1. YOU TUBE www.keepvid.com
Chances are you have probably shown a YouTube video or two to your classes, but do you find yourself becoming aggravated with the firewalls in the school, the slow internet connection, the site going down, the inappropriate ads, or your favorite video being taken down from the site altogether? If so, that problem can be solved by simply downloading the videos to your computer, or a flash drive.
There are many different sites available to help you download your favorite YouTube videos to your computer. Keepvid is a great site that is easy to use. Simply go to the site above and follow the prompts. When downloading a video you will do the following:
1.Go to YouTube and pull up the video that you want to download.
2.Copy the link.
3.Go to keepvid and copy the link and click download.
4. You will be given many download options. Be sure to choose MP4 (max 480p), or MP4 (max 720p) (The higher number is generally a higher quality.)
5.Once the video is downloaded to your computer, name it and save it either to a flash drive, or the desired folder on your desktop.
**If you are having trouble using Keepvid, another good site to use is www.savefromnet.com
All you are required to do is go to youtube and type "ss" right after the www .
Example: https://www.ssyoutube.com/watch?v=BfuN5lypaII
Once you hit enter, you will be redirected to the "SaveFromNet" site and you will follow the prompts to continue the download.
There is no need to download any software for this site.
YouTube is a great resource to use in your classroom. In a society where most teens spend the majority of their time making and watching videos, YouTube is a fantastic way to keep their attention and to help them retain information.
Are you teaching the food unit and trying to explain the difference between a crêpe and a pancake? Search for “crêpe stand in Paris” and you will be met with an array of videos of how crêpes are made. Are your students having trouble remembering irregular verbs, or regular verb endings? Search for songs, such as IR verb song in French, or AR verb song in Spanish etc. There is a video out there for just about every topic you will teach. By downloading the video you have more control of the content and easier access.
2. QR CODE QUEST/SCAVENGER HUNT www.qrstuff.com
Turn a boring grammar/vocabulary lesson/worksheet into a fun and interactive activity that students will love.
Students will need a tablet, smartphone, or an iPod touch. There is no need for every student to have a device. Depending on your groupings, you may only need 5/6 students to bring a smartphone,tablet etc. If you are requiring students to bring their own devices, check these devices a day, or two beforehand to be sure that they have the QR reader app.
Go to qrstuff.com to create a QR code. Your QR code can be linked to a website, or can be text based if you don’t want to have to worry about internet access. The QR codes that you make can be downloaded and saved to your computer. They can also be printed. Each QR code should have a specific task for students to do i.e. conjugating verbs, vocabulary review, etc. The possibilities are endless. Post your QR codes around the school and send students out in small groups. Within your QR code be sure to give directions as to where the group should go next and include the task as well.
It’s a good idea to have two separate quests, so that you can send two groups out at a time. For the groups in the room, post QR codes around the classroom and have students work on those. Give students a worksheet to record their answers. This way it will be easy to grade and go over and you will be able to assess whether, or not the tasks were completed correctly.
Students love this activity because it gets them up and moving, however their favorite part is to be able to walk around the school, find the QR codes and scan them.
*Don't forget to let your principal know that you are doing this activity so that he/she is aware that students will be walking around the building during class.
3. FLIPPITY www.flippity.net
Flippity is a Google Spreadsheet conversion tool that creates online flashcards, or a jeopardy type game in an instant. This is NOT an iPad app, but rather a web tool that can be accessed on a PC, MAC or mobile device. If you are going to create a flippity, you must have a Google account. The best thing about it is that it keeps score right on the screen and it is very easy to use and modify. You can have up to six teams for each game. Give a white board, marker and eraser to each team. Rotate which team chooses the question. Each team can work together to answer the questions and points will be awarded for correct answers.
The directions on the website are very easy to follow, but there are a few highlights that you should always keep in mind when using it:
1. Make sure to use the exact same format for inserting images and video clips or it will not work.
2. When looking for images (and they must be from the web), be sure to use links that end in .pgn, .gif or ,jpeg. Click on view image to ensure that the link does not take you to a website.
