Tips and Tricks for Your Class Website!

If your school is anything like mine, then each teacher has a webpage for each of their courses. Perhaps you have your own, or share one between subjects, but regardless of how its set up, its important that your website is functional for both you and your students.

Determining the best method for providing information to students can be cumbersome, especially if you are still learning the basics of how the technology works. Because each school has their own website design and system, I can't give much specific help there. I can, however, give you a list of things to consider for your website and examples of what I use on my websites.

Our school uses D2L (Desire 2 Learn) as our website platform. In the past, I have used Moodle. It took me a while to transition from one to the other, but some of the basic design elements exist in all of them. I have two sites that I share with students -- one for Biology and one for Chemistry. These pages are only visible to me and my students. I also have a page that is shared among all the Chemistry teachers and another with the Biology teachers. It allows us to easily share resources with each other. I also have several other sites I share with other faculty groups. I spend the bulk of my time creating resources on my course pages for my students.

The landing page for my courses looks like this:

Each year I pick a new banner and color scheme (for my own personal excitement, in all truthfulness). I have the same color scheme on both pages, but the top banners are different. It helps me remember which page I'm working on, while still allowing me to share resources between them without them "clashing." 

So, here we go. 

Top 5 Tips for Class Websites

#1: Stick to a Theme

Much like your classroom, it's much more pleasant to look at a page that has a clear theme and color scheme. Use the same theme throughout -- including colors, fonts, and styling. Of course, some things cannot be changed (such as the colors on the Google calendar in the above picture), but if you can change it to match, do it. This will make your website clean and inviting. Students have a higher chance of looking through your website if its neatly laid out and organized than if it looks like a page of random things you found online and thought were cute. 

I tend to like things a bit more muted and calm, but if you like them bright and colorful then go for it, just make sure its still easy on the eyes and organized. 

#2: Stick to a Layout

Once you find a layout you like, stick to it. Changing things up to much will make it confusing for students to find what they need. After all, the website is for the student to use. If its confusing or changes weekly, its going to be frustrating for them -- especially students who are not so good with website navigation (those students still exist these days!). 

My website is built using widgets that can be moved around and reorganized. I play with the placement at the beginning of the year, before students are using it regularly, and look for a layout that neatly fits all necessary things -- calendar, content browser, and news box. Most other things I would want to add can be adjusted once those are in place. 

#3: Organize Your Files

Like #2, if a student cannot find what they need, it will be confusing for them. I organize my files by unit. 

Why is there only one unit folder so far? It's only the second week of school so we are still in unit 1. Although I have files on my page that are for later units, I don't make them visible or accessible to students until we are in that unit. Again, my goal is to minimize frustration. If a student sees ten folders of units they haven't heard of, they will get frustrated and not know where to look. If I limit it to only folders they have heard of, it makes it easier for them to recognize where to go and what to do. 

Typically, I keep past unit folders still visible for students after we are finished with the unit. When it comes to midterms or finals, students have access to go back and look at the previous units and I don't have to worry about hiding them and un-hiding them. 

Within each unit folder, I organize the information based on topic. I used to create a list of every single resource for that unit, but the list was huge and even though I could find that one video we watched last Tuesday in class, I knew students would not have as easy of a time. This year, I am making topic pages. When you open up the unit folder, you now see a list of topics instead of a list of resources. 

The top page says "From Class..." and is where I post a weekly synopsis with links to PowerPoints and Videos from class. I wanted this to be the go-to spot for students when they miss class or needed to review something specific from class. 

The topic pages typically have a short video on the top that highlights the topic. Some of them are videos we have watched in class, some of them are funny songs. The page needed something engaging for students, but still educational. 

Below the video is a short summary of the content. Sometimes it will have key vocabulary or an important equation. It's not a wall of text, but more like a short blurb. You don't want to overwhelm a student who is struggling with huge paragraphs of text. 

I then listed several helpful websites. Usually, these are websites that have interactive help that we don't use in class. Sometimes they are tutorial videos, other times they are educational online games. I like to link things they haven't seen before and could be both fun and helpful. 

Keep in mind that students could access the webpage from home or school, so be sure that the websites are accessible from school. YouTube videos are blocked at our school, so I provide a safeshare link for them to be able to watch them at school. 

For each topic, my goal was to create a one-stop-shop for everything that will help them learn, practice, and master it. 

#4: Multiple Links to Helpful Pages

If you notice, I have a unit 1 folder and also a "References" folder in my content browser. The references folder is full of reference pages for reoccuring topics in class such as metric conversions, graphing, CER Writing, and lab equipment. I even made a Homework Tips page. 

