Teach How to Meme

isual marketing is the way of the future. Approximately 65% of the population is comprised of visual learners. Even in sales if an effective visual isn’t matched with the product, the consumer probably won’t remember it. The same applies to teaching. Consider this, How can I attach a meaningful visual to the most important concepts I teach?

Memes

Memes are funny and let’s face it, everyone has sent one. Search entertaining photos and add catchy phrases to make concepts more memorable. Memes can be created with apps or by opening a document or Google Slide.

Bitmoji

Bitmoji is now an app that can be used on phones and mobile devices. These can be used to make visuals that have a lasting effect. Students are already familiar with them and their use to communicate. Check out bitmoji.com to design your avatar.

Infographics

Infographics can be used to summarize a lesson. Choosing memorable images along with powerful phrases creates a memorable lesson summary. There are several websites that provide templates for infographics. They can also be created by using a document or Google slides.

Here are some resources for creating interesting graphics:

• Canva
• Meme Maker in the Chrome Web Store
• Picktochart
• Venngage

Get Linked Up

Are you tapping into the power of the hyperlink? Over the past few months I’ve been trying to understand this notion of a hyperdoc. At first, I was like what’s the big deal? Well it’s a big deal.

A hyper doc is a Google Doc with hyperlinks embedded to resources. This is a simple way to begin integrating technology into instruction. Start by identifying resources that are beneficial to the lesson standard being taught. Secondly consider the order that you want to put the resources together, using tables will be very helpful for organization. To add the hyperlinks that are needed simply highlight the text that needs to go to the link and click on the chain icon in the insert menu.

Resources that are helpful include videos, web pages, even your own resources such as slides.

Here’s an idea for Google Slides…

Create a slideshow and embed link that send students to different slides. It gives you a little added boost for differentiation. To do this, add your image or text, click on insert then link, and select slides in this presentation.

As you consider ideas for the beginning of the school year, try getting linked up.

And Another One!

It's June! Another the school year has come and gone. This time of the year yields sunshine, watermelons, and beach trips. School is out, the classroom is packed up, and it's time for you to enjoy yourself.

School districts, principals, and your children will find task after task for you to complete, but remember to make time for you. So many teachers fill up the summer with professional development and forget that it's supposed to be a break. So exactly how do you wind down?


Clear the Clutter

Every year it's tempting to revisit old lessons and recycle old worksheets, clean out those lesson plan notebooks and be prepared to start fresh. Often times teachers continue ineffective lessons simply because they're familiar, it's time to throw them out.

Try Something New

One of the ways to overcome job burnout is to intentionally take breaks. It's summer and there's no good reason to fill it with work. There will be a conference or two you need to attend, but do not over commit yourself to the point that you miss the vacation. There will always be something else to do. Laundry, cleaning, cooking, and all the things we come up with to do, will always be there. Plan to experience this summer, rather than count how many days are left.

Do It!

What is the "it" that has been put off? A massage? Trying a new hairstyle? Working out? Get out there and do it! Take a walk with your family after dinner, join a gym, or make that appointment starting today.

It's summer and another year is in the books, give yourself the gift of rest and relaxation.