Let me summarize my favorite implementations of ClassroomScreen.com for the WL classroom:
1. The Volume/Sound Level Monitor
Not that this has ever happened to any of you, but I know I've had moments when I clearly explained that the volume level for students working was supposed to be a level 1 and within moments the class is screaming at a level 4. It's maddening and kids seem completely oblivious to how stinking loud they are!
Enter the ClassroomScreen volume monitor. You set an acceptable volume marker and when gets go above that level, it turns red. Then you don't have to be the bad guy; ClassroomScreen tells the kids they were too loud. Boom. Done.
World Language classrooms aren't supposed to be silent; our students need to talk to learn the language, but that doesn't mean they have to be yelling. Agreed?
2. The Conversation Symbols
If you've read about my intense love for the CHAMPS classroom management system or use my CHAMPS expectations poster, you'll know why I LOVE the conversation symbols on ClassroomScreen.com. You can select silence, whisper, ask a neighbor, or work together. Sure, you'll need to talk to students about what volumes go with each of these behaviors, but it will be easy to redirect students by point to the symbol on the board as a reminder.
3. A Recurring Timer
This doesn't seem like a big deal, but a recurring timer is HUGE news for my classroom. My students do speed-dating interpersonal speaking practice often (I need to write a blog post on this, but think a bunch of students talking in an organized fashion and rotating to the next person when the timer goes off). With speed-dating the recurring timer will be ideal.
I've always just used a maraca every minute or two to let students know they need to rotate, but it's annoying and I sometimes forget. With the ClassroomScreen recurring timer, I'll be able to set the length of the timer, the number of times I want the timer to start over, and that's it.
4. You'll Wow Administrators During Evaluations
This goes without saying. ClassroomScreen.com is classroom management dream come true. It makes your expectations clear. If you aren't already, you'll look like a management rockstar and that section on your evaluation will be amazing. We all know teachers don't do things just for good evaluations, but it can't hurt right?
5. You Can Set the Target Language
This is kind of self-explanatory, but I love that I can set the language for ClassroomScreen. There's even an option for Castilian and Latin American Spanish. What language teacher doesn't love that? Plus, the language has a cute little flag that stays on the screen. Adorable.
I'd really love your feedback on how you'd implement ClassroomScreen with your students! Please comment below and share how you'd use it because I know there are a ton more uses I haven't considered.
