دسته: 5

Are your students struggling to understand complex historical timelines? Many history teachers face a common challenge – helping students grasp and visualize interconnected historical events, especially during pivotal periods like World War II. Traditional textbooks, with their dense paragraphs, often leave students overwhelmed and disconnected from the material.

Here’s where Google Sheets comes to the rescue with its powerful timeline feature. This versatile tool transforms complex historical data into clear, interactive visual timelines that enhance student comprehension and engagement. Through hands-on experience with several history classes, I’ve seen how this simple yet effective tool helps students better understand historical relationships and concurrent events.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through creating dynamic, engaging timelines using Google Sheets. Whether you’re a history teacher mapping out World War II events, a curriculum planner organizing yearly objectives, or an educator helping students manage project deadlines, you’ll discover how to create interactive timelines that make learning more accessible and engaging.

What You’ll Need

• A Google account (your school account works perfectly)
• Basic familiarity with Google Sheets
• Events or milestones you want to visualize

Let’s Create Your Timeline

Step 1: Setting Up Your Data

First things first – let’s organize our information in a way that Google Sheets can understand:

• Open a fresh Google Sheet (I like to name mine right away to stay organized)
• Create three columns: Date, Event Title, and Description
• Pro Tip: I always freeze my header row to make scrolling easier later

Step 2: Creating Your Timeline Chart

Here’s where the magic happens:

• Highlight your data range (including headers)
• Click Insert > Timeline
• Watch your data transform into a visual timeline!

Step 3: Making It Look Professional

Let’s make your timeline pop with some educator-friendly customizations:

• Use different colors to categorize events (great for visual learners!)
• Add detailed tooltips to provide additional context
• Adjust the date format to match your needs (especially helpful for historical events)

Classroom Application Ideas

• Historical Event Mapping: Perfect for showing cause and effect relationships
• Project Management: Help students track group project milestones
• Curriculum Planning: Map out your units across the school year
• Literary Timeline: Track events in a novel or play

Troubleshooting Tips

After helping dozens of teachers implement this in their classrooms, here are the most common issues I’ve encountered and their solutions:

• Dates not showing correctly? Double-check your date format consistency
• Timeline too crowded? Try creating separate timelines for different themes or periods
• Need more visual impact? Experiment with different colors and font sizes in the Chart Editor

What Can You Do with Google Sheet Timelines?

Remember, the goal isn’t just to create a pretty timeline – it’s about making information more accessible and engaging for our students. I’d love to hear how you’re using timelines in your classroom! Reach out on social media to share your ideas.

Happy teaching!

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Do you remember your last epiphany? That moment when—whether walking or driving—everything suddenly clicks and the world makes perfect sense?

Well, yesterday I had one of those moments, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Are you ready?

Canva + Google Sites = AWESOME!

Let me back up a second.

For the last 13+ years, I’ve been a HUGE fan of Google Sites. I use them for everything—running professional development sessions, organizing classroom lesson plans, and showing teachers and coaches how they perfectly complement Google Classroom to create a unified teaching experience.

But let’s face it, they have a drawback.

3 Unfortunate Issues with Google Sites that Need to be Fixed

I often have said “Google is WONDERFUL, until it needs to be.” (am I right?)

Sure Google Sites are great, but often I have a hard time getting the best results out of them.

One of the biggest feature annoyances is the header section. Many people (including my students) want to create nice looking graphics and add them in the header area, only to find that the header images natively is responsive. This means that when you look at your Google Site in tablet mode or mobile mode the header graphic gets cut off so you can’t see any words on the image you just spent a ton of time creating.

NOT GOOD!

My solution to this is often to create a generic header image, toss it in the image area up top and then use Google Site’s text area to overlap so that when it retracts on mobile, the words don’t get cut off.

But this takes time, planning, and most people won’t think of this.

Strike 1

Problem #2: You are locked in to a clunky website layout

Don’t get me wrong here, one of the blessings of Google Sites is that it IS simple to make a website out of. I have my students each year using Google Sites to create a simple one-page website that acts as a digital poster all the time. But getting them to think about layout in terms of what it looks like on mobile devices is impossible.

For this reason, I teach students about creating posters rather than creating websites.

Strike 2

Problem #3: You are extremely limited in what you can do with images.

Website images. How I loath the process of finding images for websites.

• Build a site layout
• Figure out what you want on the page
• Go search for the image
• Stick the image on the website
• Realize that it’s not looking good
• Import the image into a graphic editor
• Export again
• Repeat the process.

Who has time for this?

Strike 3

There has to be a better way of creating a nice looking website, especially with your students, quickly and efficiently.

This is where I mind was blown when I realized that Canva can do … this!

Enter Canva Docs: My New BFF

The other day, I was searching for a way to build a course workbook for some upcoming presentations. I tried designing something in Google Sites but it really wasn’t looking the way I wanted it to look.

I went on to Canva and tried creating something using one of the premade templates but I’m not the greatest designed on the planet and it wasn’t doing much for me.

That’s when I started looking into Canva Docs.

MIND BLOWN!

Did you know that Canva Docs is the PERFECT solution and PERFECT partner for creating amazing looking Google Sites?

How to Merge Canva Docs and Google Sites to Create a Great Looking Website

To merge Canva Docs and Google Sites, the process is pretty simple. I’m not sure why I didn’t think about this earlier.

To add a Canva Doc into a Google Site there are two simple steps.

Add a New Page to a Google Site

This will then create a new blank page where Google Sites will ask you to provide either a URL to embed on the page, or you can select something directly from Google Drive.

Pro Tip: This is a great way of building a clean Google Sites page from a Google Doc, Spreadsheet, or Google Slides file. (Forms also works great!)

Find the Embed Link from a Canva Doc

Step 2: Create a Canva Doc and copy it’s embed code into Google Sites

• In Canva, create a new Canva Doc and design it how you wish it to look.
• On the top right, click on the SHARE button
• Click on EMBED
• Click and copy the “Smart Embed Link”
• Paste this link into Google Sites where it says “Add embed”
• Choose the option on the left to embed the full page Canva Doc into Google Sites
• Sit back and wait to be AMAZED

Again… Mind blown!

Canva Docs & Google Sites … Perfect Together!

Ever since I realized that you can marry Canva Docs and Google Sites, I have been a busy busy creator. There are so many reasons why you should give this a try today!

When creating a Canva Doc, you have the option of adding a banner graphic to the very top and having it be seen full width. When you look at your Canva Doc acting as a website in Google Sites, these headers are amazing, clean and yes… RESPONSIVE! This means that they show up in all their full glory no matter what the screen size is.

Reason #2: Extremely Clean Layout Options

One of the advantages I found using Canva Docs as my website builder is the fact that I can now add my content just about anywhere on the page with few limitations. (Limitations that actually make me rethink what are usually poor layout decisions).

True, you need to start thinking more vertically with your content choices, but thats actually a feature (rather than a bug) that helps you think like your students or website readers. This simple yet flexible layout allows you to focus on your content rather than your page design.

Reason #3: Unlimited Graphical Resources

Let’s face it, you now have the ability to do anything you can in Canva, directly in Canva. This means you can bring in images, remove their backgrounds and make quick decisions without spending a ton of time on Google Image Search.

You also have all of the features found in Canva AI allowing you to create, manipulate, and reevaluate everything quickly and far simpler than when working natively in Google Sites or any other website editor.

Another great feature of working in Canva Docs is the ability to bring in all of your Canva projecs, images, presentations, and logos without the need for switching between multiple applications.

Get Your Canva and Google Sites Game On Today!

Is your mind blown about the possibilities that a Canva and Google Sites marriage have for your projects, lesson plans, and presentations? I know that I am!

Ready to take your website game to the next level?

Don’t miss out on more tips, tricks, and tech insights that can transform your digital presence.

Sign up for my newsletter below and join a community of educators who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with educational technology. Each week, I’ll share exclusive content, fresh ideas, and step-by-step tutorials that you won’t find anywhere else.

👉 Click here to join the TeacherCast newsletter and stay ahead of the curve in educational technology!

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The excitement is building as ISTELive 25 and ASCD Annual Conference are just days away!

From June 29-July 2, 2025, San Antonio will become the hub of educational innovation as thousands of educators gather to learn, connect, and grow. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a conference veteran, this post will help you prepare for an amazing experience!

Three Great Sessions To Check Out This Year!

This year, I am excited to preseneting three sessions focused on supporting Instructional Coaching!

Tuesday July 1: Instructional Coaches Playground

This year at the Instructional Coaches playground on Tuesday July 1, from 12:45-2:45 (Central Time), I will be presenting on two topics.

1. Using Coaching Newsletters Effectively to Schedule Meaningful Coaching Cycles
2. Effective Ways to Develop Dynanic Coaching Dashboards

Wedensday July 2: Solo Presentation

On Wednesday, I am excited to present one of my favorite topics on Instructional Coaching.

• Using the ISTE Standards to Create a Dynamic Instructional Coaching Department

If you are an Instructional Coach or Digital Learning Leader, these are three great sessions to attend!

