20 Read aloud Activities to Use with Novel Effect (and Other Apps)!
Novel Effect is a MUST TRY app for any classroom! See how you can use this app with books that you’re already reading. Check out some of our favorite classroom activities to use Novel Effect with - including ideas with Microsoft Flip, Canva, Adobe Express, Seesaw and more. Here’s 20 of our favorite!
If you teach reading, you HAVE to check out Novel Effect. Novel Effect is an award-winning app that follows your voice as you read out loud from a children's story book and responds at just the right moment with interactive music, sound effects, and character voices. You can learn more and download it by clicking here!
So how can we fit this amazing app into our standards? It’s easy! Novel Effect’s library is FULL of books that you most likely already have in your collection - and they continue to add more weekly. Now that we have had some time using the app, we’d like to share 20 of our favorite activities. Click on any subheading to jump to that section/activity!
The Bad Seed
Jory John’s “The Bad Seed” has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. But, it doesn’t last long in this popular story. One of our favorite activities to do with this book is with Novel Effect and Microsoft Flip. Follow the steps below:
Read The Bad Seed on Novel Effect
Have students use the Bad Seed sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can retell the story, or explain what positive actions they can do to help promote kindness in the classroom and school campus
You can download The Bad Seed sticker by clicking here or the image.
The Good Egg
In part two of Jory John and Pete Oswald’s series, The Good Egg is trying to look out for others but forgets the most important person: themself. After some careful reflection, The Good Egg decides to do what’s best and make a change. We absolutely love to use this book as a classroom management tool. Here’s how:
Purchase an Egg plastic trophy here (you might want to remove the name plate)
Click here to read The Good Egg on Novel Effect
Give the egg trophy to a student who is meeting your expectations
Move the egg frequently, “catching” students who are doing the RIGHT thing.
The person who has the trophy at the end of the day earns a prize!
Purchase an Easter Egg trophy by clicking here
Here’s another idea that is great for the beginning of the year!
The Cool Bean
In part 3 of John and Oswald’s series, a bean always finds himself on the sidelines. After unsuccessfully trying everything he can to fit in with the crowd— the cool beans step in to show him how it’s done. Just when if it couldn’t get any cooler - it does! Now you can read this book on Novel Effect! Here’s our favorite activity includes using Microsoft Flip:
Read The Cool Bean on Novel Effect
Have students use the The Cool Bean “Raybean” sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can retell the story, or explain how they would act like cool beans around the classroom and school campus.
The Couch Potato
In part 4 of John and Oswald’s series, The Couch Potato has everything within reach and doesn't have to move from the sunken couch cushion. But when the electricity goes out, Couch Potato is forced to peel away from the comforts of the living room and venture outside. Bring this story to life with Novel Effect and check out this activity:
Read The Couch Potato on Novel Effect
Have students use The Couch Potato “webcam” sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can use the sticker to explain why using technology all the time may not be best.
Click here to download the The Couch Potato “Webcam” sticker
The Smart Cookie
In part 4 of Johns and Oswald’s series, This cookie has never felt like a smart cookie no matter how hard she tries, especially in comparison to all the clever cupcakes and brilliant rolls in the bakery. But, a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence helps her learn that perfect scores and having all the answers aren’t the only ingredients for intelligence! But the cookie doesn’t have to be the only creative one. With this activity, your students will be creating the perfect cookie with all the right ingredients!
Here’s how:
Read The Smart Cookie on Novel Effect
Download the Smart Cookie Canva template
Assign the template to your students
Students use the template to design a smart cookie and use text boxes to include things that you are good at!
Save your work and then share it on Seesaw!
Chrysanthemum
Kevin Henke’s “Chrysanthemum” gets children thinking about and bonding with their own names and the names of everyone else in the class. It's the perfect vehicle for starting a discussion about treating classmates with tolerance, kindness, and compassion. With Novel Effect, this book comes alive! Here’s an activity that we’ve done in our own classrooms:
Give each student a copy of the Chrysanthemum name tag
Students create a design for the name tag that describes Chrysanthemum’s feelings in the beginning, middle and end.
(This can be done digitally on Canva or Adobe Express - or simply with crayons)
Share your work on Seesaw!
Click here to download the Chrysanthemum name-tag (Canva) template
Wemberly Worried
Okay, we might be a bit biased on this one…Together, we’re the voice actors for the mother and father of this book on Novel Effect. In this book, Wemberly worried about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it was time for school to start. And Wemberly worried even more. If you ever worry (or know someone who does), this is the book for you! Here’s one of favorite activities to do with it:
Read Wemberly Worried on Novel Effect
Have students use the Wemberly Worried “cover” sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can use the sticker to explain what are some things that they worry about.
