It's #xplap Chat time. ready to discuss badges in the classroom. I teach 4th G in Northern Utah. My students are ready for the winter break... got to keep them motivated until next Thursday.
A1: first time w year long theme but am planning extra side quests that will post over break, one dealing w travel plans my family has. 🤞 Hoping Ss love them! #XPLAP
Thanks, that makes sense now as I was inundated with notifications all day I now see #XPLAPcamp, a slow chat, and now for one of the best chats of the week #xplap
I have a "real world" challenge called the Zelda Tour (its narrative based) where Ss have to go to the real world locals and post to #zeldatour. Only a couple last year but getting some interest so far. #xplaphttps://t.co/WNOVg38yUT
Sort of, I'm thinking I'd badly photoshop a picture of him into some sort of background. Like maybe he's at the north pole. not sure what other clues I'd give. #xplap
A1 Great question! Maybe some quests where students could contribute via Google Classroom. This would be a good time to incorporate @jedikermit ideas like a Pop or action figure sidequest, since toys are on kids minds right now. #xplap
A1: I hold different challenges like beat the teacher’s score on #skyscraper caper, @gregtangmath boards, etc. for Ss to choose from over break #XPLAP#XPLAPcamp
I live in a tourist zone. There are a lot of landmark areas. One is "Broadway at the Beach"-a fancy outdoor mall. The story revolves around a bad guy manipulating the hero around the mall. Ss have to follow the same path and take selfies :) #xplap
This year like no other, I have a very communicative group, they continue to check on each other every night in the chat feature of Google Classroom, I am thinking about an extension that keeps the communication alive through the holidays. #xplap
A1: Providing a side quest for students to create a unique way to share what they did over winter break would be an awesome way to have students explore a new presentation/sharing method. #XPLAP
A1: maybe a side quest - I know I have an optional culture project related to holiday traditions in the Spanish speaking world with a few options on a hyper doc cooking in my brain right now #xplap
I’ve been looking for some citizen science projects my kids could do as a side quest over the break. Looking at @SciStarter for something engaging. #XPLAP
Mine are only made in pages, but I make sure to change up the dimensions of what I put on my website. That is my low tech plan to decrease cheating odds. #XPLAP
A2: been planning a few ea with different skill focus. Some on fig language, some analyzing evidence, some summarizing, some inferences, all to keep skills fresh w some time off #XPLAP
A2: Relating to my first response, sharing what they learn is a key element (and most assessments) in my class, thus exploring a new effective mechanism or product for sharing would be my goal. #XPLAP
A2 I am thinking of a sidequest for math involving snowflakes and fractions. I saw @burgessdave today describing mullet ratios at #ties17 I think kids could do similar with snowflake crystals, estimating what fraction each smaller branch is relative the original. #xplap
After listening to @mrmatera podcast on side quests I am considering having one where I just say “science winter” and wee what they come up with. It is intriguing. #XPLAP
A2: One of my favorite skills to work on with students is creativity and focus. Two of my favorite Purpose Driven Learning words in #XPLAP book. I would build quests that grow both of those.
Hello Amy, I would really look to some of the resources found on https://t.co/6zzWNxkne9 their you will find podcasts, blogs, vlogs and more all on the topic of gamification. And of course the #XPLAP community.
A3: We found Rogue the Astronaut lost in space! So, Ss will take Rogue home w/them, take pics w/him while over break and write about their experiences! Then they can put their writing together however they would like i.e. book, journal, poster,video #xplaphttps://t.co/m83ExoarBE
Trying to make my cards for the new year with a bonus card going out to one student who will be credited with it, but I am trying too hard, where are your guidelines for making cards? Keep it simple, but how do you work in points and tasks? #xplap
Hi Carrie! Have to tell you that my students were very excited by your December #ideaflood challenge. I had a few complete Nov, but none turned it in on time to tweet out for your video. When I shared your new video there were cries of excitement! #xplap
A2: I like to use break to NOT focus on a specific topic, etc. and really let students choose. I just give them challenges that allow them to work on a variety of concepts. #xplap
A3: A short commercial or advertisement showcasing his/her break activities would help students really consider the efficiency of sharing information due to the limits on time. #XPLAP
A3: Create a children story that teaches a moral or lesson from my World History unit we are on… Use Legos and your camera to capture scene for the book. Put in google slides for each of the books pages. #XPLAP
Thank you! I totally ripped of the flat stanley idea....but oh well! haha! Rogue gets to cause havoc in our game later in the year which is super fun! #XPLAP
A3: in the middle of making one where Ss have to make print or tv ad for the top new trending toy for the season. Focuses on alliteration, creativity, persuading "consumers" Set up a Flipgrid topic if Ss choose to make "TV" ad. #XPLAP
A4: I always post all of my side quests on @Seesaw and on @bloomzapp so that parents can see the instructions. I also keep in contact with students over break on @Seesaw! #XPLAP
A4: As some of my lessons include flipped videos, so I make them for parents as well. The common experience helps parents empathize with their students about how information is communicated. #XPLAP
I’m not very good at parent communication. I’ve been knocking around the idea of having my kids writing a recap to go out. Just a thought for now. #XPLAP
A4: I create some video messages for my parents and send them out. Here is my latest for parents. My homework assignment to them as adults. https://t.co/mskldvfXFq (DISCLAIMER: Please subscribe to my other channel https://t.co/HlHOyv1rEH) #XPLAP
I sent out a message to parents using @ClassDojo story to keep my parents informed about our Electronics Day coming up #xplap It is a courtesy to them to let them know what is coming up or why there child is speaking in tongues of some weird side challenge.
