What if you had a student selector, music, timer, direction display, morning message, and more conveniently in one place? This is exactly what you get with the Class Dojo Toolkit! Let’s look at each feature and learn more about it!
Timer
The timer allows you to choose from either a set time or a custom time. This is really useful to let your students know how much time is remaining to finish a task. I use this a lot in my classroom to let them know when I expect them to finish an activity or assignment and begin cleaning up.
When time is up, it will send out an alert. I really like using my phone, chromebook, and/or iPad to set the timer. It will automatically display on Class Dojo on our SMARTBoard.
Random
The Random tool can be used in a variety of ways. I like to use this both as a way to call on students randomly to answer questions as well as to transition from activity to the next. There are many possibilities to choose from. Use it the way that best suits your needs.
The Random tool can also be accessed from the main page of your classroom. It is a bit different from the toolkit version. The one outside toolkit also brings up the point rewards. I prefer to use the one from toolkit because I normally do not need to add/take away a point when I am using it.
Group Maker
Within the toolkit, you have a group maker. Be advised that this is different than the group maker when setting up your class.
This tool is really handy for quickly setting up groups for discussions or projects. I have also used this tool to make math groups for Math Small Groups.
If you have students that you do not want to ever be grouped together, you have the ability to define that in this part of the toolkit. Please see video about how to do this.
I love how quick this feature is. It is truly random and the students never need to know that you set parameters.
Noise Meter
This next feature allows you and your students to monitor the noise level in the classroom. This is especially handy during testing.
From your device you can set the microphone sensitivity. This will help provide your class with a more accurate reading of their noise. If you choose, the meter can be displayed for your class to monitor their own noise level.
This shows how to adjust the microphone sensitivity.
This shows what the class will see (if you choose to display it). You will notice the meter going up and down. I was playing with the noise sensitivity on my phone. This way you can see how it affects the meter.
Directions
I use this part of the toolkit on a daily basis. It’s exactly what I need to give my students reminders when I am busy. I find this is most helpful when I am working with small groups because students work at all sorts of different paces. Instead of hearing “Ms. Chapple! I’m done! My students know to look to the board.
You can use this to simply remind students what they are supposed to do. You can also use this to give your students options on what to do if they finish an activity. The possibilities really are endless. I have included a few examples from my own class.
This video shows how to create a set of directions. Even better- you can save them for future use and edit them! I love having a set of generic directions to put up when I need them!
Think, Pair, Share
The Think, Pair, Share feature of the toolkit is a great way to get your students talking about topics. They can be a great way to kick off a lesson- to see what the students already know. They can even be a great way to close a lesson- what did your students gain from the lesson?
Depending on your grade level, the Think, Pair, Share can be as simple or as complex as you need. I like to use them for a “Turn and Talk” after a story. I also like using them as a quick transition piece. It’s also a great way to kill an extra couple minutes.
Like with Directions, any Think, Pair, Share you make will be saved and can be edited.
Today
The Today feature is very much like a “Morning Message.” It can be used to give your class a look into what is going on today.
In an elementary class, I like to use this to announce what special we have today. I also will use this to ask an essential question. It is a great way to show your class what they will be learning about this day.
In the past, I have also used the Today feature to give students morning work. I no longer use it this way because my class goes to specials right after they unpack.
Just like with Directions and Think, Pair, Share, you can edit and save any of your Today messages. This is handy if you want to reuse them based on the day of the week.
Music
The last piece of the Class Dojo Toolkit is the Music feature. I do not use this feature that often in my own classroom. Typically I use Amazon music playlists. However, if you do not have access to other sources of Music, this is a great tool to have. You have the option of Focus or Active. Focus is great for working times. Active is great for brain breaks.
If you haven’t had the chance to explore the Class Dojo Toolkit, you are missing out! So many possibilities await you! Happy Dojo-ing!
2 Responses
On the Think-Pair_share
Can it divide it into groups or save groups for the next questions>
No it is not able to do this at this time. Definitely a feature worth mentioning, though! The Class Dojo team is always looking for feedback like this- I would consider reaching out and letting them know about this!