Conference Highlights

• Dates and Location: June 29-July 2, 2025 in San Antonio, TX at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
• Inspiring Keynote Speakers:
  • Scott Shigeoka – Internationally recognized curiosity expert and author of “Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World”
  • Jacqueline Woodson – National Book Award winner, MacArthur Genius Grant fellow, and New York Times bestselling author
  • Sabba Quidwai, Ed.D. – CEO of Designing Schools, educator, and author focused on design thinking and creating cultures of innovation

Schedule at a Glance

• Saturday, June 28: Preconference activities and registration (8am-6pm)
• Sunday, June 29: Content sessions, Opening Mainstage, and Welcome Reception (5:30-7pm)
• Monday, June 30: Full day of content, Solutions Hub Expo open (9am-5:30pm)
• Tuesday, July 1: Mainstage session and full day of content, Solutions Hub Expo open (9:30am-5:30pm)
• Wednesday, July 2: Content sessions and Closing Mainstage, Solutions Hub Expo open (9am-1pm)

Tips for Conference Success

• Navigate the Exhibit Hall Like a Pro: The ISTE Exhibit Hall (Solutions Hub Expo) is like Disneyworld for educators – full of exciting innovations! Plan your visit strategically by identifying your goals and exploring the exhibitor list in advance
• Bring a Conference Buddy: Exploring in pairs or groups allows you to discover booths you might have overlooked and gain different perspectives
• Take Strategic Breaks: The expo floor can be overwhelming! Find designated areas to rest and recharge throughout the day
• Collect Information Wisely: Be selective with swag and information. Take photos, jot down notes, and get scanned by exhibitors for follow-up information

What Should You Do Before The Conference Begins?

The official ISTELive 25 mobile app is your essential companion throughout the conference. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app allows you to create a personalized schedule, receive real-time updates about session changes, navigate the convention center with interactive maps, connect with other attendees, and access digital resources from presenters. Download it at least a week before the conference to start planning your experience!

How Can You Stay Updated During the Conference?

During the conference, there will be PLENTY of social chatter going on. My best advice to keep up to date with everything official happening at the conference is to follow the offiical ISTE Social Media accounts.

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In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, teachers face unprecedented challenges in managing their workload, engaging students, and delivering high-quality instruction. The need for an efficient productivity system has never been more critical.

How can we build a productivity system that gives us more quality time with our students and our families while enabling us to create dynamic classroom lessons?

In this post, I’ll share the applications I use in my Ultimate Teacher Productivity System and show you how to adapt these tools to create your own system—one that works for you and your fellow teachers.

This comprehensive guide explores how educators can leverage Google Sites, Google Classroom, Google Gemini, and Notion to create a powerful, integrated system that streamlines their teaching practice.

Understanding the Need for a Digital Productivity System

Modern educators juggle numerous responsibilities, from lesson planning and content creation to student assessment and parent communication. Without a well-organized digital system, these tasks can quickly become overwhelming. A thoughtfully designed productivity system helps teachers maintain focus, reduce stress, and ultimately spend more time on what matters most: teaching and supporting students.

When I begin designing any type of productivity system that supports learning, I have have two needs:

• A system to “put things”
• A system to “push things”

For this reason, we will begin creating our Ultimate Teacher Productivity System with two of my favorite applications, but think about them in a way that you might not be used to thinking about them.

Core Components of the System

Google Sites: Your digital hub where teaching & learning happens

When creating the Ultimate Productivity System, one needs to think about both themselves as the creator and organizer as well as their end user (or student). Google Sites, for me, is the ultimate digital hub for this type of project because it provides a dynamic canvas from which you will organize and present all of your teaching materials.

By creating a Google Site to use as your primary teaching vehicle, you have the opportunity to put everything you need to teach a lesson on a single page and make it visually available to your students. The site can be broken down into pages and sections for easy navigation and on the top right, you have a universal search bar for your content to be easily found when needed.

There are many reasons why Google Sites should be considered when designing your next digital hub.

Google Sites: Pros

• Open for parents & students & administrators
• Easy to manage and update
• Visual for students to be able to learn from it

Google Sites, no matter how great, does come with some limitations and challenges as a designer. There are limitations in this application as a system alone because when used in isolation, there is no way to build a solid Learning Management System (LMS) that allows for document transfer and a check for student understanding but, we will get to that later in this post.

Google Sites: Cons

• No way for students to receive documents
• No true document organizational system

When building a complete LMS solution, it’s important to understand that while Google Sites excels as a place to “put” all your information on a single page—making it available both now and in the future—you still need a system for document management and transfer. This is where Google Classroom comes into play.

Google Classroom: A mobile friendly dashboard connecting Google Drive & Calendar

Google Classroom is the go-to solution for most Google EDU teachers to digitaly instruct from. If we break down what Google Classroom actually is and what function it serves, we can describe it as as a visual dashboard.

Under the hood of Google Classroom lies two systems; Google Drive and Google Calendar.

Google Classroom, is essentially the dashboard that connects these two systems.

• A Teacher creates an assignment … it gets organized in Google Drive
• A Teacher adds a date to an assignment … it is recorded in Google Calendar and an Event Notification is created in the back end which can support it’s powerful notification system.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways that Google Classroom fits int our Ultimate Productivity System.

Google Classroom: Pros

• Email notifications provide constant communication with parents
• Students only see what they need to see when it’s released by the teacher
• All files are organized in Google Drive folders in the Classroom folder

For all that we love Google Classroom for, it does have a few drawbacks.

Google Classroom: Cons

• What happens at the end of the school year when you archive your class?

