Tag: teacher resources

woman talking to a person on laptop
Teaching

9 Helpful Items to Use for Virtual Teaching

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By now, many educators can now add virtual teaching to their resumes. Whether you have taught your class online once or multiple times, I’m sure you have tried various things to help make it work. I will share the nine helpful items that I’ve used for virtual teaching during this pandemic.

Woman teaching students online from inside of a classroom.

Important Note

There are many ways to set-up for teaching online. I am sharing my own set-up in case it can be of help to someone who is looking for some ideas. I have enjoyed learning how other educators have prepared for teaching their classes virtually, too. However you choose to do so, I applaud you for making learning experiences happen for your students, despite any technological challenges that may occur along the way!

This post contains non-affiliate / unsponsored links. It includes items I have personally used and enjoy, as well as some that are of personal interest to me. 

Kris, minds to grow

a book, summer reflection guide for teachers, on a table

A Photo of My Set-Up

Before I share the specific items, take a look at the picture below to see my set-up. Yes, there are cords everywhere and materials. The picture was taken at the end of a school day teaching online. In that moment, I got the idea to snap the picture to help me remember the set-up in case I needed it again. Well, I definitely needed to set-up in the same way several times afterwards!

It’s also important to note that all of the following items were not purchased at one time. I acquired them piece by piece after carefully considering what could help make things more efficient for me.

My Set-Up for Teaching Online

click for free weekly planning page template

Main Items That I Use

1. Laptop

A laptop is the key tool that helps me with online teaching. I use it to organize and plan my lessons, connect with my class via the various platforms we use, etc.

You may note that there are two laptops pictured above. Let me explain. When I was learning about sharing my screen, I sometimes relied on a secondary laptop whenever necessary. Now that I’m more comfortable doing so, that second laptop is no longer needed.

Example Laptop: Lenova Ideapad 3, 14″ HD Laptop

2. Webcam

The quality of the built-in camera on my laptop wasn’t the greatest, so I opted to purchase one. This particular camera does not have an auto-zoom feature. I like the clarity of it for the price!

Webcam I Use: SAITOR 1080P HD Webcam with Microphone & Privacy Cover, Full HD Web Camera

3. Ring Light

You know when they say that lighting helps everything? It’s no joke! A Ring Light can surely help make things look more presentable online. There are many different sizes of Ring Lights available. There are small ones that clip onto a laptop. Some are tabletop lights on a stand. There are even larger lights that stand on the floor.

The one I use has 3 light modes. It’s ready to use after plugging it into the laptop.

Ring Light I Use: Neewer Selfie Ring Light for Laptop Computer, 10″ Dimmable Desktop LED Circle Light

4. iPad

Thankfully, I have access to a teacher-assigned iPad from school. My students used laptops, tablets, and even cellphones to learn online. The functions on a laptop are quite different to those on a tablet. I was able to use and show my iPad to help students understand how to access resources in our virtual classroom.

Example iPad: 2020 Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Green (4th Generation)

5. Extra Monitor

After learning about the benefits of having a dual monitor, I started looking around for one. Having a second monitor gives you the chance to share your screen with your class, and also have them visible on the other monitor at the same time.

Monitor I Use: LG 24BK400H-B 24 Inch Screen Full HD ‎1920 x 1080 60Hz LCD Monitor, Black

6. Microphone

A dedicated microphone was purchased to help with online teaching. I’m not an expert on microphones, so I chose this one based on the reviews and I am quite happy with it.

Microphone I Use: USB Microphone, Alvoxcon Unidirectional Condenser Mic for Computer, PC

Great for In-Person and Online Teaching!

7. Whiteboard, Marker, and Eraser

These items are instrumental in me modeling writing, completing math equations, etc. My students also have their own whiteboard, marker, and eraser. We use them daily during in-person learning, as well as when we were online.

Whiteboard Set I Use: Brite Tools Double Sided Dry Erase Boards, Ruled and Plain with Small Lined Lapboards, Dry Erase Markers, Erasers 

A Game Changer for Me!

