QR Code Task Cards Freebie

Those of you who have been with me for a while know how much I love integrating technology into my classroom.  It makes my life as a etcher easier and more productive, but more importantly the students love it and benefit from it so much!  I know many teachers are hesitant to bring new technology into the classroom because they are not a tech expert.  I am by no means an expert either, but I love learning new things and that is all it takes.  I also enjoy simplifying things to teach others new things (thus why I teach K/1).  I integrate technology in multiple ways everyday in our classroom and my students benefit from it.  My mission now is to help other teachers see how easy it is to do the same.  If I can do it with K/1, then anyone can do it!  Because of this, I am happy to announce a new blog I just launched, www.technologywithclass.com (don't worry Fun in K/1 isn't going anywhere.)

So please stop by and check it out!  Keep in mind it is just getting started, so please check back often.  I have also changed the name of my TpT store to Teaching with Technology and Fun.  It's still me and the same great stuff, just a new name and soon to be more products.

Now, on to my QR Task Card Freebie!  My kids love scanning QR codes.  I have tried using these in centers with task cards several ways.  My first attempt, was simply using QR codes for students to scan to check their answer.  Well the students were so excited to scan the code, they would rush their work.  Well now, I have them scan the QR code to get the question.  Then they answer the problem on their recording sheet.  When they complete all of the cards they get to scan another code to check their answers.  This way has worked beautifully!  Give it a try.

The best part is that there is very little printing, paper and ink involved.  However, the students still benefit from the full color questions and images!

What do you need to get started?  
A device capable of scanning a QR code  - (preferably one for each child at the center.)  The app is free, you can use an iPad, iPod and old Smartphone or any tablet with a rear facing camera and QR reader app.  (You can do it with a computer with a web cam at http://www.webqr.com but it is a little more difficult.)  

WiFi -  The codes are linked to a URL with the question as an image.

QR Code Task Cards - Today is your lucky day!  I'm giving you a set for free!  Click here to download my newest set I am using this week.  This set of QR Code Task Cards features Double Digit Addition without Regrouping.  The file includes everything you need: directions, a storage folder, 12 QR Code Task Cards, a student answer form and self checking answer key code.

Don't forget to stop by checkout more freebies at Classroom Freebies Manic Monday! 

QR Taks Card Freebie!

Anyone who teaches K/1 knows getting those little guys to work independently and stay on task while you pull small groups is a VERY daunting task!  Today I tried a new independent practice activity with my kiddos and it was AMAZING!!!  I just had to share!

Ever since I took my firsties on a QR code gingerbread scavenger hunt they have be QR code crazy!  Every time we see one they want to scan it!  Task cards are also all of the rage right now and a great way to encourage independent practice and staying on task.  I have seen several printed task cards students complete and then scan each card to check the answer.  These sound fabulous for upper grades, but I envisioned half of my class just scanning the answers and copying it (after all they are QR crazy!)  Well here is my solution and I am sharing it with you all to try for free!  Click here to grab it.

So here is what you do.  First download the file and follow the printing directions.  It takes no time at all.  I made the mistake of laminating my cards, the glare from the laminate interfered with the scanning. Make sure you have a QR scanning app on an iPad, iPod, tablet, macBook...  Show the kids how to scan a code.  Then demonstrate how to record their answers on the answer sheets.  I had my students do this as a part of their Super 6 Daily Differentiation.  They were in groups of 3.  When they completed their 12 task cards, they would come to my table and scan the answer key QR code and self check. 

I knew in theory this should have all worked pretty well.  I figured the first graders would require quite a bit of help the first few times, but eventually they would get.  Boy was I wrong!  They all took to it immediately and better than I ever envisioned.  They were fully engaged, on task, helping each other out if needed and LOVING it! 

Check out this quick video of my students in action!

I plan to make a few more of these this weekend.  I would love to hear what you think about them! 

I am linking up with TBA's Friday Freebie!