In my opinion, I believe that Google Sites and Google Classroom should be thought about and executed as if they were one and only one application. This allows teachers to have a place to “put” their lesson materials and a place to “push” their lesson materials to students.

Notion: A Complete and Dynamic Organizational System to Support Classroom Instruction

When creating the Ultimate Productivity system for your classroom, there are applications such as Google Sites and Google Classroom that are front facing and are designed to be seen by students, teachers, parents, and administrators. They are the ones that every educator knows of and probably uses every day. When it comes to organizing documents, resources, notes, and lesson plans on the back end, there is only one application that I have used for the last several years to keep me organized and that is Notion.

What is Notion?

Notion is a dynamic productivity application that can be thought of as “digital lego” and it is the one application that I open more often than any other every single day. Notion, when first turned on, is a free application that has replaced most of the reasons for me to use Google Docs or Microsoft Word. When you merge Notion note pages into Notion Database pages, you have the ability of creating a back end productivity system that will keep track of virtually all aspects of your day.

I have had the opportunity of working with teachers, coaches, administrators, and businesses to help them understand the power of Notion and how it can be used to keep every aspect of their digital world organized. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why Notion might be right for you.

Notion: Pros

• Highly customizable workspace that adapts to individual teaching styles and needs
• Powerful database features for tracking assignments, grades, and student progress
• Seamless integration of text, media, and embedded content for comprehensive lesson planning

Notion: Cons

• Steeper learning curve compared to simpler note-taking applications
• Limited real-time collaboration features in the free version
• Can become overwhelming if not properly organized and maintained

It doesn’t take too long to search YouTube to learn how to use Notion and there are hundreds of templates, both free and paid that will help you get started. One of my favorite places to get educational templates is www.Notion4Teachers.com. Just about every week, Milo creates and publishes outstanding templates that will help you get up and running quickly for a very low price.

If you are an Instructional Coach or Digital Learning Administrator looking to start with a template this year, please visit my TeacherCast Online Store and check out my Notion templates today.

Google Gemini: AGAME CHANGING “Guide on the Side”

Google Gemini represents a significant advancement in AI-assisted teaching and learning. When integrated into your productivity system, it can revolutionize how you prepare and deliver instruction while maintaining your authentic teaching voice. Here’s how Gemini can enhance your educational workflow:

With Gemini’s AI capabilities, teachers can quickly generate differentiated learning materials, create engaging lesson content, and develop personalized assessment tools. The AI assistant helps streamline routine tasks while allowing educators to focus on meaningful student interactions and creative teaching moments.

I have only started to really put Google Gemini to the test but so far, it has been a valuable tool to help provide me lesson ideas that I then build away from the AI world.

Let’s take a look at why using an AI application such as Google Gemini might be good for you.

Google Gemini: Pros

• Rapidly generates creative lesson ideas and differentiated learning materials
• Assists in creating engaging assessment questions and rubrics
• Helps analyze student performance patterns to inform instruction

Google Gemini: Cons

• Requires careful review and customization of AI-generated content
• Learning curve to craft effective prompts
• Information provided still needs to be researched for accuracy.

You can access Google Gemini through gemini.google.com, where it’s integrated with other Google Workspace tools to enhance your teaching workflow.

The introduction of Google Gemini brings artificial intelligence into the educational toolkit, offering unprecedented support for various teaching tasks. This powerful AI assistant can help generate creative lesson ideas, develop differentiated learning materials, and provide insights into student performance patterns. Teachers can leverage Gemini to enhance their instruction while maintaining their unique teaching style and educational philosophy.

From drafting initial lesson plans to creating engaging assessment questions, Gemini serves as a collaborative partner in the educational process. Its ability to understand context and generate relevant content makes it an invaluable tool for teachers looking to enhance their instructional materials while saving time on routine tasks.

Creating Synergy Between Applications

The true power of this productivity system emerges when all components work together seamlessly. Google Sites serves as the public face of your teaching practice, while Google Classroom handles daily interactions with students. Gemini enhances content creation and analysis, and Notion manages your personal organization and planning.

This integrated approach allows for smooth workflows between planning and execution. For example, lesson plans developed in Notion can be easily transformed into assignments in Google Classroom, while resources created with Gemini’s assistance can be shared through Google Sites. The system’s flexibility allows teachers to adapt it to their specific needs while maintaining consistency and efficiency.

Implementation Strategies for Success

Implementing a comprehensive productivity system requires careful planning and a gradual approach. Start by identifying your most pressing needs and implementing the most relevant components first. This might mean beginning with Google Classroom for daily teaching activities, then gradually introducing other elements as you become more comfortable with the system.

Regular maintenance and updates are crucial for long-term success. Set aside time each week to review and organize your digital resources, update content, and refine your workflows. Pay attention to student feedback and be willing to adjust your approach based on what works best for your teaching style and your students’ needs.