Enemy Pie
Derek Munson and Tara Calahan King’s “Enemy Pie” is a funny yet endearing story where one little boy learns an effective recipe for turning a best enemy into a best friend. This book is perfect for any time of the year - and often we see ourselves re-visiting it throughout the year. Here’s our favorite “Enemy Pie” activity!
Read Enemy Pie on Novel Effect
Use Canva or Adobe Express to find a recipe template (or use our Canva below!)
Assign the template to your students
Students use the template to design a recipe that includes ingredients to become a good friend.
Save your work and then share it on Seesaw!
A Bad Case of Stripes
David Shanon’s “A Bad Case of Stripes” is about a little girl who secretly enjoys lima beans. However, she’s concerned about what others might think of her if they learn that she loves them. Until one day - when everyone finds out! Here’s our favorite “A Bad Case of Stripes” activity:
Read A Bad Case of Stripes on Novel Effect
Have students use the Bad Case of Stripes sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can use the sticker to explain what happens in the story, or even share something unusual that they like.
Click here to download the Bad Case of Stripes sticker
Hey Little Ant
Phillip Hoose’s “Hey Little Ant,” is about a surprising conversation between a tiny ant and a little girl. The book is bound to inspire important discussions about caring, kindness and respect for both animals and humans. Here’s our favorite activity:
Read Hey Little Ant on Novel Effect
Have students use the magnifying glass sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can use the sticker to explain how the illustrations in the book may portray a different message. than the words.
Grumpy Monkey
In “Grumpy Monkey,” Suzanne and Max Lang bring hilarity and levity to this very important lesson on emotional literacy, demonstrating to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings. This is a great lesson for any time of the year, and here is our favorite activity:
Read Grumpy Monkey on Novel Effect
Have students use the Grumpy Monkey sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can use the sticker to explain how the illustrations in the text told a different story than the words.
Mae Among the Stars
Roda Ahmed’s “Mae Among the Stars,” is an inspiration to students to reach for the stars - no pun intended. We love how it encourages girls (specifically) to aspire for the impossible, and to persist with childlike imagination. Here’s our favorite “Mae Among the Stars” activities:
Read “Mae Among the Stars” on Novel Effect
Have students use the astronaut sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can use the draw tool to add planets, stars, etc. Or, students can add stickers like a rocket!
Have the students retell the story as an astronaut!
Duck! Rabbit!
Amy Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld’s, “Duck! Rabbit!” has a clever take on the age-old optical illusion: is it a duck or a rabbit? Depends on how you look at it! Readers will find more than just humor here; there's also a subtle lesson for kids who don't know when to let go of an argument. Here’s our favorite “Duck! Rabbit!” activity:
Read “Duck! Rabbit!” on Novel Effect
Have students use the Duck Rabbit sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can use the draw tool to add a duck bill or rabbit ears to share their opinion on whether the image is a duck or a rabbit
Have students watch the other responses and see if another student can convince them otherwise!
Click here to download the Duck Rabbit sticker
The Oldest Student
Rita Hubbard and Oge Mora’s “The Oldest Student” is based on the true life story of Mary Walker. Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! Mary, the nation's oldest student, did just that. We love this story for so many reasons and it can be used in lots of different ways. Here is just one of our favorite ways to use it:
Read “The Oldest Student” on Novel Effect
Have students use the Grandma Glasses sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can use the sticker to retell the events of the story and Mary Walker’s life!
I Want My Hat Back
Jon Klassen is one of our favorite authors. We love his writing and artistic style. “I Want My Hat Back,” is a take on the classic repetitive tale, but it plays out in sly illustrations laced with visual humor. The reader(s) feels to be in on the joke, as the bear frantically looks back to find his beloved hat. Here’s our favorite activity:
Read “I Want My Hat Back” on Novel Effect
Have students use the red hat sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can use the sticker to retell the sequence of events in the story!
This is Not My Hat
In part 2 of Klassen’s series, the hat series takes a bit of a twist. This time, we follow the character who deliberately took a hat from its owner. The character is confident, perhaps overly confident, which leads him into trouble. We really enjoy reading this book after “I Want My Hat Back.” This allows us to complete this activity:
Read “This is Not My Hat” on Novel Effect
Have students use the tiny hat sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can use the sticker to compare / contrast “I Want My Hat Back” and “This is Not My Hat.”
Are You Scared Darth Vader?
In Adam Rex’s “Are You Scared Darth Vader,” nothing can scare Lord Vader! Not monsters or witches or ghosts, and especially not the dark. So what is Darth Vader scared of? A surprise at the end, that’s for sure! If you’re a Star Wars fan - or have kids that are, then this book is for you! Here’s our favorite activity:
Read “Are You Scared Darth Vader” on Novel Effect
Have students use the Darth Vader sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Students can use the sticker to recreate the ending of the story: What else do you think Darth Vader might be scared of?
