The 100th day of school is fast approaching. Teachers love to use this day to add a little fun to their day while exploring all things 100. We are going to do some traditional activities:     Count 100 objects     Do 100 exercises     Read 100 pages I wanted to do some of the other activities digitally this year. Enter Google Classroom, Google Sheets,  Google Slides, and away we go. Here is a quick preview of the activities in action.   First up is a Hidden Picture Google Sheets activity using a 100s Chart or 120 Chart. Assign the Sheet via Classroom or share via Drive, whatever method you use. It will look like any other 100s chart. The PDF directions include the number to call out. Students will click on the cell of the number, then click the Fill Tool and click a color to fill the cell. Always use the proper terms for tools so you add a digital literacy piece to the activity with no extra work. The next Google Sheets activit......

I am a 1:1 classroom with laptops and desktop computers. I currently teach 1st grade. I am always told 'First graders can't..." when it comes to using technology. Well, I am here to tell you THEY CAN! You just have to teach them to use the tools, just like you do with pencils, scissors, and glue.  Using Google Slides in edit mode provides the students with access to text, images, shapes, lines, fill tools, and many other tools. I incorporated learning the shape tool with our Geometry units in math.  I assigned them a three blank slides via out Google Classroom. Then I walked them through using the Shape tool; step by step. First we inserted a variety of basic shapes. I told them the shape name. The students had to find the correct one to add.  Next, I showed them the different types of triangles, you know they are not all equilateral. I showed the students how to change the sides, rotate the shape, and use the fill tool.  Last, I told them to ......

My students have been making great progress with their computer skills. We have moved from simply playing educational games to working within ActivInspire to type, take assessments, practice comprehension skills, and much more. They have learned how to follow a computer path to find and open a file and how to close a Flipchart and save or not save their work. A little background.... each student has a folder. If the file is in their file and they save the work, and I can move it to a digital portfolio. Other files are in a generic folder and they have learned not to save the changes. More on that system later. Two weeks ago I decided to do a little Digital Storytelling. I started with my highest group and had intended on just working with them. As always, the kids surpassed my expectations and everyone got to try it out. I started with a basic Inspire Flipchart of clip art and showed the students how to move the pictures they wanted to a new page. It is one of my favorite tricks ......