Easy QRs

Want some instant engagement?! QR codes get kids movin' and groovin'. They give my students an opportunity to make choices during centers and work on their iPads - which is always a welcomed activity to them. 

Engagement is key but it isn't the only component that matters in centers.  I look for my students to develop responsibility and motivation to complete their work, so I always include a way students can record work in addition to enjoying their work!

Making QR codes is EASY to do, and you can add them to anything you use in your classroom! They can link to videos, websites, plain text, audio - anything!!

Here is how to make a QR and add it to a document! Follow these easy steps and you will be set in NO time! 

1. Find the video or link you want the QR to go to:

My link is this ABC Mouse "Z" video. So I just click in web address bar and copy the link. 

2. Once your link is copied, open up a new tab, and go to safeyoutube.net (or another safe sharing website). I do this so that my QRs don't link to You Tube, and so I have a little more control of the content my kiddos can access. You can skip this step if you don't need to create a safe link. 

3. Paste your link into the safe sharing generator, and click "generate link." Then copy this link. 

Now you are ready to go to QRstuff.com! 

If you are not using a link, you can post plain text like I have done below. When my kiddo scans this QR, the word "can" will pop up. If you are using a link move on...

4. Paste your link in the box by the #2. Your QR will be created automatically. Done! Not so fast...let's get the QR into a document. 

5. I DO NOT download the QR. I just drag it with my mouse from the website browser into a Powerpoint file. See how I have my Powerpoint document under my web browser? Just click the QR, drag it until you are hovering over the white page of your Powerpoint and let go, or drop it into the Powerpoint. Voila! 

6. Now that it is in your document, you can make it larger, smaller, crop the sides... Just click on the Qr and you will be able to change it to how you like.

As you can see I have cropped mine to fit next to the animals on my QR Scan and Record task cards. 

Here, I am working on cropping the QR to fit. 

Now you have your QR codes and you are set to print!

  

As I mentioned, my kiddos record their work after using these QR codes.  I put their recording sheet into the Showbie app on their iPads and they go to town!! You can print the recording sheets easily too and there are a few options that your kids can choose from. 

My kiddos are totally into scanning these QRs that link to ABC Mouse videos. Then they write or color the letter/sound that they watched.  Its great for morning work or earlier finishers! Post each kiddo's response sheet on the wall, or in their folder and they can work on it say after day until complete! Or maybe send it home over the weekend? Just some thoughts.... :o)

Enjoy QRing! Check out my FREE Getting Started with iPads pack if you are just getting started with QRs and/or iPads or you are looking to streamline your classroom management with your tech!

Here are a few other QR resources you may like too!

Thanks for stopping by!

New Alphabet!

As all good teachers do, I started this summer with a LONG list of things I wanted to improve for next year. Don't ask how much I accomplished....because its less than you I am sure. BUT I did get to this!

My classroom alphabet just was not working. The kids weren't using it, I thought it was ugly...etc. So I decided to change it around a little and created this.  I couldn't decide which form I liked best and I know that you love options, so I made a few different options - 6 to be exact - available. 

     

There is a full set of half page alphabet card/posters for each style as well as letter-picture matching cards.  Use one or both in your room for reinforcement, center activities, etc.

I also did a line and unlined version for those of you that have a preference. Anyone want to weigh in on which is better? I have no clue :op

     

 Each set also has matching word wall cards so if you are a matching freak like me, your word wall and classroom alphabet will match. Because if it didn't lord knows what we would do. 

    

 If white and black are too boring, go ahead and print yourself one of the colored options.  "Cool" colors or "warm" colors options await you!

Last little goodie in this mega pack is a handy mini anchor chart for each of your students.  I love to shrink these way down and place them in CD pocket holders attached to my kids tables.  It gives them a quick reference and hey- it matches the rest of the room too.

Maybe include it on the back of your newsletters, in a take home folder, or in the kiddos writing journals.

So if I accomplished nothing else this summer, at least my alphabet is matching now, right? Just gotta get this baby laminated and hung in the room....and that's for another day.

How are you using your class alphabet in your room? Are you a coordinating / matching freak like me?