other prompts, you can publish it as a Canva website for easy sharing.What do you do with the code?&nbsp; The code produced can be copy-pasted to other places OR just published directly in Canva as a Canva website.Downsides:&nbsp;Initial teacher response is often “why do i need to write code”?It can take some time to get the code right to produce what you wantDoes it exist somewhere else?&nbsp; For example, why make a quizzes app in Canva?The prompt has a character limit, so you’ll have to adjust it as you go.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, start with a prompt that describes only the function of the app.&nbsp; Then adjust it afterwards related to design.&nbsp; Then again for differentiation, etc.Why Use it: (what makes it worth the time)TREMENDOUS capability for teachers to make things that don’t exist anywhere else onlineCan ask it to add specific differentiations into any game/app created for whatever students you haveSkip labor intensive prep for physical gamesSegment 2: Canva Code Ideas for TeachersNicks 5Interactive Periodic TableVirtual Lab about Color Theory (Art Lesson)Geometry Shape ExplorerInteractive Poem CreatorInteractive Classroom TimerGuises’ 5Interactive WorksheetsEscape Room PuzzlesLeaderboardsClassroom...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 190:&nbsp;Stump the Edtech GuruWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 190 called Stump the Edtech Guru.&nbsp; In this episode, we’ll try and stump each other with some of the toughest edtech challenges we could think of.&nbsp; Each guru will have to come up with a solution on the spot. &nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: Friendly CompetitionWe compete with everythingSegment 2: Stump the Edtech GuruNick’s Scenarios:Scenario 1:&nbsp;The AI Essay Epidemic.&nbsp; Ms. Rivera teaches 10th grade English and has just assigned a personal narrative essay. As she begins grading, she notices several essays that seem... off. They're grammatically perfect, lack any personal voice, and a few students even use similar turns of phrase.&nbsp; The students cited AI use, and even included a link to a specific conversation in a tool called Perplexity.&nbsp; When examining the link however, it only shows the student asking questions about the topic.&nbsp; In other words, there is no evidence of having the AI do the writing, at least not in this particular chat.&nbsp; The student denies any AI use other than what was cited.&nbsp; What should she do?PerplexityGoogle DocsAi Works CitedScenario 2:The Silent Discussion Board.&nbsp; Mr. Chen is running a blended learning environment for his 8th grade social studies class. He’s trying to build engagement with online discussion boards through Google Classroom and Flip. He posts thoughtful prompts, but most students either don’t respond, copy each other, or leave low-effort replies like ‘I agree.’ He knows these kids have opinions—they just don’t seem to bring them into the digital space. Mr. Chen is wondering: is it the prompt? The platform? The digital culture? Or is this just a lost cause?Padlet SandboxMEAL PlanCERCANVAScenario 3:&nbsp;Mrs. Daughtry is a veteran science teacher who’s always been open to new ideas. But lately, her school has adopted a slew of new edtech platforms: a new LMS, AI feedback tools, quiz generators, and now a parent communication app—all with different logins, layouts, and learning curves. She claims to receive “multiple emails per week” from various admins and coaches touting EVEN MORE options for...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 189: AI in Education: Friend of Foe?Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 189 called AI in Education: Friend of Foe.&nbsp; In this episode, we’ll give you our annual State of Education address as we explore the hot topics in edtech right now.&nbsp; We’ll also debate the pros and cons of AI in education today, this is another episode you dont’ want to miss,&nbsp; Check it out.Segment 1: Triggering conversations from reading articles&nbsp;Top 9 Trends in Educational Technology to Watch in 2025 by DiroxEdtech State in EducationAI and Personalized learningLet’s think outside the box… How can we push the envelope?Students automating content, running a business, etcExtended Reality (XR) and Immersive LearningVirtual field trips to iconic locationsGoogle ExpeditionsInteractive VR labsLabsterTraining toolsInterplay Learning, which teach practical skills such as HVAC repair and solar panel installation.MicroLearning and nanolearningShort attentions spans need bite-sized modulesMobile-first learningDuolingoEdutainmentGamificationMinecraft&nbsp;Roblox EducationBlockchain and digital credentialsAcademic records are storedSegment 2: AI in Education DebateAI in K–12 Education — Friend or Foe?1. AI-Powered Tutoring Systems&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Example tools: Khanmigo, Scribe, ChatGPT as a study helper<strong...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 188: 10 Tips for Using AI in Your Classroom (Part 2)Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 188 called 10 Tips for Using AI in Your Classroom. &nbsp; Nick and I have each selected 5 of our top tips for using AI to increase student learning and to help you manage your classroom, and sometimes your life.&nbsp; Nick presented his 5 tips last episode and today I will do the same!&nbsp; Listen in to learn about what they are, why we like them, and how they might advance your classroom!&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss.&nbsp; Check it out.Segment 1:&nbsp;NJECC conference presentation 2Segment 2: NJECC PresentationGet a copy of the presentation HERE:&nbsp; http://bit.ly/ettsignupNick’s Tips Part 1Acceptable Use PosterGoogle WorkFlowAnimated DrawingsBattle AI Over ReliancePrompt CollectionGuise’s Tips Part 2AI Works CitedKhan Academy Writing CoachTeacher ServerPrompts for Google SheetsAI Lesson Creation WorkFlowEdtech Throwdown:&nbsp;Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcher<span...