Measuring Impact and Continuous Improvement

The effectiveness of your productivity system should be regularly evaluated based on several key metrics: time saved on administrative tasks, student engagement levels, and the quality of educational outcomes. Track these factors and make adjustments as needed to optimize your system’s performance.

Because of the productivity system I created for my classroom, I have been able to provide a higher level of instruction and provide my students learning opportunities with and without me lecturing to them every day.

In the chart below, the blue represents a pre-test score and the red represents a post test score. Although there are a number of factors that contributed to their success, one of the major factors was me being organized and ready to teach every day and provide them the best that I could possible be on any given day of the semester.

Remember that building an effective productivity system is an iterative process. What works perfectly for one teacher might need modification for another. The key is to remain flexible and open to change while maintaining the core structure that supports your teaching practice.

Looking to the Future

As educational technology continues to evolve, your productivity system should evolve with it. Stay informed about new features and updates to your core tools, and be prepared to integrate new technologies that could enhance your teaching practice. The goal is to maintain a system that grows with you and continues to support your educational objectives effectively.

Building a comprehensive productivity system using Google Sites, Google Classroom, Google Gemini, and Notion represents a significant investment in your teaching practice. While the initial setup requires time and effort, the long-term benefits – including reduced stress, improved organization, and more time for meaningful teaching interactions – make it well worth the investment. By thoughtfully implementing and maintaining this system, you can create a more efficient, effective, and enjoyable teaching experience for both yourself and your students.

Let’s Build Your Ultimate Productivity Suite … Together!

If you are looking to build a productivity system for your classroom, coaching, or school district, I would love to help you out. I am always available through my Contact Page and always happy to jump on a call to discuss any of these applications … especially Notion!

So, what do you want your Ultimate Productivity Suite to look like this year?

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Do you remember your last epiphany? That moment when—whether walking or driving—everything suddenly clicks and the world makes perfect sense?

Well, yesterday I had one of those moments, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Are you ready?

Canva + Google Sites = AWESOME!

Let me back up a second.

For the last 13+ years, I’ve been a HUGE fan of Google Sites. I use them for everything—running professional development sessions, organizing classroom lesson plans, and showing teachers and coaches how they perfectly complement Google Classroom to create a unified teaching experience.

But let’s face it, they have a drawback.

3 Unfortunate Issues with Google Sites that Need to be Fixed

I often have said “Google is WONDERFUL, until it needs to be.” (am I right?)

Sure Google Sites are great, but often I have a hard time getting the best results out of them.

One of the biggest feature annoyances is the header section. Many people (including my students) want to create nice looking graphics and add them in the header area, only to find that the header images natively is responsive. This means that when you look at your Google Site in tablet mode or mobile mode the header graphic gets cut off so you can’t see any words on the image you just spent a ton of time creating.

NOT GOOD!

My solution to this is often to create a generic header image, toss it in the image area up top and then use Google Site’s text area to overlap so that when it retracts on mobile, the words don’t get cut off.

But this takes time, planning, and most people won’t think of this.

Strike 1

Problem #2: You are locked in to a clunky website layout

Don’t get me wrong here, one of the blessings of Google Sites is that it IS simple to make a website out of. I have my students each year using Google Sites to create a simple one-page website that acts as a digital poster all the time. But getting them to think about layout in terms of what it looks like on mobile devices is impossible.

For this reason, I teach students about creating posters rather than creating websites.

Strike 2

Problem #3: You are extremely limited in what you can do with images.

Website images. How I loath the process of finding images for websites.

• Build a site layout
• Figure out what you want on the page
• Go search for the image
• Stick the image on the website
• Realize that it’s not looking good
• Import the image into a graphic editor
• Export again
• Repeat the process.

Who has time for this?

Strike 3

There has to be a better way of creating a nice looking website, especially with your students, quickly and efficiently.

This is where I mind was blown when I realized that Canva can do … this!

Enter Canva Docs: My New BFF

The other day, I was searching for a way to build a course workbook for some upcoming presentations. I tried designing something in Google Sites but it really wasn’t looking the way I wanted it to look.

I went on to Canva and tried creating something using one of the premade templates but I’m not the greatest designed on the planet and it wasn’t doing much for me.

That’s when I started looking into Canva Docs.

MIND BLOWN!

Did you know that Canva Docs is the PERFECT solution and PERFECT partner for creating amazing looking Google Sites?

How to Merge Canva Docs and Google Sites to Create a Great Looking Website

To merge Canva Docs and Google Sites, the process is pretty simple. I’m not sure why I didn’t think about this earlier.

To add a Canva Doc into a Google Site there are two simple steps.

Add a New Page to a Google Site

This will then create a new blank page where Google Sites will ask you to provide either a URL to embed on the page, or you can select something directly from Google Drive.

Pro Tip: This is a great way of building a clean Google Sites page from a Google Doc, Spreadsheet, or Google Slides file. (Forms also works great!)