8. Document Camera

Now this was a game changer for me! I saw so many beautiful document cameras being used by educators online and knew it was something that I wanted to use, too. However, when I saw the prices, I could not afford to buy one.

That is when I started thinking of making one myself. Not from the ground up, but using existing tools to create a version of one.

I decided to get the following items:

  1. Webcam Stand (one with a flexible arm that connects to my desk)
  2. A second webcam (one that attaches onto the stand)

Once these items are in place, I am able to put my whiteboard under the webcam, then write for my students. They are able to see me writing (or reading a book, or showing how to fold their paper) once I share the view from my second camera. Voila! A document camera at a fraction of the price, if you are open to being a little creative.

Webcam Stand I Use for Document Camera: Pipishell 25 Inch Webcam Stand – Flexible Desk Mount Clamp Gooseneck Stand

Webcam I Use for Document Camera: NexiGo N60 1080P Web Camera, HD Webcam with Microphone & Privacy Cover, USB Computer Camera

9. Wireless Mouse

There’s a mousepad built into my laptop, but I always feel more comfortable using a wireless mouse.

Wireless Mouse that I Use: Logitech M185 Wireless Mouse, 2.4GHz with USB Mini Receiver

Questions to Consider

Have you taught online before? If so, what items have helped you teach online?

What two items would you consider to be the most important for teaching online?

What advice would you share with another teacher about teaching online?

Stay Connected!

Let’s chat on social media! Stay connected with Minds to Grow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also keep in touch with linktr.ee/mindstogrow.

photo of sticky notes and colored pens scrambled on table
Teaching

Teacher Tip: Students Love Surveys!

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Students enjoy learning about each other with the use of surveys. It’s also an easy way to learn more about the young people I work with each day, too. In this blog post, I will share a few ways I use them in my primary classroom.

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Why Is This Important?

Surveys are part of my Math instruction during the school year (e.g., the math strand of Data Management ). Due to the often interactive nature of doing surveys, students enjoy using them in class at any given time. One of my students’ favourite thing to do is talk to their peers during class time. What they may not realize is that encouraging them to talk in such purposeful ways is integral to their learning! It’s a win-win!

Image shows a picture of several different simple surveys for young students to do in class.

a book, summer reflection guide for teachers, on a table

A Favourite and Helpful Video

Here’s a favourite video I love sharing with my students when we start learning about Data Management and collecting data. It’s by Scratch Garden on YouTube.

Skills Students Learn With Surveys

  1. Thinking of great questions to ask others (e.g., “What season do you prefer: Winter of Spring?”).
  2. Creating a variety of surveys (e.g., “I will create a T-chart or graph the responses with a pictograph.”).
  3. Collecting and sorting data (e.g., “I will use tally marks as I ask my friends the survey question.”).
  4. Reading data (e.g., “Five people said they prefer winter. Three people prefer Spring.”).
  5. Interpreting data (e.g., “More people prefer winter. I wonder why winter is the more popular season in my class?”).

Samples of Simple Surveys Used in My Classroom

image shows four simple surveys suitable for primary classroom
Four examples of simple surveys I use in my classroom.

How I Engage Students with Surveys in My Classroom

Whiteboard and Dry Erase Markers: When I ask my students to use these tools, any task becomes a more interesting one! My primary students enjoy drawing simple surveys (e.g., a T-Chart) and collecting data from their peers on their individual whiteboards.

Paper and Markers or Pencil Crayons: For my students who enjoy using various tools as they learn each day, having the choice to use markers or pencil crayons to do their math adds to the fun. I’ve noticed how some of my students even like using these tools to colour-code their data or design their surveys.

Clipboards: This has been a game-changer for me from a few years ago. When I hand a clipboard to each student, for some reason, they become like superstars and become engaged, excited to start working! They enjoy clipping their papers onto them, then moving around the room to speak to peers and record their answers. A clipboard for each student is a resource I love having in my classroom.

Click on the images below for more details on these helpful classroom resources! *non-affiliate / unsponsored links*

Using Surveys Outside of Math Instruction

Teaching my students how to use surveys in class helps them experience success in other areas of their learning, too. For example, once they know how to create a survey, students are ready to create them or use the skills to read one at any time.

