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  The first time I heard about Seesaw was the first day of term this year. “Just another thing I am so behind in,” I thought. I avoided it like the plague until a colleague of mine – who I would liken to myself in terms of technological understanding and skills (and that would be generous) - raved about how awesome it was, and better yet, how easy it was to use in her classroom. I gave it a go, and would you know, I was hooked. Just like that. If it is available, Seesaw really is an amazing application...

What is Boom? Boom is a platform that allows teachers to purchase and/or create digital activities for students. Boom “decks” are made up of individual, digital task cards for students to complete. What are the benefits of using Boom cards? Boom is great for… Differentiating your instruction (you can assign different students different decks!) Giving students immediate, automatic feedback Getting students EXCITED about learning with badges and fun digital “rewards” for their work Holding students accountable for their independent work Saving time (less grading!) Saving paper What do I need in order to use Boom? You will need: A computer, tablet, or...

  How to encourage volunteers into schools Whether their kids are in kindergarten or high school seniors, parents, caregivers and community members have many good reasons to volunteer at school. What Are the Benefits of Getting Involved? Getting involved is a great way to show children that you take an interest in their education. It also sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause. Many schools now must raise their own funds for activities and supplies that once were considered basic necessities. Parent and community volunteers are essential to organising and chaperoning these fundraising events and other school activities. The...

  To mark or not to mark? That is the question, because marking is one of those things that is always questionable as a relief teacher. Back in 2011, I worked as a relief teacher in the UK. One day I travelled for over 2 hours from South East London to a school in Slough (Greater London). When I arrived at the school I was instantly informed about the marking expectations at the school, and that even as a relief teacher I was to stick to the school’s marking code of conduct. It included writing two stars and a wish...

  No equipment, no problem! We all know that sinking feeling when you realise you can’t find the PE shed key, or someone has “borrowed” all the footballs. Here are a few ideas for when you’ve got a class ready for PE and absolutely no equipment. All these activities can be used inside or outside. Circles The class sits in a circle, everyone cross-legged with their arms round each other's shoulders. At a signal, they all try to stand up without breaking hold. This also works well in smaller groups, perhaps building up to the whole class. Speed Bounce Children...