Those Shoes
In Maribeth Boelts’ “Those Shoes,” Jeremy desperately wants a pair of popular shoes. However, he soon sees that the things he has -- warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend -- are worth more than the things he wants. Here’s our favorite activity:
Read “Those Shoes” on Novel Effect
Give each student a copy of the Shoes template (this can also be done virtually on Canva or Adobe Express)
Students design a pair of shoes that they would like to give to a friend
Students share their thoughts in a Microsoft Flip video: “Why would these be perfect for your best friend?”
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist
Eugenie Clark devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname "Shark Lady." Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to. This book by Jess Keating walks through those accomplishments! Here’s our favorite activity:
Read “Shark Lady” on Novel Effect
Have students use the underwater, mask and shark fin sticker sticker in a Microsoft Flip video
Layering is important for this to look correct. The underwater scene must be in the back. The next layer should be the mask - but if students place the mask layer in the back (behind the underwater scene) - it won’t look right.
Students can use the stickers to explain some of Eugenie Clark’s accomplishments
The Day the Crayons Quit
This classroom favorite from Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers features crayons that are feeling overworked and exhausted. What can the main character, Duncan, possibly do to appease all of the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best? We love spreading this book out over several days to talk about persuasion. One of our favorite activities uses trading cards made by the students for each character. Here’s the activity:
Read “The Day the Crayons Quit” on Novel Effect
Give each student a copy of the trading card template
Students select crayons of their choice and decorate the cards as they see fit
On the “level” section of the cards, students can rate each crayon on a scale of how persuasive was the color was in the story (1 being the lowest, 10 being the highest)
Students can save their work, then upload it to Seesaw!
Download all of our stickers!
Love what you see, but don’t want to have to download each sticker one-by-one? We’ve got you covered! Click here or the button below to download every Flip sticker from our activities above!
-- Please follow us on social media and tag us with how you’re using Novel Effect or these activities in your classroom! 👓👗
For more tips, tricks and lesson ideas for making learning more interACTIVE, check out our books The InterACTIVE Class and Flipgrid in the InterACTIVE Class on Amazon!
Connect, Create and Communicate with Seesaw
Learn how Seesaw can help you connect families, encourage creation with your students, and communicate what is happening in the classroom! We’ve included some ⚡️FREEBIES⚡️ and even walk you through how to print your own class shirt using Seesaw creativity!
Using Seesaw is the easiest way to connect the daily learning happening in the classroom with families at home. Whether you’re using Seesaw as a “house” for your student’s content or as a creation tool, this app has plenty of amazing abilities. In this blog post, we’ll cover how to connect families, how to teach students how to use Seesaw, new Seesaw features and more! Click on any subheading image below to jump to that section!
🙌🏼 How to Connect your Families to Seesaw 🙌🏼
One of Seesaw’s most powerful features is it’s ability to connect families with what is happening in the classroom. This is done in a safe and secure way. Families can receive an email indicating that there is a new addition to their child’s portfolio, or they can receive a notification if they have the Seesaw Family App installed (click here for the download link). But, if you’re new to Seesaw, here’s a pro-tip: Use it without advertising it for the first month or so of school. This way, you won’t feel the pressure once your families are invited and you’ll already be comfortable with the platform. Here’s how to get your families connected:
Log into your class on Seesaw and then click on the gear icon (top right)
A new window will pop open. Click on Families
Enter the email addresses of your family members, then click invite!
You can also print out invitations or share an invite link, but we find that the above method gets our families connected easiest!
🎨🖌️ Teaching Students How to Use Seesaw’s Features 🎨🖌️
Seesaw is much more than just a portfolio app. Students have the ability to create right from the app with lots of key features. Our favorite way to teach students the basic features is to have them create what we call a “Seesaw Selfie,” or a self portrait of themselves. The kids can use the pen / drawing tools, shapes and more. We even have a ⚡️FREE DOWNLOAD⚡️ of this activity to download by clicking here! To assign this activity, follow the steps below.
Download the activity by clicking the link here.
Log onto your Seesaw class and assign the activity!
✌🏼😀 Customized Student Avatar in Seesaw 😀✌🏼
While we love the Seesaw emoji’s that are automatically assigned to students, we’ve noticed that personalized customization helps students find their profiles much quicker. So, we use our “Seesaw Selfie” activity (see above, or click here)! Students create their own Seesaw self portrait, which you (the educator) can turn around and download. After you’ve downloaded the “selfie,” you can upload it to change out the Seesaw emojis. This gets students on quicker. Here’s how it all works:
Assign your students the “Seesaw Selfie” activity (download it here)
Select a student, then click the three dots in the Seesaw Selfie assignment.
Click Save.
This will automatically download the Seesaw Selfie image. Unfortunately, there is no way to do this for the entire class all at once (if you know of a way to do so, please let us know!). So you’ll have to go one-by-one. The next step is to upload the Selfie as their profile avatar. Here’s how to do that:
(Click on the arrow in the image below to see a step-by-step)
Once students have submitted their work, click the gear icon on the top right of the educators dashboard.
Click “Manage Students” in the new pop up window.
Next, select the student that you wish to edit.
In the next window, click “Icon.”
A new pop up will open with the Seesaw emojis. Click “Use Photo” located at the bottom.
Upload the downloaded Seesaw Selfie from the student by clicking “Upload Image,” then click “Set Icon” to save!
Once you’re done, you may not want to delete all of those selfies! Be sure to check out how we used all of our class selfies to design a class t-shirt! All the info is below!
🤔 How to Create a Student Choice Board in Seesaw 🤔
So now you have your students on Seesaw and they’re starting to learn the in’s and out’s of the application. But the fun doesn’t have to stop there! You grab instant engagement by turning any of your centers or assignments into Student Choice Boards. These offer different choices for students when completing tasks, but at the end of the day, everyone is completing the same assignment. To create Student Choice Boards on Seesaw, follow the steps below!
(Click on the arrow in the image below to see a step-by-step)
Click the Add button.
Click Assign Activity.
Under My Library, click Create New Activity.
Add an Activity Name and then enter instructions. Next, click Add Multimedia Instructions or Example.
In the following window, click “Drawing.”
You can add images by clicking the Camera icon, then click Upload.
To hyperlink something, click on the three dots. Then, click “Link,” and enter your URL. Tip: You can link outside of Seesaw! Try linking to Flip, Nearpod and more!
Save your Choice Board and click “Assign” to assign it to your students!
🗣️ Adding Audio Captions on Seesaw: A Hidden Seesaw Feature!
There’s a well hidden feature in Seesaw that might be one of our favorites: Adding Audio Captions! This is PERFECT when working with littles who may have a difficult time typing out their thinking. To enable this feature, follow these steps:
From an activity, click on the Caption icon.
Click “Record Voice.” Doing so will launch the audio recorder, so be ready to speak!
Click the green Done button to stop the recording.
Now your students have the ability to express their thinking by explaining their thoughts - all in just several clicks!
📲 Using Messages on Seesaw 📲
A new feature is heading into Seesaw: Messages. With Messages, teachers manage the student and family experience. Admin and teachers are able to block and remove messages, and students can only message one another with teacher supervision. We love the ability to open new possibilities here, but the best part of all of this comes with communicating with families. With Messages, you will be able to translate messages to families into over 100 languages, which will provide read receipts (so you know when they see it)! To learn more about Messages, watch the video below!
🗃️ Create Hints or Pull Tabs in Seesaw 🗃️
This idea comes from our good friend Kris Szajner, the Curriculum Manager at Seesaw. In the video below, Krist demonstrates how to create hints or tabs that students can pull out on Seesaw assignments. Check it out below!
👕 How to Create Seesaw Selfie Class Shirts! 👕
Remember that Seesaw Selfie activity? Well, what the kids didn’t know was that we planned to take their creations and add them all together to make a class shirt. We do this every year, and we wear them on spirit days. It’s a great way for students to learn about community and how their work can go beyond the four walls of the classroom. Check out a shirt that Joe designed with his co-teacher!
The shirt can be designed on anything, but we recommend a program like Canva or Adobe Express to guarantee that your design will have the necessary requirements. Just search for “shirt design” on either of those platforms and you’ll be able to find a template. The best part of all is that once you finished your design, the hard part is over! You will not have to collect any money or write down shirt sizes. Your families at home will do all of that! So, once you have downloaded all of your Seesaw Selfies and designed your class shirt, follow the next steps to have them printed.
(Click on the arrow in the image below to see a step-by-step)
(Note, there are other options to do have shirts printed, but this is a method that we have found to work best for us)
Head over to Spring (click here) and create an account.
Click Apparel, then select Kids and Babies. Note: you can also create a separate listing for adult sizes (order one for yourself or if your families at home would like one)!
Next, upload your shirt design (that you created in Canva or Adobe Express) by clicking Add Image.
Be sure to choose several product colors. This will allow your students and families to select from different shirt color options when purchasing. Tip: Be sure to check your artwork to make sure it looks good on the colors you’ve selected before continuing!
Now, set the price. We are NOT trying to make a profit on these, so we drop the price as low as Spring will allow it to go (you will need to edit the numbers based on your design). You will also need to do the same in for prices in the EU (this is mandatory, even if you are only selling domestically). Once you have it set as low as possible, click Continue!
Enter a title and description for your shirt and then follow the steps to complete your listing. Once you have everything completed, your shirts are ready for purchase! Repeat the steps above to create options for adult sizes or other products (like hoodies!).
-- Let us know if you’re using Seesaw or any of these ideas in your classroom! Be sure to follow us on social media (@TheMerrillsEDU everywhere) and tag us! 👓👗
For more tips, tricks and lesson ideas for making learning more interACTIVE, check out our books The InterACTIVE Class and Flipgrid in the InterACTIVE Class on Amazon!
InterACTIVE May the 4th Activities!
@TheMerrillsEDU share interACTIVE activities for May the 4th, aka Star Wars Day. Check out recommended books, a Star Wars video production app, Seesaw activities, Flipgrid Photo Stickers and resources from @Erintegration!
Star Wars Day, May 4, celebrates George Lucas's Star Wars media franchise. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase "May the Force be with you" as "May the Fourth be with you." Both educators and students can get in on the fun, here. In this blog post, you’ll learn about some of our favorite books and activities!
(Click on any subheading to jump to that section)
May the 4th Books
Here are some of our favorite books to tie into May the 4th!
Are You Scarred Darth Vader is our personal favorite May the 4th book. Written and illustrated by Adam Rex (Illustrator of The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors), this kid friendly book proves that Darth Vader is in fact afraid of something!
From Amazon.com:
It's midnight and the moon is full, but Darth Vader isn't scared. OF COURSE I AM NOT SCARED. Nothing can scare Lord Vader! CORRECT. Not monsters or witches or ghosts, and especially not the dark. So what is Darth Vader scared of? Read on in Adam Rex's hilarious and spooky Star Wars tale to find out! YOU WILL LEARN NOTHING.
Star Wars Series from Jeffrey Brown
Darth Vader and Friends is a clever and kid friendly graphic novel styled book that explains the importance of friendships in short adventures. Something to note: This book is relatively small in size / dimension (approx. 6x6).
From Amazon.com: In this funny and sweet new book in the bestselling Darth Vader™ series, Eisner Award–winning author Jeffrey Brown offers an intimate look at the friendships between best pals in the Star Wars universe, from Darth Vader and the Emperor to Leia and her Ewok pals, Han and Chewie, C-3PO and R2-D2, the bounty hunters, and other favorite characters. Jealousy, birthday parties, lightsaber battles, sharing, intergalactic rebellion and more all come into play as Brown's charming illustrations and humor irresistibly combine the adventures of our friends in a galaxy far, far away with everyday events closer to home.
Darth Vader and Son is a graphic novel styled book that shares the (humorous) struggle of parenting Darth Vader experiences while trying to raise Luke Skywalker. Something to note: This book is relatively small in size / dimension (approx. 6x6).
From Amazon.com: What if Darth Vader took an active role in raising his son? What if "Luke, I am your father" was just a stern admonishment from an annoyed dad? In this hilarious and sweet Star Wars® comics reimagining, Darth Vader is a dad like any other—except with all the baggage of being the Dark Lord of the Sith. Celebrated artist Jeffrey Brown's delightful illustrations give classic Star Wars® moments a fresh parenting books twist, presenting the trials and joys of parenting through the lens of a galaxy far, far away. Life lessons include lightsaber batting practice, using the Force to raid the cookie jar, Take Your Child to Work Day on the Death Star ("Er, he looks just like you, Lord Vader!"), and the special bond shared between any father and son. It's a great option for baby shower gifts, especially for the expectant father. Darth Vader and Son is a Star Wars® book that makes a great gift or a just because purchase for yourself!
Goodnight, Darth Vader is a graphic novel styled book that (humorously) explains Darth Vader’s struggle with trying to get Luke and Leia to bed. There always appears to be something that comes up! Something to note: This book is relatively small in size / dimension (approx. 6x6).
From Amazon.com: It's time for a Star Wars bedtime story in a galaxy far, far away, and Darth Vader's parenting skills are tested anew in this delightful follow-up to the breakout New York Times Star Wars books bestsellers Darth Vader™ and Son and Vader's™ Little Princess. In this Episode, the Sith Lord must soothe his rambunctious twins, Luke and Leia—who are not ready to sleep and who insist on a story. As Vader reads, the book looks in on favorite creatures, droids, and characters, such as Yoda, R2-D2, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Darth Maul, Admiral Ackbar, Boba Fett, and many others as they tuck in, yawn, and settle down to dream. As ever, Jeffrey Brown's charming illustrations and humor glow throughout, playing on children's book conventions to enchant adults and kids alike. This Star Wars makes a fun, unique pregnancy gift, a new Dad gift, or funny new parent gift!