Here are some other ways I use surveys in my primary classroom:

Science: When students are learning about animals, they enjoy making surveys on various animals. After learning about animal groups, I encourage them to create surveys for each animal group. Example: “What is your favourite type of mammal: a tiger or a fox?”

Homework Task: When my students are encouraged to create a survey, then use it at home with their family, it’s always great fun when they share their results the next day with their peers. It’s real-world information for them and a great discussion opener in class.

I’m done, now what? I’m sure you can think of at least one student in class who seems to finish assigned tasks in what may seem like a few moments. Here’s a great way to engage that student in a purposeful way and keep them occupied on a different task. I encourage that student to create their own survey template and keep it in their desk (e.g., folder, binder, etc.). They will be able to use it in class at a later time (e.g., ask their peers and record their responses).

Read the previous Teacher Tip: Try Something New: Phonemic Awareness Instruction

Questions to Consider

  1. How do you use surveys in your classroom?
  2. What types of surveys do your students enjoy creating the most?
  3. What part of data management is the most challenging for your students?

Stay Connected!

Let’s chat on social media! Stay connected with Minds to Grow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also keep in touch with linktr.ee/mindstogrow.

This photo shows a blackboard with the words, "Hello! My name is ______" written by someone in chalk
Teaching

Teacher Tip: Celebrate Our Names

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During the first few weeks of school, one of the main things I aim to do is help my students learn each other’s names. In order for me to do this, I use a few different types of activities to help them celebrate our names. I also enjoy using some picture books to share the important message that our names are special and that we can show respect and care to others when we learn to say their names correctly.

Why Is This Important?

As teachers, we can help our students develop a positive view of themselves and others. We can help students learn that their names makes them special. We can help them learn to genuinely appreciate the names of other people, too.

Many years ago, I remember reading a new student’s name on the first day of school. I pronounced it as I saw it on the paper and naturally, students started calling her in the same way, too. Going forward, whenever we played name games, this student would pronounce her way in the same way as I had introduced her.

For months, I wondered why this student would often not respond when I called her name during the day. It wasn’t until the latter part of the school year, when this student very kindly and bravely said: “Why are you saying my name like that? That’s not my name. It’s _____________.” My mouth dropped open. I felt absolutely horrible! For such a long time, I mispronounced her name, her beautiful name! No wonder she didn’t respond. She didn’t recognize it as her name because it wasn’t how her name was pronounced! I immediately re-introduced her to the class and apologized for my great mistake.

I share this story because I have been on both sides of the fence when it comes to names! I have obviously, as outlined above, unfortunately mispronounced a student’s amazing name. I have also had my name mispronounced as well, even up to today as a grown-up!

It’s important for us to take the necessary time to listen carefully and learn how to pronounce the names of our students. It is equally as important to give our students the opportunity to practice saying the names of their peers. It’s also valuable to let each student know that it’s more than okay to politely correct others, whether it’s a fellow student or teacher, if their name is mispronounced. Yes, it may sometimes take some practice, but it’s extremely important. It shows respect and care.

Some Name Activities I Use in Class

  • Shout It Out: We go outdoors and stand in a circle. Each student says their name loudly and we say it back. This usually gets the students smiling when they hear the echo of their name. It’s a great way to practice pronouncing our names.
  • Name Tags: Students can wear their names (e.g., using stickers) in order to help others learn to read and say their names.
  • Popsicle Stick Names: In between lessons, I like to use these popsicle sticks to help students read and say the names they see. It’s a great way to celebrate our names.
  • Name Art: There are so many amazing ways to celebrate our names in the form of art! Students enjoy using markers, crayons, or pencil crayons, to design their name in different ways. In fact, this year, I have decided that we will do 2 – 3 variations of name art.
  • Guess Who: Using a student’s name, I create a riddle and give clues to the class to figure out the “mystery student”. Clues such as, “This student has 7 letters in their name. It starts with a letter a and ends with a y, etc.” Students love solving mysteries and so this game works well. They all wait for their turn to be the “mystery student” over the first month.
  • Name Discussion: Ask your students, “Why are names important? How do they help us? Why are they special?” Also ask them, “How do you feel when your name is said incorrectly? How do you help others learn your name? How do you feel when your name is pronounced the right way?”
This picture shows a resource by Minds to Grow called, "My Name is Super" on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Favourite Books to Celebrate Our Names

Here are my Top 3 favourite books that help me focus on the fact that names are special and important. Click on each book below for more details about the storyline!