Of course, I hope that students will look at these pages whenever they are struggling, but I know that isn't the case. In order for them to get to the resource, I need to link to it from where I think it would be helpful for them. In my topic pages, I add links that go back to references pages and back to my "From Class..." page. 

If a student is struggling with graphing, they can click the graphing page and watch a helpful video. If they need more help, they can click the reference page. If they want to see the practice from class, they can click the classroom page. As long as a struggling student can remember which unit we are in and identify which topic they are struggling with, I try to make all the applicable resources available from that point. 

#5: Discuss it In Class

Although most students are wizards at navigating iPhone apps, text messages, and video games, not all students are wizards at navigating websites. The best way around this is to discuss the website in class. Show them what it looks like. Give them a tour at the end of class. Before a test, show them where resources are to study from. Show them the website often so they are familiar with it and learn the layout. 

The first week of school, I give my students a tour of the website. I let them know what's available online and I ask them to login and look at it for their homework (world's easiest homework?). Before a test, I remind them of what the website looks like and where to find the resources. 

Periodically I will put an online quiz or project on my website that students are required to submit for a grade. I typically give them a window of opportunity to turn it in, and at the end of class each day during the window, we review where to go to turn it in and how to do it. 

If you want students to use the website, you need to teach them how to do it. 

Class websites can be a great resource for students to supplement their classroom learning. Remember your goal is to make it easy for students to use. 

What do your class websites look like? What tips and tricks do you have?

First Week of School Recap, Tips, and Tricks

First week of school is officially over! I feel like I'm starting to get my teaching groove back. It usually takes a couple of weeks for me to feel the rhythm again. I'm feeling awesome about the first week right now though!

First, I will say that my students have been absolutely stellar so far! I know, it's a honeymoon phase, it will pass... but the amount of thought and participation and effort they put in this week really makes me excited for the rest of the year!

I wanted to give you all a quick recap of what I did this week and some tips and tricks for the first week back!

The first day is always the most challenging for me. You want to get started with content right away, but you also want them to learn the procedures and expectations for your class. You want to keep them engaged, but you have information from administration/department that you have to share.

My plan is to think of our 55 minute classes in a few chunks. 15 minutes for business, 35 minutes for science, 5 minutes for review.

15 minutes of business: On the first day, the students get a syllabus (school required) and I briefly highlight a few key things (late work, class website, required supplies). I also introduce myself and give a few interesting facts about myself and give the students a chance to ask questions about me. I absolutely hated icebreakers when I was in school, so I don't do any of those, but I do give them a chance to learn a little about me. I feel like it really helps them create a connection quickly. During the first 15 minutes, I also have them fill out their homework log information (I'll post about this later!).

35 minutes of science: For all subjects, I start with a bell ringer each day. At the beginning of this portion I explain how the bell ringers will work, what they papers will look like, and what they are expected to do. The first day bell ringer is really simple -- "What are you most nervous for in _____?" Sharing the answers really creates some great discussion and helps calm some nerves. On day two I usually ask what they are most excited for to keep them excited for the year.

The rest of this portion of the class period looks different depending on the subject. For biology, I start with any activity that gets them thinking like scientists -- making observations, asking questions, creating hypotheses. You can learn so much from them by having an open discussion and brainstorming. I love using the Amazon Fly story on the first day. Students can take the discussion in so many directions!

For chemistry, I do a fun demo. My favorites are the traffic light demo and dehydration of sugar by sulfuric acid. Both of them have results that are baffling to them at first and help to get them excited about the impending doom of chemistry. This year, I used the demo to set up and start talking about CER (claim, evidence, reasoning) writing. We did a quick example together, then they did one on their own related to the demo. I helped facilitate some ideas and get them on the right track.

5 minutes for review: The last five minutes, I review some basic procedures like what to do when they get into the classroom, what supplies they need, and the procedure for late work. I repeat this throughout the week as a call-and-response.

After the first day, things get easier since you have more time for content and less "business" to talk about. Sometime during the week I am sure to cover my classroom expectations. I made this fun presentation of classroom expectations using memes! It got at least a few giggles (high schoolers are a tough crowd...). I also start every class period reminding them of procedures. After the bell rings I will ask "What should you be doing right now?" to which they will hopefully respond "Answering the question on my yellow sheet!" (in other words, their bell ringer...).

Tips for a Smooth Transition Back to School

#1: Don't ignore your content! 