May the 4th Action Movie FX App (iOS Only)
Action Movie FX uses your surroundings and adds in video FX. There are several Star Wars effects - all of which are a ton of fun! The app itself is free to download, but requires additional purchases. At the time of writing this post (4/29/21), the developers offered a sale: SAVE nearly 80% on the MEGA FX PACK and get 20 BLOCKBUSTER FX for $1.99 USD. We obviously think it’s worth it! We use this app to launch May the 4th activities. Record the video(s), then upload to Flipgrid for student responses. The files can also be saved as Gif’s, too! Here are some of the video FX included and a link to download the app:
Take on a Sith or Jedi! Can your students help save you from doom?
Run away from Darth Vader!
Put yourself right into the middle of an epic battle!
Run away from an incoming AT-AT!
Have BB-8 get in on the fun!
May the 4th Flipgrid Photo Sticker Activity
Customizable Flipgrid Photo Stickers are all the rage right now. With our frame (linked above), you can easily become Darth Vader in a Flipgrid video! After you’ve downloaded the file linked above, follow these steps to use the Photo Sticker:
Open up your Flipgrid Topic (or Shorts Camera).
Once the camera opens, click “Effects.” This opens several options.
Click “Photo.”
Upload your Spark file that you created.
Once it appears in the Flipgrid Shorts camera, resize it appropriately. Now you’re ready to record!
We use this as an extension for the books listed above!
May the 4th Build a Droid Seesaw Activity
Here’s a fun activity for littles! Use the built in shapes in Seesaw to design your own droid! Download the activity by clicking below and check out a student example!
To add this into your Seesaw Library, click the download button below!
May the 4th: Caption This Activity!
Here’s a fun activity where your students become screen writers! Have your students add the captions to the slide deck below. Click the button to download a copy for yourself!
May the 4th: Pixel Art Activity
Our friend Erin Flanagan has been creating quality resources for many years. Her May the 4th activities don’t disappoint! Students can use either Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel to create May the 4th inspired pixel art. There’s an option for addition & subtraction or multiplcation. There’s also a Google Slides activity where your students can create characters using shapes. Check out Erin’s TPT store and be sure to follow her on social media!
-- Please follow us on social media and tag us with how you’re using May the 4th activities in your classroom! 👓👗
For more tips, tricks and lesson ideas for making learning more interACTIVE, check out our books The InterACTIVE Class and Flipgrid in the InterACTIVE Class on Amazon!
20 Apps that Work with Flipgrid
There’s no question that Flipgrid is one of our favorite Ed Tech tools. One of the best parts about Flipgrid is just how well it integrates with other apps. Whether you’re app smashing, embedding, or just simply adding a link, here are 20 apps that work well with Flipgrid.
There’s no question that Flipgrid is one of our favorite Ed Tech tools. One of the best parts about Flipgrid is just how well it integrates with other apps. Whether you’re app smashing, embedding, or just simply adding a link, here are 20 apps that work well with Flipgrid.
Click on any image to jump to that section, or start reading below!
1. Adobe Spark
Create images, video, and webpages
Link 👉 https://spark.adobe.com/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Design a podcast cover in Spark, then save it and upload it to Flipgrid. Record your podcast in Flipgrid!
Create a Spark page, then copy the link. Share the link in a Flipgrid response
Create a Spark video and download it. Then, upload it to Flipgrid!
2. BreakoutEDU
Engaging gamification for the classroom
Link 👉 https://www.breakoutedu.com/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Have your students complete a Breakout challenge, then have them answer follow-up questions on Flipgrid
Use different videos for different puzzles, then have students respond to the appropriate puzzle’s video
3. Book Creator
A simple way to create digital books online
Link 👉 https://bookcreator.com/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Create a collaborative class book, then embed a Flipgrid topic into the book. As your students read the book, they can add their thoughts into the topic.
Create a book on Book Creator, then share the link in a Flipgrid video.
4. Buncee
Create and share engaging content
Link 👉 https://app.edu.buncee.com/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Create a Buncee that ties into a text, then have your students answer several follow-up questions on Flipgrid.
Create a Bitmoji classroom, then share the Buncee as a Topic Resource. This will add your Buncee Bitmoji classroom to the top of the Flipgrid Topic
Create a Flipgrid Topic and record a video as a student in that topic. Ask your students to solve some type of challenge. Then, from the Flipgrid educators dashboard, add a Buncee that hyperlinks to another Buncee. This Buncee should somehow tie into your video challenge, and can be used as a breakout or a way to access different “rooms.”
