I love alliteration (that might be the first clue I have been teaching first grade for several years!) So “Technology Tuesdays” and “Techy Teacher Tuesdays” are right up my alley! can’t help but to look forward to them. This week I wanted to write about a tool that we have found very useful (and easy to use!) in first grade. TodaysMeet is a website that allows students to connect with others in a safe space. Lately I have been using TodaysMeet to check for understanding of students on various concepts. I have used TodaysMeet after read alouds, to create math discussions, to brainstorm PBIS rewards, to respond to listening centers and so much more-the opportunities to use this website are endless!
Follow the step below when you go to www.todaysmeet.com to get started:
That’s it! Ask a question to students or simply let students start discussing. Here are some screenshots I took of my kiddos conversations after watching a BrainPop video on Doubles.
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| To start students off I gave them a question and gave them the starter “I learned…” |
As students finished the video they just started typing….
Most of my students were able to name a doubles fact. Although there were a couple that were a little bit off. 🙂
Reasons I love TodaysMeet: 1. It is a safe way for my students to discuss ideas and learn from one another. 2. Accountability. Students are required to type a name to join. There are times where I want to know who is saying what so that I can better gauge their understanding for specific topic. However, there are also times where I tell students they can use their S Number (a special number given to each student through our school) so students can remain anonymous to classmates. 3. This is a quick activity and very user friendly even for six year-olds!
For more ideas on how to incorporate TodaysMeet into the upper grades head over to our friend and coworker’s blog at iteach1:1! Kristin is an amazing teacher and friend! She has taught me so much in the classroom and the blogging world! I am so grateful for her!
Don’t forget to check out Technology Tailgate and Queen of the First Grade Jungle for more awesome technology ideas!
Happy Tuesday!
Amanda
0 thoughts on “Technology Tuesday!”
This sounds likes a good resource.
~April Walker
The Idea Backpack
Balancing the Backpack
This sounds awesome! Thank you for sharing 🙂
-Julie
The Techie Teacher
Today's Meet has to be my #1 fav. web 2.0 tool.. and YOU were the one to first introduce me to it a couple years ago! Thanks for the shout-out. 🙂
Kristin
iTeach 1:1
We used this during our PDD last month. The teachers had a great time sharing meaningful comments. I'll have to try it out in the classroom!
Jenny
Suntans and Lesson Plans
I love Today's Meet! It is a great tool.
EmilyK
Today's Meet is so easy, but here are 2 others that I found. I have not tested them yet, but they look pretty good.
Chatzy
Backchannelchat
Thanks Mona! I will check these new ones out!
I completely agree! It is so easy for the kids to use!
Fun to use that at a PDD. You just got me thinking…this would be a neat way to get parents discussing certain topics too…hmmm the possibilities are endless!
Anytime- you are AWESOME and I am constantly amazed all that you are doing with your 4th graders!!
You are welcome! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! 🙂
Thanks April! You will have to let me know if you end up using it in your classroom!
My co-blogger has already commented on this, but I wanted to as well. I love Today's Meet and have participated in it during several trainings. I have yet to venture out and try it on my own though. Thanks for the reminder of it. I want to use it at one of my staff trainings. 🙂
Antoinette