*This game requires the use of a projector.
If you, or your students have access to tablets, rather than making it a whole class game, you can break students into groups, give each group a tablet and have them compete against each other.
Chances are you have probably shown a YouTube video or two to your classes, but do you find yourself becoming aggravated with the firewalls in the school, the slow internet connection, the site going down, the inappropriate ads, or your favorite video being taken down from the site altogether? If so, that problem can be solved by simply downloading the videos to your computer, or a flash drive.
There are many different sites available to help you download your favorite YouTube videos to your computer. Keepvid is a great site that is easy to use. Simply go to the site above and follow the prompts. When downloading a video you will do the following:
1.Go to YouTube and pull up the video that you want to download.
2.Copy the link.
3.Go to keepvid and copy the link and click download.
4. You will be given many download options. Be sure to choose MP4 (max 480p), or MP4 (max 720p) (The higher number is generally a higher quality.)
5.Once the video is downloaded to your computer, name it and save it either to a flash drive, or the desired folder on your desktop.
**If you are having trouble using Keepvid, another good site to use is www.savefromnet.com
All you are required to do is go to youtube and type "ss" right after the www .
Example: https://www.ssyoutube.com/watch?v=BfuN5lypaII
Once you hit enter, you will be redirected to the "SaveFromNet" site and you will follow the prompts to continue the download.
There is no need to download any software for this site.
YouTube is a great resource to use in your classroom. In a society where most teens spend the majority of their time making and watching videos, YouTube is a fantastic way to keep their attention and to help them retain information.
Are you teaching the food unit and trying to explain the difference between a crêpe and a pancake? Search for “crêpe stand in Paris” and you will be met with an array of videos of how crêpes are made. Are your students having trouble remembering irregular verbs, or regular verb endings? Search for songs, such as IR verb song in French, or AR verb song in Spanish etc. There is a video out there for just about every topic you will teach. By downloading the video you have more control of the content and easier access.
2. QR CODE QUEST/SCAVENGER HUNT www.qrstuff.com
Turn a boring grammar/vocabulary lesson/worksheet into a fun and interactive activity that students will love.
Students will need a tablet, smartphone, or an iPod touch. There is no need for every student to have a device. Depending on your groupings, you may only need 5/6 students to bring a smartphone,tablet etc. If you are requiring students to bring their own devices, check these devices a day, or two beforehand to be sure that they have the QR reader app.
Go to qrstuff.com to create a QR code. Your QR code can be linked to a website, or can be text based if you don’t want to have to worry about internet access. The QR codes that you make can be downloaded and saved to your computer. They can also be printed. Each QR code should have a specific task for students to do i.e. conjugating verbs, vocabulary review, etc. The possibilities are endless. Post your QR codes around the school and send students out in small groups. Within your QR code be sure to give directions as to where the group should go next and include the task as well.
It’s a good idea to have two separate quests, so that you can send two groups out at a time. For the groups in the room, post QR codes around the classroom and have students work on those. Give students a worksheet to record their answers. This way it will be easy to grade and go over and you will be able to assess whether, or not the tasks were completed correctly.
Students love this activity because it gets them up and moving, however their favorite part is to be able to walk around the school, find the QR codes and scan them.
*Don't forget to let your principal know that you are doing this activity so that he/she is aware that students will be walking around the building during class.
3. FLIPPITY www.flippity.net
Flippity is a Google Spreadsheet conversion tool that creates online flashcards, or a jeopardy type game in an instant. This is NOT an iPad app, but rather a web tool that can be accessed on a PC, MAC or mobile device. If you are going to create a flippity, you must have a Google account. The best thing about it is that it keeps score right on the screen and it is very easy to use and modify. You can have up to six teams for each game. Give a white board, marker and eraser to each team. Rotate which team chooses the question. Each team can work together to answer the questions and points will be awarded for correct answers.
The directions on the website are very easy to follow, but there are a few highlights that you should always keep in mind when using it:
1. Make sure to use the exact same format for inserting images and video clips or it will not work.
2. When looking for images (and they must be from the web), be sure to use links that end in .pgn, .gif or ,jpeg. Click on view image to ensure that the link does not take you to a website.