5. Canvas
Learning management system
Link 👉 https://www.instructure.com/canvas/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
From the Flipgrid Educator’s Dashboard, select a Topic or Group. Click the blue “Share” button, then click on the blue brackets symbol (</>) to copy the embed code. On a Canvas page, click on the “Edit/Insert Media” button. Next, click on “Embed,” and then paste the copied Flipgrid code. Click “Ok” to embed your Flipgrid content directly into the Canvas page!
6. Chatterpix Kids
Easily animate still images
Link 👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chatterpix-kids/id734046126
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
In the Chatterpix Kids app, animate a character from a story by explaining the characters’ feelings, or experience. Export your Chatterpix video, then upload it into Flipgrid as a clip.
Bring historical figures to life by animating them in Chatterpix Kids and exporting the video to your device’s camera roll. Then, upload it to Flipgrid and have your students watch their classmates videos and respond accordingly.
7. (Apple) Clips
Simple and easy video editor
Link 👉 https://www.apple.com/clips/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Record a video in Clips to launch an exciting lesson. Download the Clips video to your camera roll, then upload it to a Flipgrid topic to share with your students.
In Clips, camera shy students can add a Memoji and place it over their face while they record. Once their video is ready, have them export the video to their camera roll. Then, upload it to Flipgrid to share!
8. Do Ink Green Screen
Primary friendly green screen app
Link 👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/green-screen-by-do-ink/id730091131
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Buy several green plastic table cloths from the Dollar Store, then hang them around your classroom. In the Do Ink app, have your students place themselves into a text. Add an image to the middle layer in Do Ink, then on the top layer have them use the live video camera (while they stand in front of the green screen). Export the video, then upload it to Flipgrid to share with other classmates!
9. Epic Reading App
The Netflix of books for kids
Link 👉 https://www.getepic.com/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Create a class in Epic, then assign differentiated texts to your students. In the Flipgrid Educator’s Dashboard, create a Flipgrid Topic where the students can retell the story that they read. Add the links to the assigned Epic books into the Topic.
Have your students use Flipgrid’s screen record to share important parts of a book from Epic that they learned from. This could include a scavenger hunt for: text features, phonograms, compound words, etc.
10. Genially
Create interactive content
Link 👉 https://www.genial.ly/en
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Embed a Genially project as a Flipgrid resource, then have your students maneuver their way through the project. Have them answer questions in a Flipgrid video.
Have your students design their own projects on Genially, then share their links in a Flipgrid video. Fellow classmates can view their classmates Genially projects, then leave feedback on Flipgrid.
11. Herstory
Bring forgotten stories of women to life
Link 👉 https://www.lessonsinherstory.com/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
From the Herstory app, have your students save an image to their camera roll. Then on Flipgrid, have them upload the image as a sticker in the Flipgrid camera. Students can move the image appropriately, then explain what they learned in a video.
12. Nearpod
Classroom management and presentation
Link 👉 http://www.nearpod.com
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Embed a Flipgrid Topic or Group right into your Nearpod presentations
Add a Nearpod link to your Flipgrid Topics
13. Newsela
School-aged articles appropriate for all levels
Link 👉 https://newsela.com/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Assign an article to your students in Newsela, then have them answer several questions on a Flipgrid Topic.
Create a Flipgrid Topic and attach a Newsela link. Have your students read the article, then respond accordingly.
14. Seesaw
Digital Portfolios and Family Communication
Link 👉 https://web.seesaw.me/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
From the Flipgrid Educator’s Dashboard, select a student’s video response. Click on the share button to copy the video’s URL. On the Seesaw Educator’s Dashboard, add the video as a link to share with families.
Have students create a video in Flipgrid, then download the video to their device. Upload it to Seesaw to share with their teacher and family.
15. Microsoft’s Sway
Simple and Efficient Web Pages
Link 👉 https://sway.office.com/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Use Flipgrid to document the writing process. Type out the writing into a Word Document, then transform it to a Sway. Share final Sway product on Flipgrid so that classmates can see.
Use Flipgrid as a collaborative tool for students to discuss how to create / design their group Sway. Once the product is finalized, share it back on Flipgrid for the world to see!
16. Microsoft’s Teams
The “House” for All of Your Content
Link 👉 https://www.microsoft.com/en-ww/microsoft-365/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Add Flipgrid as a tab in a Teams channel
Add Flipgrid in a Teams conversation
17. TextingStory
Create Fake Texting Threads
Link 👉 https://textingstory.com/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Launch the TextingStory app, then re-create a conversation between two characters from a text. Export the video, then upload it to Flipgrid to share.
