Setting Up New Contact Groups

As we start a new year many teachers will want to create new email contact groups for their students and parents. Gina Rogers, GWAEA Tech Consultant created a short video detailing a quick way of collecting email addresses, and creating a contact group using google forms. 

Basic Steps

1. Create google form asking for email address and other relevant information. 
2. Copy submitted email addresses.
3. Compose an email and paste addresses in the To section.
4. Click on the word To and Save As Group. Next you will be prompted to give your group a name.
5. Now when you compose an email or share a document simply type the name of your group in the To section and send to all participants in the group. 

Application

I am not sure what systems you have in place for collecting email addresses, but here is a friendly idea to consider. Create a google form requesting the information you are interested in collecting from students and parents. Open the google form on an ipad or computer and make the device available during open house, or the first day of school. You might also consider creating a QR code which parents and students can scan for access to the google form. 

Brain Breaks - GoNoodle

Many teachers have incorporated brain breaks into their daily routine. One popular brain break activity is using just dance videos from youtube. Kids love these activities and it gives them an opportunity to get up and move around. Today I learned about gonoodle.com a website that offers fun engaging brain break activities. GoNoodle does require users to set up a free account to access all material. Also if you have an adblocker set up in your browser you will want to give GoNoodle permission for popup windows. GoNoodle allows you to assign points based on your class performance. If you are looking for alternatives to Just Dance Videos I invite you to check out GoNoodle.com.