🎥 Webinarium Early Stage | Don't worry – there is an app for that!

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll explore a variety of effective tools presented in a webinar hosted by Dorota Neal and Ewa Korol from Early Stage. This guide will help educators create engaging online games, develop physical learning materials, provide feedback to students, communicate with parents, and organize their teaching schedule effectively.

Step 1: Creating Online Games

• Choose a Game Creation Tool: Select from popular platforms like Kahoot, Quizizz, or Classcraft.
• Design Your Game:
  • Define the learning objectives.
  • Create questions that align with your lesson plans.
  • Incorporate multimedia elements (images, videos) to enhance engagement.
• Test Your Game: Play through the game to ensure functionality and that it meets your educational goals.
• Launch the Game: Share the game code with your students and encourage participation.

Step 2: Developing Analog Materials

• Identify Your Needs: Determine what physical materials will support your lesson.
• Use Templates: Utilize resources such as Canva or Google Slides to design worksheets and handouts.
• Print and Prepare: Ensure that all materials are printed in high quality. Organize them ahead of the lesson for smooth distribution.
• Incorporate Hands-On Activities: Plan activities that require student interaction with the materials for better retention.

Step 3: Providing Feedback to Students

• Choose Feedback Tools: Use platforms like Padlet or Google Classroom for giving feedback.
• Be Specific and Constructive: Provide clear examples of what the student did well and areas for improvement.
• Encourage Self-Reflection: Ask students to reflect on their work and what they learned from the feedback.

Step 4: Communicating with Parents

• Select Communication Platforms: Use apps like ClassDojo or Remind to keep parents informed.
• Share Updates Regularly: Send out newsletters or messages about classroom activities, student progress, and upcoming events.
• Encourage Parent Involvement: Invite parents to participate in school events and volunteer opportunities.

Step 5: Organizing Work and Time

• Use Planning Tools: Consider tools like Trello, Asana, or Google Calendar to manage your schedule.
• Set Clear Goals: Break down your tasks into manageable steps with deadlines.
• Review and Adjust: Regularly assess your progress and adjust your plans as necessary to stay on track.

Conclusion

This tutorial outlines practical steps for educators to enhance their teaching through various tools and strategies. By integrating online games, developing analog materials, providing constructive feedback, communicating effectively with parents, and organizing work efficiently, teachers can create a more engaging and productive learning environment. Explore these tools to find what best suits your teaching style and your students' needs. For further resources and materials, consider visiting the Early Stage Teacher's Universe website.