Find the Embed Link from a Canva Doc

Step 2: Create a Canva Doc and copy it’s embed code into Google Sites

• In Canva, create a new Canva Doc and design it how you wish it to look.
• On the top right, click on the SHARE button
• Click on EMBED
• Click and copy the “Smart Embed Link”
• Paste this link into Google Sites where it says “Add embed”
• Choose the option on the left to embed the full page Canva Doc into Google Sites
• Sit back and wait to be AMAZED

Again… Mind blown!

Canva Docs & Google Sites … Perfect Together!

Ever since I realized that you can marry Canva Docs and Google Sites, I have been a busy busy creator. There are so many reasons why you should give this a try today!

When creating a Canva Doc, you have the option of adding a banner graphic to the very top and having it be seen full width. When you look at your Canva Doc acting as a website in Google Sites, these headers are amazing, clean and yes… RESPONSIVE! This means that they show up in all their full glory no matter what the screen size is.

Reason #2: Extremely Clean Layout Options

One of the advantages I found using Canva Docs as my website builder is the fact that I can now add my content just about anywhere on the page with few limitations. (Limitations that actually make me rethink what are usually poor layout decisions).

True, you need to start thinking more vertically with your content choices, but thats actually a feature (rather than a bug) that helps you think like your students or website readers. This simple yet flexible layout allows you to focus on your content rather than your page design.

Reason #3: Unlimited Graphical Resources

Let’s face it, you now have the ability to do anything you can in Canva, directly in Canva. This means you can bring in images, remove their backgrounds and make quick decisions without spending a ton of time on Google Image Search.

You also have all of the features found in Canva AI allowing you to create, manipulate, and reevaluate everything quickly and far simpler than when working natively in Google Sites or any other website editor.

Another great feature of working in Canva Docs is the ability to bring in all of your Canva projecs, images, presentations, and logos without the need for switching between multiple applications.

Get Your Canva and Google Sites Game On Today!

Is your mind blown about the possibilities that a Canva and Google Sites marriage have for your projects, lesson plans, and presentations? I know that I am!

Ready to take your website game to the next level?

Don’t miss out on more tips, tricks, and tech insights that can transform your digital presence.

Sign up for my newsletter below and join a community of educators who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with educational technology. Each week, I’ll share exclusive content, fresh ideas, and step-by-step tutorials that you won’t find anywhere else.

👉 Click here to join the TeacherCast newsletter and stay ahead of the curve in educational technology!

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Are your students struggling to understand complex historical timelines? Many history teachers face a common challenge – helping students grasp and visualize interconnected historical events, especially during pivotal periods like World War II. Traditional textbooks, with their dense paragraphs, often leave students overwhelmed and disconnected from the material.

Here’s where Google Sheets comes to the rescue with its powerful timeline feature. This versatile tool transforms complex historical data into clear, interactive visual timelines that enhance student comprehension and engagement. Through hands-on experience with several history classes, I’ve seen how this simple yet effective tool helps students better understand historical relationships and concurrent events.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through creating dynamic, engaging timelines using Google Sheets. Whether you’re a history teacher mapping out World War II events, a curriculum planner organizing yearly objectives, or an educator helping students manage project deadlines, you’ll discover how to create interactive timelines that make learning more accessible and engaging.

What You’ll Need

• A Google account (your school account works perfectly)
• Basic familiarity with Google Sheets
• Events or milestones you want to visualize

Let’s Create Your Timeline

Step 1: Setting Up Your Data

First things first – let’s organize our information in a way that Google Sheets can understand:

• Open a fresh Google Sheet (I like to name mine right away to stay organized)
• Create three columns: Date, Event Title, and Description
• Pro Tip: I always freeze my header row to make scrolling easier later

Step 2: Creating Your Timeline Chart

Here’s where the magic happens:

• Highlight your data range (including headers)
• Click Insert > Timeline
• Watch your data transform into a visual timeline!

Step 3: Making It Look Professional

Let’s make your timeline pop with some educator-friendly customizations:

• Use different colors to categorize events (great for visual learners!)
• Add detailed tooltips to provide additional context
• Adjust the date format to match your needs (especially helpful for historical events)

Classroom Application Ideas

• Historical Event Mapping: Perfect for showing cause and effect relationships
• Project Management: Help students track group project milestones
• Curriculum Planning: Map out your units across the school year
• Literary Timeline: Track events in a novel or play

Troubleshooting Tips

After helping dozens of teachers implement this in their classrooms, here are the most common issues I’ve encountered and their solutions:

• Dates not showing correctly? Double-check your date format consistency
• Timeline too crowded? Try creating separate timelines for different themes or periods
• Need more visual impact? Experiment with different colors and font sizes in the Chart Editor

What Can You Do with Google Sheet Timelines?

Remember, the goal isn’t just to create a pretty timeline – it’s about making information more accessible and engaging for our students. I’d love to hear how you’re using timelines in your classroom! Reach out on social media to share your ideas.

