FREE DIGITAL RESOURCES for Distance Learning

Distance learning and teaching through Google classroom is something teachers and schools have been doing for many years already. New and improved versions of distance learning platforms, like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, keep popping up every day. However, with the recent spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), both teachers and parents are looking for ways to support their students virtually.  As a result, high quality digital resources are becoming even more critical as we move forward in this form of education.

Over the course of my career, I have created many digital resources for online learning.  I have seen what works and what doesn’t when it comes to both the delivery of the instruction and the ease of use for my students.  So why am I telling you this?  Well, I believe its important to share news of these resources so that you can fully support your students while participating in distance learning.

There are several FREE downloads available here so I invite you to take a peek at some of my tried and true lessons and assignments.  My hope is you will see the quality of my work and consider using some of the other materials I have to offer.

Happy distance teaching!

Writing Task of the Week: Distance Learning

For years, I used daily writing practice to help my students develop their writing skills.  But once high school hit, the need for increased practice for longer periods of time became necessary to really see progress in their writing. I’ve recently turned these weekly writing practice lessons into digital teaching tools, perfect for distance learning AND Google classroom. Every writing assignment engages students with high interest topics and takes them through the planning, drafting, revising and publishing process for all types of writing:

• Informative
• Argumentative
• Narrative
• Research writing
• Evaluating sources
• Using textual evidence
• Producing and publishing with technology
• Writing informational texts

Here is how it works…

1. Share the assignment with your students through your Google drive (via link, e-mail, MS Teams, Google Classroom, etc.)
2. Students work through the assignment over the week, completing a set number of slides per day. (how many is up to you)
3. They can type right on the slides and save their work as they go.
4. By the end of the week, students should have a completed a well-written essay and/or research paper.
5. Students can then send the completed assignment back to the teacher for evaluation.

Included with every assignment is a clear and concise rubric for your students to use for self-evaluation and/or peer review before submitting for their final grade. Teachers can use the rubric for grading once submitted.   

Try one for FREE! Just click the button below to download now.

DI Choice Board: Digital Version

Students are always fans of having a choice, especially when it comes to activities to guide their own learning.  To engage students in independent activities while still catering to their instructional needs, I have used choice boards as a way to make them feel like they have control over their learning while making me a happy teacher.  I have now turned this worksheet idea into an interactive online tool that is simply perfect for distance learning AND Google Classroom!

The activities within foster standard-based concepts such as

• Key Ideas & Details
• Craft & Structure
• Integration of Knowledge & Ideas
• Language & Editing

Here is how it works…

1. Share the assignment with your students through your Google drive (via link, e-mail, MS Teams, Google Classroom, etc.)
2. After having read a selected text, students work through the assignment as if they were playing tic tac toe, completing 3 squares in a row for the day. (horizontal or vertical)
3. Students select the square of their choice on the board which links them directly to the assignment where they can type right on the slides and save their work as they go.
4. By the end of the assignment, students should have a completed 3 mini, standard-based assignments.
5. Students can then send the completed assignment back to the teacher for evaluation.

Although the original .pdf version of this assignment has remained a hit with teachers and students alike, the improved digital version is really amazing. You can try out the .pdf Choice Board version for FREE! Just click the button below to download now.

Daily Grammar Practice: Digital Version

Regular drill and practice of grammar and other conventions of the English language have led me to simplify this process with Google Forms. The best part of using this platform for daily review is not only creating greater engagement and interest for students but Google Forms is the perfect digital resource because it’s great for both in class and distance learning, it automatically grades itself, and it provides tons of data and feedback. If you are deep in distance learning or using Google Classroom, this resource is a MUST!

Here is how it works…

1. Each week consists of 5 Google forms: 5 days of Practice (Monday-Friday)
2. Share one Google Form per day with your students through your drive (via link, email, Google classroom, MS Teams, etc.)
3. Students complete one form per day and get immediate feedback on which questions they got correct and incorrect.
4. Teachers can use the data to see where their students are still struggling and provide feedback and extended practice if needed.

Try it out for FREE! Just click the button below to download a Daily Grammar Practice now. Be sure to make a copy of the downloaded file to make it editable and interactive for you and your students.

Check out the Daily Grammar Practice: 2 Week Digital Version bundle at my online store. Ten days of practice includes:

• Spelling
• Punctuation
• Parallel structure
• Vocabulary usage

No matter if you are a teacher or a parent, I hope these digital resources help you with distance learning, whether it be in Zoom, Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams.