Vestal's 21st Century Classroom

with Meghan Vestal

Independence Day for Kids in School

I grew up in a military family and have always loved celebrating the Fourth of July. When I was growing up on military bases, there were always big parties with lots of food, friends, and fireworks. Now, as an educator, I love finding ways to celebrate this important American holiday in the classroom. If you find yourself teaching in July, you may be looking for Independence Day activities for ... Read More about Independence Day for Kids in School

How to Create Interactive Google Slides Using Pear Deck

With so much learning happening remotely and online, I have been receiving a lot of questions about how to create interactive Google Slides. There are many ways this can be accomplished, but I have found Pear Deck to be the easiest. Particularly, if you are new to online learning and Google Slides, Pear Deck is a great option because it is simple to use and tracks student progress. So, let’s get ... Read More about How to Create Interactive Google Slides Using Pear Deck

Getting Started with Flipgrid

Have you thought about using Flipgrid to teach? Whether teaching remotely, in a classroom, or with a flipped classroom, it is an AMAZING educational tool. When introducing any new form of technology in the classroom, it can be scary and overwhelming. So, I’m going to break down everything you need to know for getting started with Flipgrid. In this post, you’ll find Flipgrid tutorials and ... Read More about Getting Started with Flipgrid

Reopening Virginia Schools for the 2020-2021 School Year

There are so many images floating around social media with the supposed recommendations made by the CDC and the governor about reopening Virginia schools. Unfortunately, a lot of the information being shared on social media is inaccurate or exaggerated, leading many teachers to panic. Recently, I spent several hours reading all the information about schools on the CDC and VDOE websites. In this ... Read More about Reopening Virginia Schools for the 2020-2021 School Year

20 Zoom Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Teachers

If you are teaching students remotely and looking for ways to get them engaged, a Zoom scavenger hunt is a great idea! A Zoom scavenger hunt can be used for educational purposes to reinforce standards. Scavenger hunt games can also be used to teach social-emotional learning (SEL) or as a fun way to get your students to interact while social distancing. Keep in mind that even though the title ... Read More about 20 Zoom Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Teachers