*This game requires the use of a projector.
If you, or your students have access to tablets, rather than making it a whole class game, you can break students into groups, give each group a tablet and have them compete against each other.
4. MARIO GAME
The Mario game is the same concept as la bombe/la bomba. The main difference is that the Mario game is an interactive powerpoint. Please see la bombe/la bomba in the No Tech section for a full description of this game. The powerpoint template can be found below in the downloads section.
5. PIRATES GAME
The Pirates game is the same concept as shark attack. The main difference is that the Pirates game is an interactive powerpoint. Please see the Shark Attack in the No Tech section for a full description of this game.
The Mario game is the same concept as la bombe/la bomba. The main difference is that the Mario game is an interactive powerpoint. Please see la bombe/la bomba in the No Tech section for a full description of this game. The powerpoint template can be found below in the downloads section.
5. PIRATES GAME
The Pirates game is the same concept as shark attack. The main difference is that the Pirates game is an interactive powerpoint. Please see the Shark Attack in the No Tech section for a full description of this game.
6. JEOPARDY LABS www.jeopardylabs.com
Jeopardy Labs is a free website where you can create game templates. Once the template is created, the website will give you a web address to access or edit the finished game. Don't have the time to create a game? There are thousands of pre-made games to choose from. Just search for the language and topic to find the game that is right for you! No need for 1:1 devices. All you need for this game is a computer and a projector.
Jeopardy Labs is a free website where you can create game templates. Once the template is created, the website will give you a web address to access or edit the finished game. Don't have the time to create a game? There are thousands of pre-made games to choose from. Just search for the language and topic to find the game that is right for you! No need for 1:1 devices. All you need for this game is a computer and a projector.
7. GOOSECHASE www.goosechase.com
GooseChase is an intense scavenger hunt platform for the masses. You can get the app for free in either the Apple App Store, or in the Google Play store. You can also create an account at www.goosechase.com. The "lite" version has limitations on what you can do, but for the purpose of using it in class, it is not necessary to get the paid version. With the free version, you can make up to five teams for your game. If you would like to have the ability for your students to play individually, you need to get the paid version, which is $500! YIKES!
When you log into the website and create and account, you can create games for your students. You can make many different missions for them in one game. For example: If you are teaching school supply vocabulary, you can create missions (in the target language of course!) for your students to find various school supplies around the room. Don't limit yourself to "Find a pencil." Make it fun and creative! For example some examples missions can include, but are not limited to:
1.Find someone writing with a pencil.
2.Find two blue pens and one black pen.
3. Find someone who is studying.
4. Find both a boy and a girl with a pencil.
Games are quick and easy to create. You will be given the option of password protecting your game. It is recommended that you do this so that when you want to play, nobody except for your students will be able to access your game. This is important since you are limited to five teams.
Each mission you create will be assigned points. You choose the amount of points that each mission is worth. Students complete the mission by taking a picture with their device. For example: If the mission is "Find someone writing with pencil." The students on that team must take a picture of someone writing with a pencil and then submit it. The teacher can track all submissions from his/her computer. *Please note: You MUST be logged into your Goosechase account in order to do this.
If a team turns in an incorrect submission, the teacher may delete it and that team loses those points until the mission is completed. If the submission is correct, the teacher leaves it and the team is automatically awarded those points.
You also have the option of making it a timed game if you only want your students playing for a designated length of time.
This is a fun, highly interactive, highly addictive game. Students remain engaged and must work together to complete each mission.
This game is in the mid-tech section because it is not necessary for each student to have a device. You must have between 2-5 devices depending on how you choose to divide your class into teams. Students may use school tablets, iPod touches, or their own devices that they brought with them. All devices must have the Goosechase app installed on them. If you opt to have your students use their own devices, it is recommended that you have them download the app one to two days prior to playing the game.
Before playing the game, each team will be required to create an account in the app (if there isn't already someone in the group that has an account). All they need to do to create an account is put in a username, email and password and voilà, the game is ready to be played.
