ELA in-class flipped learning with EdPuzzle

Got the chance to enjoy BCPS's EdCamp (#edcampbcps) this past weekend!  Learned a lot and got to meet some great people.  My topics were to see if anyone else was using math workshops with Pearson Realize and about in-class flipped learning using EdPuzzle.  I got to jump into a GT discussion and effective methods to implement mentoring groups in schools.  My coworker joined me and it was so much better that she was there!  I would have been lost without her.

Onto something new.  I did have an old blog, but it used my maiden name and was based on second grade learning.  This blog will be focused on 4th grade learning and anything else I come across during my Google and Teaching Channel searches!

We do not have devices yet in fourth grade, but I am excited for them to come to us next school year!  I'm been trying to get my feet wet in technology applications that work well with my kids this year so I don't have to go through the trial period when the devices come our way.

Using EdPuzzle for my in-class flipped learning lessons has been wonderful.  It currently blocks online videos when the kids try to access them, but it plays my homemade videos using screencast-o-matic.com to record.


Here's how I get it done and still sleep at night--

• Start off with one lesson a week focused on something you would normally teach as a mini-lesson in class to the whole group.
• Use your normal ELA rotation model (I use a make-shift version of The Daily 5)
• Create a Flipchart, PowerPoint, poster, or pocket chart for students to follow during rotations.
• Create your video or use one already provided by an educational website, use EdPuzzle to create stopping points, questions, discussion questions, and external links to additional content for your students.
• Ensure students understand the expectations of the (already instilled and practiced) rotation model

During rotations--

• The first rotation does not include any small group work with you and students, they will get settled in their rotations and you can handle any stragglers who were in la-la land when you were explaining their jobs for the day
• The second rotation is when you jump in and work with the group who just watched the video and took notes.  
• Everyone has a job to do at each rotation that will be fit for their learning level and address skills you are currently working on or have learned in the past.
• Certain students can be assigned the role of "Experts" or "Pros" and help to answer any tech or general questions the other students may have
• Have a sign that states "Ask 3 Before Me!"  This means students should ask three others before they come and ask you.  This will eliminate a lot of nonsense coming your way.
• Change up the activities so kids can stay focused and engaged on each rotation.  For example, don't have two writing rotations or two worksheets included in the rotations.  Too much of the same thing can get boring for anyone!

Tips to remember--

• Have one major goal in mind for your flipped video and small group lesson.  Too many topics to focus on can become overwhelming!
• Rotation models MUST be working in your room before you begin an in-class flip (unless you have middle school/high school students)
• Students must understand your expectations and the consequences for distracting others/becoming distracted from their jobs
• Technology glitches happen.. always have a plan B or go with the flow like we do in our class
• Small group time is your time to address specific needs of each group and really dig deep with them.  Take advantage of this time!
• Rotations should be 15-20 minutes each (depending on your ELA block)
• Videos should be NO LONGER than 8 minutes for a fourth grade student.  With all of the stopping to take notes, and accountability checks during the video, it'll last about 15 minutes total.

Good luck with your in-class flip!  I'm still learning, but got my start from this video: