As the school year ends, it’s important to organize, celebrate, and plan for the summer session efficiently. Recognized as a go-to resource for teachers, especially following the COVID pandemic, Google Workspace offers a robust set of tools tailored education. This suite is designed to support and enhance what both teachers and students can do to enrich educational experiences. Here’s a guide to prepare for a summer of growth and learning using these dynamic tools.
1. Encourage reflection with Google Docs
For a reflective end-of-year activity, have students write essays on their growth over the school year and share them with you for feedback.
2. Keep track of important dates with Google Calendar
Set reminders for assignments and schedule virtual meetings with students. Use it to plan summer school sessions and set deadlines for summer assignments to ensure smooth transitions.
3. Use Google Drawing to brainstorm summer plans
Google display technology makes learning dynamic and engaging. Use Google Drawing to brainstorm students’ summer learning goals or what they want to achieve during the break.
4. Assist students with different learning abilities using Reading Mode
Minimize distractions from images and videos with Reading Mode (sometimes referred to as Reader Mode) so students focus only on text. A great tool for summer session programs for students who need extra support.
5. Encourage students to use Google Keep for note-taking
Students can capture their thoughts, create checklists, and record voice memos. Have them organize their summer learning activities and track progress with Google Keep.
6. Create end-of-the-year surveys with Google Forms
Collect feedback or assess student understanding quickly. Design a survey to gather students’ interests for potential summer school projects and tailor the curriculum accordingly.
7. Teach students to organize data with Google Sheets
Perform calculations and visualize information with charts and graphs. Have students log their daily reading or practice activities and visualize their consistency with a graph during the summer.
8. Use Google Slides to make visually appealing presentations
Integrate videos, diagrams, and animations to capture students’ attention. Assign a summer project that culminates in a Google Slides presentation to be shared when school resumes.
9. Use Google Meet for virtual classes and meetings
Its integration with Classroom makes it seamless to start a meeting. Organize weekly check-ins for summer school students to discuss their projects and stay engaged.
10. Prepare your Google Drive for the summer by archiving projects
Organize your digital space to ensure a smooth transition into summer! Encourage students to create a folder to preserve their favorite digital projects from the year.
These tips are designed to help you and your students transition smoothly into the summer, keeping the momentum of learning going while also celebrating the year’s successes. By integrating Google tools, create a more immersive and interactive learning experience, even as you wrap up the school year.
Looking for extra support with Google tools and apps? EOS Education by Boxlight offers a range of courses to utilize Google Workspace for Education. Learn more here: Google PD.