This game can be as easy or as challenging as you decide. The possibilities are endless. Either way, both you and your students will have fun!
GooseChase is an intense scavenger hunt platform for the masses. You can get the app for free in either the Apple App Store, or in the Google Play store. You can also create an account at www.goosechase.com. The "lite" version has limitations on what you can do, but for the purpose of using it in class, it is not necessary to get the paid version. With the free version, you can make up to five teams for your game. If you would like to have the ability for your students to play individually, you need to get the paid version, which is $500! YIKES!
When you log into the website and create and account, you can create games for your students. You can make many different missions for them in one game. For example: If you are teaching school supply vocabulary, you can create missions (in the target language of course!) for your students to find various school supplies around the room. Don't limit yourself to "Find a pencil." Make it fun and creative! For example some examples missions can include, but are not limited to:
1.Find someone writing with a pencil.
2.Find two blue pens and one black pen.
3. Find someone who is studying.
4. Find both a boy and a girl with a pencil.
Games are quick and easy to create. You will be given the option of password protecting your game. It is recommended that you do this so that when you want to play, nobody except for your students will be able to access your game. This is important since you are limited to five teams.
Each mission you create will be assigned points. You choose the amount of points that each mission is worth. Students complete the mission by taking a picture with their device. For example: If the mission is "Find someone writing with pencil." The students on that team must take a picture of someone writing with a pencil and then submit it. The teacher can track all submissions from his/her computer. *Please note: You MUST be logged into your Goosechase account in order to do this.
If a team turns in an incorrect submission, the teacher may delete it and that team loses those points until the mission is completed. If the submission is correct, the teacher leaves it and the team is automatically awarded those points.
You also have the option of making it a timed game if you only want your students playing for a designated length of time.
This is a fun, highly interactive, highly addictive game. Students remain engaged and must work together to complete each mission.
This game is in the mid-tech section because it is not necessary for each student to have a device. You must have between 2-5 devices depending on how you choose to divide your class into teams. Students may use school tablets, iPod touches, or their own devices that they brought with them. All devices must have the Goosechase app installed on them. If you opt to have your students use their own devices, it is recommended that you have them download the app one to two days prior to playing the game.
Before playing the game, each team will be required to create an account in the app (if there isn't already someone in the group that has an account). All they need to do to create an account is put in a username, email and password and voilà, the game is ready to be played.
This game can be as easy or as challenging as you decide. The possibilities are endless. Either way, both you and your students will have fun!
8. GOOGLE MY MAPS https://www.google.com/maps/about/mymaps/
Chances are you have used Google Maps at some point. Did you know that you can create your own custom map using Google My Maps? Google My Maps can be used for many different activities in the foreign language classroom. You can pin different places in the world and you have the option of using a traditional map view or a street view. Are you working on your food unit? Create a map and pin different restaurants in Francophone countries around the world. Using the street view you may have the option of seeing authentic menus in French and some establishments have an indoor view where you can enter and look around. Have students write about or discuss which restaurant they will visit and why, have students pick items from menus etc.
Working on the house unit? Pin places in the world where students may want to vacation. Create your own Airbnb ads and include images. Have students discuss where they will vacation and why.
The possibilities are endless. This is a fun, interactive way to incorporate, speaking, reading, writing, culture and a lesson on geography.
Google My Maps allows you to insert your own text and images for each place that you pin on your map and it's very easy to use.
First go to the website above and click on get started. You must have a gmail and must be signed in to Google Chrome.
Next you will click on "Create a new map". In the search bar you will type in the name of the city/country you want to include on your map. Next click on, "add to map" Once you have added this city to your map, you can click on the pencil to add text and on the camera to add images. You can add your own images or use those from Google Images. Once you are done, click save. Now you can choose another city and start the process again. All of your custom maps are automatically saved, so no need to worry about losing them. Once you finish creating your map you will want to share the link with your students. To do so, you must click on share link and you must change the settings. You can make it public, or only allow those with the link to view it.