Happy teaching!

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In the dynamic world of education, specifically providing 1:1 support in the classroom, instructional coaches serve as the crucial bridge between administration and teachers, facilitating professional growth and enhancing student learning outcomes. However, the growing complexity of this role demands more than just pedagogical expertise – it requires masterful organization and efficient productivity systems.

When I first took on the role of an Instructional Coach more than 15 years ago, I had nothing more than the tools provided to me by my district, specifically the ones in what was then called Google Apps. Docs, Sheets, Slides, Sites, Classroom. It was primative at the time, but that was what we had to use.

Why Productivity Matters in Instructional Coaching

The modern instructional coach wears multiple hats: mentor, data analyst, professional development facilitator, and change agent. Without robust productivity systems in place, these diverse responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming, potentially diminishing the coach’s effectiveness and impact on teacher development.

Consider these daily coaching responsibilities:

• Conducting classroom observations and providing timely feedback
• Analyzing student achievement data to guide instructional decisions
• Planning and facilitating professional development sessions
• Meeting with teachers for one-on-one coaching sessions
• Documenting coaching cycles and tracking progress
• Communicating with administrators and stakeholders

Each of these tasks generates valuable data that needs to be collected, organized, analyzed, and presented effectively. This is where the right productivity tools become indispensable.

The Power of Digital Forms in Instructional Coaching

Why Digital Forms Are Essential

The first tool in our productivity arsenal is a robust digital forms platform, such as Google Forms or Microsoft Forms. These tools revolutionize how coaches collect and organize data, making the process more efficient and accurate.

Key Benefits of Digital Forms

• Instant data collection and organization
• Customizable templates for different observation types
• Mobile accessibility for real-time documentation
• Automatic time-stamping of observations
• Easy sharing and collaboration capabilities

Practical Applications for Instructional Coaches

Digital forms can transform various aspects of coaching:

1. Classroom Observations

Create customized observation forms that align with your school’s teaching framework. Include both quantitative and qualitative data points, making it easy to track specific teaching strategies and student engagement levels.

2. Teacher Feedback Surveys

Develop forms for teachers to reflect on their practice and provide feedback on coaching support. This data helps coaches adjust their approach to better meet teacher needs.

3. Professional Development Planning

Use forms to gather information about teachers’ professional learning needs and preferences, ensuring that professional development initiatives are targeted and effective.

Spreadsheet Analytics: Converting Data into Insights

The second essential tool is a powerful spreadsheet application like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. These platforms transform raw data into meaningful insights that drive coaching decisions.

Why Spreadsheets Matter in Coaching

Spreadsheets serve as the engine room for data analysis, helping coaches:

• Track patterns in teaching practices over time
• Identify areas of strength and growth opportunities
• Generate visual representations of progress
• Create data-driven coaching plans

Essential Spreadsheet Applications for Coaches

1. Teacher Growth Tracking

Create comprehensive spreadsheets that monitor teacher progress across multiple indicators, making it easy to identify trends and celebrate growth.

2. Student Achievement Analysis

Design systems to analyze student performance data, helping teachers make data-informed instructional decisions.

3. Coaching Impact Metrics

Develop dashboards that showcase the impact of coaching interventions on teacher practice and student learning.

Notion: The Game-Changing Platform for Instructional Coaches

While forms and spreadsheets are valuable tools, Notion represents the evolution of productivity applications, offering a comprehensive solution that combines the best features of multiple tools into one powerful platform.

Why Notion Stands Out

Notion’s unique architecture makes it particularly well-suited for instructional coaching:

1. Unified Workspace

All coaching documentation, resources, and data live in one searchable, organized space. No more switching between multiple applications or hunting for important documents.

2. Customizable Systems

Create personalized workflows that match your coaching style and school’s needs. From observation templates to professional development tracking, everything can be customized.

3. Interactive Databases

Build dynamic databases that track teacher progress, professional development participation, and coaching cycles with ease.

Practical Applications of Notion in Coaching

1. Coaching Cycle Management

Design comprehensive systems to track multiple coaching cycles, including pre-observation conferences, classroom observations, and follow-up meetings.

2. Resource Library

Create a searchable database of teaching strategies, professional articles, and instructional resources that teachers can easily access.

3. Professional Development Hub

Manage professional learning initiatives, track participation, and house all related resources in one organized space.

4. Data Dashboard Creation

Build beautiful, interactive dashboards that showcase coaching impact and teacher growth over time.

Getting Started

To successfully implement these tools in your coaching practice:

• Start small and gradually expand your use of each tool
• Focus on one system at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself or your teachers
• Regularly gather feedback from teachers about the effectiveness of your digital tools
• Continuously refine and adjust your systems based on actual usage and needs

Building Sustainable Systems

The key to long-term success with these tools is creating sustainable systems that:

• Save time rather than create additional work
• Provide clear value to both coaches and teachers
• Scale easily as your coaching responsibilities grow
• Support your school’s professional development goals

The Future of Instructional Coaching

As education continues to evolve, the role of instructional coaches will become increasingly data-driven and technology-dependent. The coaches who thrive will be those who effectively leverage productivity tools to enhance their impact.

