Interactive Ways to Practice Online
There are many sites for practicing ELA content or vocabulary. With the right site, teachers can create video games, puzzles, or flashcards. There are probably hundreds of sites to create flashcards or interactive quizzes online. Students are more likely to be engaged to practice if they're on the computer.
Video Games
Using a free website, Classtools.net, teachers can create video games for students to play. Visit their site and click on "Arcade Game Generator" on the right side. Games can be embedded into a website or wiki, or you can use the unique URL to access it. It's simple to use: just type in the question and answer and click "OK." See the embedded example below.
Using a free website, Classtools.net, teachers can create video games for students to play. Visit their site and click on "Arcade Game Generator" on the right side. Games can be embedded into a website or wiki, or you can use the unique URL to access it. It's simple to use: just type in the question and answer and click "OK." See the embedded example below.
Kahoot
Kahoot is a "game-based student response system." Users can register for a free account, and then create quizzes to use with students. Students can use any device with a web browser, including phones, computers, or iPods.
Kahoot is a "game-based student response system." Users can register for a free account, and then create quizzes to use with students. Students can use any device with a web browser, including phones, computers, or iPods.
Once the teacher launches the quiz, called a "Kahoot," the site provides a game pin, which is displayed on the projector. Students use their device to enter the pin on Kahoot.it - no login or registration required. They also provide a name, so you can keep track of points.
The quizzes are multiple choice, and students receive points depending on how quickly they answer correctly.
The quizzes are multiple choice, and students receive points depending on how quickly they answer correctly.
Students see the correct answer, as well as how many people answered it correctly. This information is only seen after everyone answers the question. This provides great feedback to teachers!
At the end, the students can rate each quiz, which is a new feature in Kahoot. To get started, simply create a free account and make your first quiz. To try playing a quiz, try this sample quiz on using acronyms. (You must create a free account to see the teachers' version of the sample.)
Kahoot could also be used to have students create quizzes for their peers. It would be another great way to review material, though students would need to create an account.
At the end, the students can rate each quiz, which is a new feature in Kahoot. To get started, simply create a free account and make your first quiz. To try playing a quiz, try this sample quiz on using acronyms. (You must create a free account to see the teachers' version of the sample.)
Kahoot could also be used to have students create quizzes for their peers. It would be another great way to review material, though students would need to create an account.
Flashcards
Quizlet - Teachers can create flashcards with this site so students can practice vocabulary or
facts. You can add images to your flashcards, and there are a couple of games students can play for practice. To see a complete set of flashcards (minus images), click here.
Quizlet also keeps track of which words you've had trouble with and shows you an overall score. This can be a great motivator for some students!
Quizlet also keeps track of which words you've had trouble with and shows you an overall score. This can be a great motivator for some students!
- Braineos - You can create flashcards that students can practice in multiple choice or fill-in-the blank format. Students don't need to log in to use them, but teachers must have an account.
The image below is a screenshot for the fill-in-the blank version of a set of vocabulary flashcards.
Students type in their answer in the box on the right. Or, if you wish, they can play the multiple choice version.
The game below is called Papilio and uses your flashcards in game format for practice. It is appropriate for elementary students.
The game below is called Papilio and uses your flashcards in game format for practice. It is appropriate for elementary students.
Brainflips - students can use flashcards in three modes.
Students can practice using the Introduction Mode, or test themselves in Traditional Mode or Challenge Mode. They can test themselves using multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank answer formats. Like Braineos, teachers can create an account and simply share the URL to the flashcards, rather than students creating accounts.
Spelling City
Spelling City is a site where teachers can enter spelling and/or vocabulary words, give students access, and let students play games with their words. It also has a wonderful audio feature that can test students on their words. The site will say the word once, use it in a sentence, and then repeat the word. Students can enter the correct spelling.
Spelling City is a site where teachers can enter spelling and/or vocabulary words, give students access, and let students play games with their words. It also has a wonderful audio feature that can test students on their words. The site will say the word once, use it in a sentence, and then repeat the word. Students can enter the correct spelling.
Spelling City has a free version, but it also has a premium version ($49.99 for 25 students). With the premium version, teachers can add definitions and quiz students on vocabulary. With the vocabulary, students can play simple games to practice.
While the site is advertised for grades K-12, the graphics and games are more appropriate for elementary.
Overall, Spelling City is a good site for practicing spelling words for elementary students. It will even let students practice with audio before the test!
Overall, Spelling City is a good site for practicing spelling words for elementary students. It will even let students practice with audio before the test!