There are many amazing tech tools and platforms available for teachers to use in their classroom. I’d like to share the best digital tools for the primary classroom. In fact, these are some of the ones that I use each and every day!
Setting Up Digital Tools for the Primary Classroom
Each morning, after turning on my computer, I make sure that I open tabs that lead to my favourite digital tools. These tools help me plan my lessons, as well as stay organized and on track as much as possible.
Please note: The digital tools that I share below are simply based on my opinion. If they are of interest to you, too, I encourage you to try them out!
Read on for five of the best digital tools for the primary classroom!
1. Google Slides™
I use Google Slides™ to create my digital day plan and slides that guide my lessons each day.
Once I have cycled through one full week of classes, then I copy and paste them into a digital Day Plan folder for each week. I make all necessary adjustments as I plan for the next week.
Here are some details that I include on my daily slides:
- I embed links to key resources or information (e.g., a video, a PDF, or even a link to a file in my Google Drive™ that I need to open quickly in a lesson).
- Static slides that are used each daily (e.g., Class Pledge, reminders, etc.)
- Names of students who are leading out in particular tasks each day (e.g., Morning Message)
- Announcements for the day
I like how I can quickly delete or rearrange slides on the spot during day. I can’t count how many times I’ve over-planned for a specific block of time! All I do is delete the slides and paste it where I need them to happen next.
It’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3.
2. ClassDojo
If you visit the Class Dojo website, you will see the following description of this digital tool:
ClassDojo connects teachers with students and parents to build amazing classroom communities.
ClassDojo website
Although there is a feature for teachers to invite families to connect to your ClassDojo account, I choose not to use it in this way.
Instead, I have an account for my class and it’s used only within the classroom during the school day.
The following features on ClassDojo give us lots of opportunities to work together, stay on track, and more each day. Here are some of the features that I use in my primary classroom:
- Monster Avatar: Students absolutely love having their own avatar on ClassDojo! They enjoy seeing their egg hatch to reveal the little monster avatar at the start of the school year.
- Visual Attendance: After doing the official attendance in class, the students and I complete the “ClassDojo Attendance”. We can visually see which students (by their avatars) are present or absent.
- Toolkit: This contains very helpful resources that can be used in many ways. There’s a timer, random name selector, group maker, noise metre, and music (focus and active). I integrate and use these resources throughout my day. There’s also a “directions” option that let you type in instructions and display them for your class.
- Big Ideas: Based on various themes, ClassDojo has a growing selection of videos and discussion questions. Some of the wonderful themes available include the following: Growth Mindset, Perseverance, Gratitude, and Empathy. There are also a large number of Conundrums that get your students to use communication and critical thinking skills to discuss what is presented.
3. ClassroomScreen
Classroomscreen is one of my absolute favourite digital tools for the primary classroom! I learned about this resource while teaching virtually and continue to use it in my in-person classroom.
The website describes this resource as follows:
Classroom management made easy. Support your class activities, stimulate engagement and help your students get to work by using the intuitive tools of Classroomscreen.
Classroomscreen Website
To start, there are lots of fun and beautiful backgrounds that can be selected for your screen. You can then choose various widgets to put on your screen as needed.
For example, when I give my students some time to play I Spy, I place the following widgets on my Classroomscreen:
- clock
- traffic light or sound level (to monitor volume)
- timer
Other cool widgets include digital dice. I sometimes put multiple ones on the screen, spin them, then have the students add the dots. It’s a quick Exit Ticket for groups for recess!
4. Go Noodle
GoNoodle is a website that has a variety of fun videos to help get your students moving! Once you sign up for a GoNoodle account, you have to choose a “champ”. This cartoon character starts off as a baby. There are 10 opportunities to advance to the next level, where the champ grows. When Level 4 is completed and it switches over to Level 5, then a new champ is selected. The students are always excited to work their way through each level by doing different exercises, dances, or challenges.
In my classroom, we use Go Noodle for a Brain Break as needed throughout the day.
If you have not tried this resource yet, please consider using it tomorrow in class! Your students will thank you!
5. Wheel of Names
Wheel of Names is a customizable, digital spinner that can be used as a random name selector. Students love seeing the spinner spin on the screen and wait patiently to see who’s name pops up. Once the name has been selected, there is an applause that plays, which delights my little ones each time.
I use the spinner in many different ways. Here are just a few ideas:
- Group Numbers (e.g., to randomly select groups)
- Topics for discussion
- Math Equations
- Colours, Shapes, etc.
- List of activities (e.g., Go Noodle, I Spy, drawing challenge, etc.)
- Money amounts (just like a certain favourite game show on TV)
Questions to Consider
- Do you have a favourite digital tool that you use in your classroom on a daily basis?
- Have you used any of the resources listed above before?
- Which digital tool listed above are you most interested in trying out in your classroom?
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