A3: I also just posted this side quest to further our real world connections as we read The Giver. Had a student working on it today, and I'm super excited to see how they turn out! #XPLAP
I like the idea of a class blog. A consistent one-stop-shop for parents is always a good idea. This could not only disseminate information, but share out student work and experiences. #xplap
A5: our school is 1:1, so most have complete access over break with the same device, but Ss wo internet access can screen shot directions for quest and create without tech #XPLAP
A5: I usually have digital and paper options for most projects - and digital and paper copies provided for instructions, rubrics - I can’t count on most kids having digital access in some classes #xplap
A5 I have a class website through Google Sites that students can access over break. Ss are also 1:1 so they can download materials they need onto their laptops if internet access is an issue... #xplap
I have a few set sidequests that Ss can choose to do for each unit. They can choose how to complete them or even come up with something different with approval. #xplap
A5 I think it is important to keep it open ended or have multiple options so their is something for everyone. It is good for them to find ways to be creative within the box too. #XPLAP
I do not what I would do without one. Things are posted there and several other places (all same info). My Ss blog too, so even if they were absent, they know exactly what we covered in class. Also great for reminders AKA "Mastery Quest due on Friday" #xplap
In reply to
@andrewjjulian, @PerkyScience, @MrBold05, @hmarrs24
A5 I have had to learn that flexibility is key and paramount. I provide and build it digitally, and then provide the paper copy so that all can participate, but it's a side quest so only those that want to, can join in. #xplap
I keep working to find the best way to keep it open and still scaffold for the kids that struggle with creativity. Some kids have played “school” too long. #XPLAP
A5 All of our students have access to @Schoology and @GoogleSuite on any web-enabled device- they are #1to1 but Ss could also go to library, etc. if need access #XPLAP
Not exactly related to the question, but one Student just turned in a computer program he made for @MrPowley s boss battles. seems pretty neat but I haven't had time to play with it yet. #xplap
Yeah, that's frustrating. Not sure what your school situation is like, our district supported it when they saw the connection teachers were making with parents. Huge improvement in communication / connection. Good luck. #xplap
I have to figure out how to work it first. Haven't had time to read his instructions and I think it's above my level of expertese (which is pretty impressive for an 8th grader) #xplap
A6 Isn't that the age-old question, how to get everyone to participate and onboard? They need a motivation that matches their skill set. I have one student that I need to find her "carrot" soon ... #xplap
A6: I offer a quest that can be done as a pair of students. One must be in the top half and the other the bottom half of the leaderboard. The bottom students earns all the XP, the top players XP goes to the house and they earn 3x the normal amount. #XPLAP
A6: I'm thinking I might offer a surprise badge or item that wouldn't be revealed until they turn in their mission. Or maybe a mix and they are randomly handed out...still thinking! #XPLAP
This is what I am really struggling with. I gave random privileges based on random powers last boss battle. It did make his ask how they could get more powers. #XPLAP
I was thinking it may be fun to have the winter break quests posted on a class FlipGrid so that ll the kids could see it throughout the break. Positive peer pressure! #XPLAP
Holy wow #xplap crew! I asked Q6 because I really needed help with figuring this out and you guys have definitely delivered! My wheels are turning so fast, I think I smell smoke! ha! ;)
Choral reading happens naturally when it’s for play! It’s awesome seeing them all jump out of their seats to read the quests each day! #XPLAP#gamerteacher#gamified#edtalk
Though I do not love it, our LMS (Schoolloop) sends out automatic notifications to parents. From grades to news, no excuse for not knowing (though you do need to have them sign up). I have it set up so that any time I post a new blog post (weekly) they get it #xplap
A6: I was brainstorming chance cards with my students and a lot of them wanted cards that made class more fun/random: stop any discussion to ask me a random question, 30 second dance party, etc. Hitting a different group of kids with those. #xplap
A7: Sharing out our side missions that first week back after break really gets kids excited and wanting more! I want to throw in an easter egg or something else right away so that kids who didn't do the mission don't get discouraged... #XPLAP
A7: Answered this one in my latest VLOG on building anticipation: https://t.co/k6tH6o8Vcv Have a look and see what you can do to build up January and beyond! #XPLAP
A7 I like the idea of keeping the challenge going with teachers because they are my students and create a dedicated #hashtag for the remainder of the year with different themes ea month. #XPLAP
A7: I have bought a mini basket ball hoop and looking for other things to add to my game after the break. I am adding more community curses and such as well. #XPLAP
I have to examine mine too. I only have about one student actively participating in anything that I don't make them physically do in the classroom. #xplap
A7 that is where my advantage is, I am a #tlap Pirate, & I know how to hook them, I've learned how to be a #learnLAP Pirate, they better be ready as the rest of the game and theme are laid out as a #xplap Pirate and we are going to #playLAP that first day back!
Start slow! I've had a Social Studies game going for a few weeks now that students are just getting really excited about. I'm also unveiling a Survivor Math game for the third year in a row. Kids get so excited about the entire class game process! #xplap
RT @KathiSueSummers: A7 I like the idea of keeping the challenge going with teachers because they are my students and create a dedicated #hashtag for the remainder of the year with different themes ea month. #XPLAP