Find a way to include something content related into every day. Make sure its something engaging and interactive so they are able to use their social skills and brains a little!

#2: Repetition, Repetition, Repetition. 

If you want students to follow your procedures, repeat them over the first several days, weeks, and months of school! They need reminders and it will hold you accountable to sticking to your plan! I find simple call and response works great for this and you can easily fit it in at the beginning or end of class.

#3: Have a plan for everything. 

Before school starts, have a plan for everything -- late work, make-up tests, group work, bell-ringers. Remind students of what they need to do in these situations. It will help you keep your sanity later.

#4: Introduce Year-Long Themes

Are you going to be doing notebooking throughout the year? Introduce it the first week. Plan on utilizing CER writing? Introduce it the first week. Have an organizational system you want them to follow? Introduce it the first week. Have a specific note taking method? Introduce it the first week. 

Students need time to learn and adjust to the rhythm and procedures of not only your classroom, but in all of their classrooms! Be patient with them, keep class exciting, and you will be sure to have a great start to the year!

... Using Technology to Spice up Boring Topics

Most chemistry classes begin with talking about lab safety and lab equipment. These are necessary, but mundane and boring. In our high school, students are required to pass a safety and equipment quiz as well as return a safety contract before they can do the lab. For teachers, this means at least a week before we can do any labs involving heat, chemicals, or glassware. So how exactly can you keep students engaged and excited to come to class every day when you are going over boring safety rules and equipment?

I find that anything that allows students to talk to each other, create something, and use technology does a pretty good job of keeping their attention. For lab safety and equipment, I decided to assign them a video project. The groups of 2 were assigned three pieces of lab equipment and two safety rules. Their task was to explain what the equipment is used for and describe the safety rules and why its important. I gave them [almost] two full class periods to work on it -- day one for planning and day two for filming. Since this was during our first week of school, many students don't know each other yet so I didn't want them to have to worry about finding time outside of school to work together.

The videos were short -- some less than 30 seconds! -- but I told them that as long as they included all the information and were thorough, the length wouldn't matter. Some students decided to put their shining faces on camera, while others chose to use paper to create signs with pictures and descriptions. They had options about how they would like to create the video, so each student could cater to their strengths and feel comfortable. This was during the first week of school, so some anxieties were already high! Some groups were more artistic and theatrical, and others were more informative.

Students recorded the videos with their phones and uploaded them to our class page. I looked through them and compiled some of them to watch on Friday after they take their safety and equipment quiz. Here's an example of one of the videos:

And yes, I do tell them the rule is "no shenanigans." It seems to help them remember, and it gave me a cool catchphrase to use during labs. 

I think overall the students did really well with this assignment! They were working hard both days (at least most of them) and became familiar with some of the common equipment we will be using. It was a great break from the typical back to school stuff. 

What do you guys think? Do you have any tricks to spicing up boring topics?

... My Classroom is Finally Ready!

I can't believe our pre-planning week is over already! I seriously could use another day or two -- a meeting free day or two would be even better. In terms of planning, I feel really good! There are a few things I would still like to do in my classroom, but I will work on that over the next few weeks. I couldn't keep it to myself anymore though and wanted to share my classroom with everyone! I have a couple of new things I'm extremely excited about! 

I teach both Biology and Chemistry, so my classroom has lots of lab drawers and cabinets. I have three rows of desks in the center and I have stools at four of the lab benches. My classes are around 30 students or larger, so most of my open space is occupied with desks for them. 

As students walk into the door, this is the corner they see. On the brick wall are two [currently] blank posters I use to write reminders to the students like "Test tomorrow!" or "Lab Day -- Dress for Safety!" It's one of the last things they see as they leave, so hopefully it will be a good reminder wall for them. The tiny bulletin board above them will eventually say "Don't Forget..." but alas, I didn't have time for that this week. On the side of the fume hood I have my bell ringer folders that I like to call "Rate Your Week!" My students are going to turn in all their bell ringers for the week on one half sheet of paper on Fridays. They will sort them into whichever folder they feel best describes their level of understanding for the week. I have big plans for these bell ringers, not just boring review questions, so stay tuned for those details! 

On the other side of the fume hood is my Goggle cabinet, student supply center, and bulletin board. On the right side of the bulletin board are my binder lists (I will get letters above these at some point too, I promise...). Whenever a student gets a handout, it gets assigned a number and put into their binder. I keep track of the most recent papers they received. I'll talk about this more in my homework post that is coming soon! The left side of my bulletin board looks barren right now, but will have grade postings once those are available. 