Alter a section of a story by recreating a conversation between two characters. Export the video, then upload it to Flipgrid to share.
18. ThingLink
Add Video and Text to Images
Link 👉 https://www.thinglink.com/app/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Create a ThingLink project and add it as a Flipgrid Topic’s resource.
Use Flipgrid’s built-in screen recorder to record a ThingLink project.
19. Wakelet
Save, Organize and Share Content
Link 👉 https://wakelet.com/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
From a Wakelet collection, record a Flipgrid video. Then, share the Wakelet collection with your students.
Create a collaborative Wakelet collection and hyperlink a Flipgrid topic. Students can collaborate, then share their final answers on Flipgrid.
20. Wonderopolis
Higher Level Questioning
Link 👉 https://wonderopolis.org/
Ways to Use with Flipgrid:
Add a Wonderopolis article to a Flipgrid Topic’s resource or directly into the prompt.
Have students discuss their opinions after reading a Wonderopolis article.
Stay #interACTIVE!
-👗➕🕶️
For more tips, tricks and lesson ideas for making learning more interACTIVE, check out our books The InterACTIVE Class and Flipgrid in the InterACTIVE Class on Amazon!
What's New in Seesaw (Summer 2020 Edition)!
Seesaw recently announced a new set of updates! Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and how it will all works!
Seesaw has announced another round of new updates. Here’s what’s new!
(Click on any subheading below to jump to that section)
Add Video to the Canvas
Now, you can add a video to the Seesaw canvas !
Record with the Seesaw video recorder or upload a video!
Now, you can add a video to the Seesaw canvas! You can record a video directly in the Seesaw video recorder, or upload a video.
Click on the green plus sign
Click “Post Student Work”
Record or Upload your video!
Tip: to move your video, or resize, you will need to click on the three dots to “unlock” your video. After you click the three dots, a drop down menu appears. Click on “Unlock.” Then, you can move it anywhere on the canvas that you choose.
If you’ve started off with a “Drawing” canvas, you can always add the video in later. To do so, click on camera icon. Then, you can choose to record a video or upload one from your device. You also have the ability to take a photo to insert!
Now, you can add other features to go along with your video. For example, you can leave a place for students to show their thinking. Some things to note:
Users can only add one video per page
If you’re recording using the Seesaw video app, you have 5 minutes of recording time.
If you’re uploading to Seesaw, you the file limit is 250mb.
(For larger videos, upload your video to a video hosting site and link to it through Seesaw)
Include Multiple Links in Seesaw
Now you have the ability to integrate resources from around the web!
Seesaw users now have the ability to add multiple links on a Seesaw canvas page! You can add a link to any:
Picture
Shape
Label
To add links, select the item you wish to hyperlink. Make sure you are using the Crop Tool (on the bottom tool bar - all the way to the left). Click on the three dots, then click on “Unlock.” From here, you can resize or move your item. Once you have the item in place, click on the three dots again. This time, click on “Link.” Add your hyperlink, and now that item will have a chain (link) icon appear next to it. This lets your students know that they can click on it for additional content.
All users (free and paid accounts) have the ability to add multiple links onto a Seesaw canvas page.
If your school / district has access to the paid version of Seesaw, you can link between pages on a multipage post. So, you would have the ability to hyperlink from one page to another page in the same assignment.
Note: Links will take students outside of Seesaw. So, be sure you’ve double checked your links to make sure they are directing the students to the proper URL.
Using the Draw and Record Tools Across Seesaw Pages
Drawing and recording across multiple Seesaw pages is a paid feature that requires Seesaw Plus or Seesaw for Schools.
All students can use the drawing and recording feature(s) on one page. This capability is available on all versions of Seesaw. But with Seesaw Plus or Seesaw for Schools, students can use the drawing and record features across all pages of a multipage post.
So, if you have an assignment that spans out multiple pages, your students will have the ability to use these features on every page of the assignment / post.
Viewing Enhanced Posts in Seesaw
Seesaw has enhanced how users view and interact with content.
With video and multiple links added, Seesaw has enhanced how users view and interact with content. All videos and links are clickable on posts. Additionally, if you are using a Seesaw Plus or Seesaw for Schools (paid) account, multipage recordings are playable on posts.
On mobile devices, users are able to view video in portrait, landscape, or full screen viewing.
Stay tuned for ways to use all of these new features in the classroom soon! 🙌🏻
Stay interACTIVE!
~👗➕👓
For more interACTIVE ideas to use when integrating technology into the classroom, check out our book, The InterACTIVE Class.