When you are ready to use this activity in class you can either create a QR code for your students to scan in order for them to access the map, or you can share the link, or even add it to your Google Classroom for easy access. If you plan on sharing the link for students to type into the browser themselves, I highly recommend shortening the link using www.tinyurl.com.
This activity can be either Mid-Tech or Hi-Tech. You have the option of having students work individually each with his/her own device to access the map, or they can work in small groups, with each group using one device. No access to technology? No problem! Assign it as homework. The amount of technology access you have will determine whether this will be a lo-tech, mid-tech or hi-tech activity.
Below you will find links to a few custom Google Maps to view:
http://tinyurl.com/ydgydn3a This is a map used in the level 1A class to practice nationalities.
http://tinyurl.com/yas6p7w3 With this map, students had to read about different teenagers from Francophone countries and pick who they wanted to be pen pals with and explain why.
http://tinyurl.com/ydbr54zy With this map, students had to look at different house/apartment ads to decide where they wanted to vacation and discuss why.
Chances are you have used Google Maps at some point. Did you know that you can create your own custom map using Google My Maps? Google My Maps can be used for many different activities in the foreign language classroom. You can pin different places in the world and you have the option of using a traditional map view or a street view. Are you working on your food unit? Create a map and pin different restaurants in Francophone countries around the world. Using the street view you may have the option of seeing authentic menus in French and some establishments have an indoor view where you can enter and look around. Have students write about or discuss which restaurant they will visit and why, have students pick items from menus etc.
Working on the house unit? Pin places in the world where students may want to vacation. Create your own Airbnb ads and include images. Have students discuss where they will vacation and why.
The possibilities are endless. This is a fun, interactive way to incorporate, speaking, reading, writing, culture and a lesson on geography.
Google My Maps allows you to insert your own text and images for each place that you pin on your map and it's very easy to use.
First go to the website above and click on get started. You must have a gmail and must be signed in to Google Chrome.
Next you will click on "Create a new map". In the search bar you will type in the name of the city/country you want to include on your map. Next click on, "add to map" Once you have added this city to your map, you can click on the pencil to add text and on the camera to add images. You can add your own images or use those from Google Images. Once you are done, click save. Now you can choose another city and start the process again. All of your custom maps are automatically saved, so no need to worry about losing them. Once you finish creating your map you will want to share the link with your students. To do so, you must click on share link and you must change the settings. You can make it public, or only allow those with the link to view it.
When you are ready to use this activity in class you can either create a QR code for your students to scan in order for them to access the map, or you can share the link, or even add it to your Google Classroom for easy access. If you plan on sharing the link for students to type into the browser themselves, I highly recommend shortening the link using www.tinyurl.com.
This activity can be either Mid-Tech or Hi-Tech. You have the option of having students work individually each with his/her own device to access the map, or they can work in small groups, with each group using one device. No access to technology? No problem! Assign it as homework. The amount of technology access you have will determine whether this will be a lo-tech, mid-tech or hi-tech activity.
Below you will find links to a few custom Google Maps to view:
http://tinyurl.com/ydgydn3a This is a map used in the level 1A class to practice nationalities.
http://tinyurl.com/yas6p7w3 With this map, students had to read about different teenagers from Francophone countries and pick who they wanted to be pen pals with and explain why.
http://tinyurl.com/ydbr54zy With this map, students had to look at different house/apartment ads to decide where they wanted to vacation and discuss why.
9. CHATTERPIX This app lets you or you students make anything talk, pets, friends, doodles, and more. Simply take any photo, draw a line to make a mouth, and record your voice. Then share your Pix with friends and family as silly greetings, playful messages, creative cards, or even fancy book reports. And best of all, it's FREE! Don't have devices for each student? No problem! Take a picture of yourself, a pet, or find a picture of the web. Record your voice in the target language. Put a new twist on an otherwise boring listening activity! Want to see some Hi-Tech ideas? Look in the Hi-Tech section for what to do when each student has a device!
BELOW YOU WILL FIND THE FOLLOWING:
1. Directions on how to make a Flippity
2. Directions on how to use KeepVid
3. Sample YouTube videos to show in class
Below are some examples of youtube videos you can show to your classes.