So many Montessori educators are finding unique ways to deliver high quality instruction virtually, while maintaining the integrity of the Montessori curriculum. As Montessorians, we understand that virtual learning is not the ideal, but we also understand that it is our responsibility to continue to engage and support our students using the myriad of tools available to us. With creativity, it is possible to continue a Montessori curriculum virtually. One versatile tool is Google Slides. Montessori educators can use this tool for far more than slide presentations. Here are some ways you can use Google Slides to transform your virtual teaching:
- Create slide presentations that replicate Montessori materials, and use these to either pre-record lessons, or to share your screen during synchronous lessons over video meeting platforms like Zoom. No time to create slides on your own? Check out Montessori material presentations I have available here.
- Design virtual activities to send to your students using Google Slides. You can add all of those great paper based extensions used in classrooms to a Google Slide and have students drag and drop objects for sorting, numbers or counters for math work, and to create Montessori phonics activities. Here is a sample of a few activities that are quick to create:
You can even record your voice reading the directions and embed the directions in your slide! If you are not using an LMS platform like Schoology or Google Classroom that will automatically send each student a copy of the Google Slide assignment, make sure that you send a separate copy to each students, so that all of your students are working on the same shared presentation.
- You can also use the add in Pear Deck to make your slides even more interactive during synchronous class meetings over video conferencing platforms or for Google Slide assignments. This add in will allow even your youngest students to drag a shape over correct answers or draw answers into their slides while you observe their work. Check out Pear Deck for more information. The basic version is free for educators.
- You can also create a virtual classroom slide with clickable links to Montessori activities. There are many YouTube tutorials on how to create these cute virtual classrooms that will enhance student engagement.
Whether you are returning to a virtual classroom or going back for face to face learning, this school year will require creativity and flexibility. Embrace the challenge!