My student supply center has the bin to turn in their homework, scratch paper, extra pens/pencils, and miscellaneous supplies like tissues and hand sanitizer. The bright yellow slips are the Late Homework forms students have to fill out before turning in late work. They fill it out, staple it to the late work, and when they get the work back, the parent must sign the slip. This is my first year trying this system, so I will let you know how it turns out! My "I Didn't Do My Homework..." binder will also be back here. Each student has a page in the binder. When they don't have their homework, they find their page and fill out an entry with the assignment name and why they don't have it. I'm going to talk more about my homework system in a later post too! 

I have to show off my gigantic stock room (not shared, this is just mine!). I have some extra student desks in there. Sometimes my team teacher will use it as a small group space, other times I pull the desks out if we need them, but they are out of the way in there. 

Most exciting part of the stock room -- new Acid cabinet! My old one has a door that is rusted shut, so this was much needed and appreciated! 

The front of my room has my teacher storage, student desktop, my desk, and demo station. The blue crate holds my copies for the week sorted into hanging file folders. I have them sorted by day and subject to help keep me organized. I also have a copycat binder to the ones my students keep for easy reference.

Front and center is my "Wall of Awesome!" Whenever a student gets an 80% or higher on a test, they write their name on a post-it and tape it to the wall. I love that its front and center in the room, sort of like a constant reminder to the students. 

My large metal cabinet has my reference books, extra copy paper, binders, and other things I don't need frequently. My bookcase holds my frequently used items. The blue baskets are for student supplies. I will pull these out and put them on the back student table when they need them that day. The top magazine boxes are an easy way to stay organized when I have piles and piles of papers. I also love the little frame with the quote! 

My desk is my happy place. The top corner has a cute flower pot, my Teacher of the Year award, and one of my favorite quotes! Yoda is so wise and knowledgeable. I try my best to keep this area clean, but this is about as clean as it will be all year! 

As I said, there are still some small things I would like to do, but I already love how my classroom looks! It is so much more interesting than it was last year, and I think the new supply table in back will help the students (and myself) be a little more organized. 

School starts on Monday! I think I'm planned and ready to go! Let's get this school year started!

... THIS is the why!

I love my job, I really do, but there are days you forget why you sit in hours of meetings or dig through piles of data or stay at school late putting together a lab.

Then there are days that you are reminded of why...

A student came into my biology classroom last year at the beginning of second semester. He was coming from another class, and was moving down a level by coming to my class. I met with his parents very early on to talk about why he moved levels, why he switched teachers, what struggles he was having... I talked to the parents about procedures and rules in my classroom, sort of an overview of what a day in class is like. Together we worked on a plan to get him back on track. By the end of the year, he was doing great in my class! Not only was he doing great on tests and quizzes, but he was being social with other students, and was very helpful with some of the struggling students during lab. He came out of his shell, and he was excelling! It was fantastic!

Sadly, I have to say goodbye to most of my freshmen Biology students at the end of the year. Very few will end up on my roster again for Chemistry because there are so many Chemistry teachers and I teach very few sections. It's a happy surprise to see a few familiar names on the Chemistry roster, but I never expect it.

This week started pre-planning for this school year. I received an email from the mom of my previously mentioned Biology student. She asked who to contact or what she could do to get him into my class again for Chemistry. You could tell she was going to do everything to get him in my class, not because the parents wanted him there, but the student wanted to be there. This is not a normal procedure. With a huge school, the master schedule is complicated and those types of requests just can not be considered regularly.

Well... the least I could do was ask.

I went down to the right office, talked to the right people, and out of pure luck, his schedule was able to be easily changed to be in my class.

Again, out of pure luck, his dad stopped by school today. He subs regularly and lives nearby, so he stops in from time to time. He came to my room and I was able to tell him in person that I was able to get the schedule change made. Instantly, I could see the tears in his eyes. He was so grateful. He told me about how reluctant the student was to even go to school first semester, but by second semester he was excited and focused, and he loved my class. My class was the reason he was able to get back on track and get motivated to do well in school. My class was the reason that student went from failing science to loving science, went from hating school to loving school. My class made an impact on that student's freshman year. My class did that.

As much as I'd love to think I've left a lasting impression on every single student, being able to get confirmation that I actually DID do that for a student is simply priceless. It reminds me that there is a reason behind all the hours of meetings, planning, and prepping. You never know which students are going to come to your class excited because it's their favorite part of the day. There is going to be a student in the bunch that is inspired and grateful for you. 

That is the why....