Your Next Steps

Ready to transform your Instructional Coaching? Start by exploring Notion’s free platform. Its combination of flexibility, organization, and data management capabilities makes it the perfect foundation for building a more efficient and effective coaching system. Join the growing community of instructional coaches who are using Notion to amplify their impact and better serve their teachers.

If you are looking for help getting started with your Instructional Coaching Data Dashboard in Notion, I have put together a fantastic Data Dashboard and Command Center that is now being used by hundreds of Instructional Coaches. I hope you have a chance to check it out today!

Remember, the goal of implementing these tools is not just to be more organized – it’s to create more time and space for what matters most: supporting teachers in their professional growth and, ultimately, improving student learning outcomes.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZvyrOHju5M

Are you looking for an engaging and creative way to incorporate digital learning into your classroom? Look no further than Google Slides Animation Projects!

Google Slides is often thought of as a traditional presentation tool. Yet, in the hands of students and their creativity, the possibilities are endless. The best part is that this project can be used repeatedly. It works with countless topics in all grade levels.

To download all of my templates and presentations, please visit: https://www.teachercast.net/googleanimations

In this post, we’ll explore how to use this versatile tool. It can help create exciting stop motion animation projects with your students.

Why Use Google Slides Animation Projects?

Google Slides isn’t just a PowerPoint substitute – it’s a powerful platform for creative projects. Here’s why it’s perfect for stop motion animation:

• Easy to use and accessible for students of all ages
• Collaborative features allow for group projects
• No need for specialized software or equipment
• Teaches valuable digital skills alongside curriculum content

How Google Slide Animation Works

Just like a traditional flipbook, you can use Google Slides to position transparent images on a common background. Over the course of several slides, move them into various positions as the slide deck moves ahead.  You can watch this video to understand how simple it is to copy an image. Then, you can paste it across an entire presentation.

When you get to the second and third characters in your story, you copy the image. Then, you paste the image instead of creating a brand new slide.

The principle behind stop motion in Google Slides is like a traditional flipbook:

• Position transparent images on a common background
• Move the images slightly across several slides
• When played in sequence, it creates the illusion of movement

Students can easily copy and paste images across slides, adjusting their position to create smooth animations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Google Slide Animations

Creating stop motion animations with Google Slides is a straightforward process that anyone can master. By using a few simple steps, students can bring their ideas to life through engaging animated sequences. Here’s a concise guide to help you and your students get started with this exciting digital storytelling technique.

1. Set up your background: Choose or create a static background for your animation.
2. Add characters or objects: Insert transparent PNG images of the elements you want to animate.
3. Duplicate slides: Copy your first slide multiple times.
4. Make small changes: On each slide, slightly adjust the position of your animated elements.
5. Add transitions: Use slide transitions to control the speed of your animation.
6. Play and refine: View your animation and make adjustments as needed.
7. Set up your background: Choose or create a static background for your animation.
8. Add characters or objects: Insert transparent PNG images of the elements you want to animate.
9. Duplicate slides: Copy your first slide multiple times.
10. Make small changes: On each slide, slightly adjust the position of your animated elements.
11. Add transitions: Use slide transitions to control the speed of your animation.
12. Play and refine: View your animation and make adjustments as needed.

Curriculum Integration Ideas

Once your students have mastered Google Slides features like drag, drop, flip, grouping, transparency, and recoloring, you can introduce the concept. Teach each feature until they feel comfortable using them. Then incorporate it into a curricular project.

One of the best ways to introduce this lesson in your classroom is at the end of the week. I recommend doing this activity on a Friday after lunch. At this time, your students are energized to go home. They can spend the weekend creating something extraordinary. On the next Monday or Tuesday, you can host a film festival for them to showcase their work. This approach allows students to test their digital learning skills. It also puts the application’s learning directly in their hands.

Stop motion animation with Google Slides can be adapted to various subjects:

• Science: Animate cell division or the water cycle
• History: Illustrate exploration routes or historical events
• Math: Create visual representations of equations or geometry concepts
• Language Arts: Bring stories or poems to life

Tips for Success

• Introduce the project on a Friday, allowing students to work over the weekend
• Host a “film festival” the next week for students to showcase their work
• Teach Google Slides features like drag, drop, flip, grouping, and transparency
• Encourage creativity and experimentation

Conclusion

Using Google Slides for stop motion animation is an innovative way to engage students in digital learning. It also reinforces curriculum concepts. It’s a versatile, accessible tool that can transform your classroom into a creative studio. Give it a try and watch your students imaginations come to life!

Download This Project Template Today!

For more resources and templates to get started with Google Slides animations, visit: https://www.teachercast.net/googleanimations

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