Fabulous Fonts

I often hear teachers say they still use Microsoft Word because they believe the Google Fonts are limited.  But did you know there are hundreds more Google Fonts?

Play around with these Google Fonts and add those you think you will use!  This site allows you to preview the font in a sentence, paragraph, numbers, the alphabet or your custom wording.

The styles are endless!  Just tap the plus sign and these fonts will be available in your Google Documents, Slides, etc.

 Great for beginning writers!

Add some flair to your documents....use text that highlights the theme....

Inserting Images

Recently Google made an update to how we insert images in Docs, Slides and Google Drawing.  When you select 'Insert/Image', you will see a small pop-out menu allowing for uploading from your computer, Drive, Google Photos, by the URL or by searching the web.

Unfortunately, if your students search the web from this menu, the photos are not filtered down to public domain images.  When looking for images to support your students' writing and presentations, students should search through the Copyright Free Image Sites provided on the Tech Tools Page.  The Tech Tools is accessible from the WPSS Home Page.  Students should always cite their image sources.

There are some cool bonus features when inserting images in Google Drawing.  Students can add captions, crop, rotate, change the color palette, add reflection, drop shadow or transparency.  Be creative and explore the capabilities of Google!

Classroom Screen

Classroom Screen provides teacher tools at your fingertips.  You will have instant access to a timer, red light, noise level reminders and volume meters.  Or just enjoy the serenity of the wide selection of backdrops.  There is a full screen and an in screen drawing tool.  Use your trackpad to quickly model a shape or equation!  The drawing tool includes a selection of backgrounds including a grid.  Small drawings can be uploaded and shared with your students.  You can move the tools around the screen, use one at a time or display multiple tools if necessary.  

You will want to bookmark this tool today!  Check out this 2-minute video highlighting some of ClassroomScreen.com's features.  

 

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How to Bookmark

1.  Click the star in the Omnibox to save the current page as a bookmark. You can also press Ctrl+D on your keyboard

2.  A dialog box will appear. If you delete the name, an icon will appear on your Bookmarks Bar.  You can also shorten the name if you want to, just type the new name in the "Name" box.  

3.  Choose where you want the bookmark to appear (on the Bookmarks Bar, in a folder, etc) from the Folder dropdown menu.

4.  Click Done.

Web Based Replacements

With the move towards 1:1 Chromebooks, we have been researching web-based replacements for various programs we use here in Westwood.  For instance, many of you have already started using Xtra Math as a replacement for FastMath.  Xtra Math reinforces fast facts for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  Students can be set to a specific operation or to a mix of operations depending on need.  Xtra math shuts down after approximately 7 minutes.  It is most beneficial if the students complete seven minutes a few times a week.  Teachers can set up their own classrooms and track student progress within Xtra Math.  The program provides a parent letter to go home with students.

We would also like you to use Typing Club with your students.  This can be an at home assignment (if you know students have at home access to technology) or in school.  Typing, as you know, is a vital skill in today's society.  Like math, most people type every day!

Click here to set up a Typing Club account. Then follow these simple steps:

1. Select "School Edition"
2. Select Get Started Now Free/Teacher
3. Fill in the information about the Sheehan School and your work information
4. A URL will be selected for you. However, you can customize the URL if you choose.
5. Choose a Plan:  Basic Plan 100% Free
6. Select number of students, how you heard about Typing Club and CREATE ACCOUNT

Once you have created an account, you will need to add your students.

Please add students using our standard Usernames and Passwords:   27mcomer    Google Password

Grade 2 teachers:  we will introduce Typing Club to your students in January as usual.