QR Codes and A Manic Monday Made It

Hello!  I have been busy making things, trainings and getting ready for school.  I have 2 weeks until I go back to work (or should I say getting paid to work!)  My ADHD has me all over the place.  I start something, have another idea and go off on that tangent.  I have so many projects started and not finished.  My goal today and tomorrow is to finish things!  I will try really hard not to start something else but, we will see....

All summer I have been meaning to join in the linky fun with Made It Monday!

I finally finished a project and thought I would share!  I turned these empty Pringles cans into my sharp and need to be sharpened pencil cups.  I have seen similar cups made with paper.  However, why use paper when you can use duck tape!

 

First, use yellow duck tape to cover the can.  I overlapped it to give it more of a pencil look.

Next, I took the pink duck tape and covered the bottom of the container.

 Then, I added the silver duck tape.  (My girls were amazed their dad silver duck tape!)  Then I added the pink for the eraser at the very bottom.

 Now for the pencil tip I used masking tape.  Folding it, I made it into a triangle and then taped it inside the pencil container.  I used black sharpie to add the lead. 

Of course the Pringles can is taller than pencils and falls over easily.  I filled the cans 1/3 of the way with dried beans.  This weighted them down a little and makes it easy to get the pencils out.  These were so easy and turned out super cute.  I am making another set for my daughter's teacher too!

I am excited to share a new idea and project with you that I actually started and finished yesterday! 

This year I am taking our hunt around school for the Gingerbread Man digital!  Not only will this make exploring the school fun, it will also teach the students how to scan and use the codes.  I plan to use QR codes quite a bit this year in class.

The activity includes a rhyming story I wrote to share with the class about the Gingerbread Man coming on a secret mission to visit our class with the Fox hot on his tail!  He is running around school looking for us and will leave clues as he goes.  He doesn't want the Fox to be able to read them, so he will use QR codes.

I will post the Gingerbread Man QR codes all around the school.  For added fun, I will make them a little hard to find. 

We will use and iPad or iPod to scan the codes.  (I haven't decided if I am going to do this whole group or with our buddy class.)  When they scan the code the clue will pop up.  It looks like this.

Would you like to take your Gingerbread Man digital this year?  Good news, I have done all the work for you!  You can purchase this activity at my TpT store.  Just download, print and scan to find the Gingerbread Man!

Now for a Manic Monday Freebie too!  I always start my year off with "all about me".  Here is a template for students to use as they draw their self-portrait.  (Don't forget to save them for their end of the year memory books!)  Click here to grab it free.

Looking for more freebies?  Check out Classroom Freebies for More Manic Monday Freebies!

QR Codes with Audio

My mind is spinning with ideas for the new year.  (I can't seem to turn it off!  It is my birthday, and I'm still thinking and working on school stuff.  I admit I have problems!) 

I know about QR codes and have used them a little in the past.  Mainly for parents to access various things.  I haven't really utilized them with my kids.  I have all kinds of ideas of ways to use them next year.  I don't just want the kids to scan them, I want them to create them and use them to enhance their learning.  This is tougher when you are working with firsties.  I really enjoy teaching these guys and integrating technology.  Things you would never thing they could do and pick up so quickly. 

Everyone knows you can link a website or video with a QR code.  Did you know you can also link audio?  Think of the possibilities!  First, I thought of many ways I could create audio QR codes to help students.  I could record myself reading the directions or questions for centers.  This would help them to work independently.

I got even more excited when I found this great website vocaroo.com !  It was so easy to record audio and generate a QR code; even  5 year old could do it!  I put these directions together and thought I would share, click here to get them free.

So this is what I am planning!  Imagine walking through the school halls and looking at student work.  Then you see a QR code by it, you scan it and hear the student explaining or expanding their work.  Think how much this would add to projects!  Students could do a research project, record themselves sharing what the learned.  Then students could scan and listen, learning from their classmates.  This is the ultimate way to easily incorporate the Common Core's speaking and listening standards.

So as my birthday present to you, I am sharing this info with you all.  I hope you are as excited about all of the possibilities as I am.  How will you use QR codes next year?  Please share in the comments!