*non-affiliate / unsponsored links*

PREVIOUS Teacher Tip: Introduce Your Virtual Classroom

Questions to Consider

  1. What name activities have you used in your classroom to help students learn and celebrate names?
  2. Have you had a similar experience as an educator where you mispronounced a student’s name? How did you deal with it?
  3. How long does it usually take you to learn the names of all of your students at the start of each new school year?
  4. Do you have a name that others mispronounce? How do you feel when that happens?
  5. Why is important to help students learn to say each others’ names correctly?

Stay Connected!

Let’s chat on social media! Stay connected with Minds to Grow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also keep in touch with linktr.ee/mindstogrow.

two books beside two chalks
Teaching

5 Favourite Items for Teachers: Back to School Edition

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Here are five of my favourite items for teachers in the primary grades. These have been most helpful to me while teaching during the pandemic. *non-affiliate / unsponsored links*

1. Head Bands with Buttons

September 2020 was the first time we wore masks to school while teaching in person. After the first week, I surely noticed some discomfort midway through the day. The straps of the masks would pull on my ears and made them slightly sore. I soon found these awesome headbands and they have surely helped me feel a bit more comfortable! Click on the image above for more details.

click for free weekly planning page template

2. Teacher Apron

I found this amazing teacher apron in the Etsy Shop called, Hot Touch! (unsponsored / non-affiliate link)

I ordered it last Fall for school because I wanted something that could hold a sanitizer bottle, pens, my keys, etc. Not only is it nice in appearance, it’s also super functional. The half-apron has three pockets and an adjustable waist band. This vendor even personalizes it with your name if you choose to do so! It’s an item I never knew I needed and now I can’t do without it!

This apron can also be purchased directly from the vendor’s website. Click here to check it out!

picture of green leaves with words, "My Favourites"
Take a look at some of my other personal favourites for teachers!

3. Chime

Teachers need to get the attention of their students throughout the day. One item that I just ordered and can’t wait to start using this year is a chime. The gentle tones of this beautiful instrument will help me calmly redirect their attention when needed.

The chime I ordered is from an Etsy Shop called Gifts of Natura (unsponsored / non-affiliate link). It should arrive before the end of my first week at school. Another chime that caught my attention is by TreeWorks Chimes. Check it out below!

4. Portable Lunch Warmer

Now this one was a game-changer for me! I never knew I’d love the Crock-Pot Lunch Warmer as much as I do!

I wanted to eat homemade meals for lunch more often. I also wanted to warm up my food without using a microwave. Enter this amazing item that is perfect for busy teachers! It looks small, yet holds a whole lot! It has a plug that neatly wraps around the bottom of the warmer for easy storage.

The night before school, I put my leftover food (or meal of choice) into the stainless steel container and then place it in the fridge. In the morning, I take the container out of the fridge and put it into the portable warmer (not yet plugged). The warmer goes into my lunch bag and heads to work with me. Depending on the amount, food warms up on low heat between 15 – 30 minutes.

Some favourite foods that I have tried in my warmer? Lasagna. Mac and Cheese with a side of broccoli and chicken. Ministrone soup. Veggie Noodles. The list goes on.

Check it out. You’re welcome!

5. Stainless Steel Water Bottle

I have been trying to intentionally drink more water during the day. This beautiful stainless steel water bottle helps me to do so. I especially love the fact that it is BPA free and keeps my water cool. Many beautiful designs are available, but this one caught my eye at first glance. Take a peek at this S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle.

How About You?

What are some items that you find useful as a teacher? Do you have any particular favourites?

Stay Connected!

Let’s chat on social media! Stay connected with Minds to Grow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also keep in touch with linktr.ee/mindstogrow.