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Homeschooling With Google Classroom

June 28, 2017 9 Comments

Homeschool moms rejoice! Google Classroom is now available to the general public. In the past, Google Classroom was only available to those with an official educational domain, but this is no longer the case. If you have a Google account, you now have access to Google Classroom as well. Homeschool moms can now use Google Classroom to create classes for their children and homeschool groups. <Insert fist bump here!>

What is Google Classroom?

Google Classroom is a powerful educational platform that uses Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Gmail as tools to help educators plan, create, schedule, communicate, and distribute course information.

Tutorials on Google Classroom

If you’re new to Google Classroom, you’ll definitely want to take the time to learn how to use it effectively. One of the best ways to do so is by viewing tutorials. Here are a few thorough Google Classroom tutorials, plus a link to the Google Classroom Support and Forum, to help you get you started.

Once you’re familiar with how Google Classroom works, you may want to look for more detailed subject matter videos. Search for specific topics (how to create a test, how to add playlists, etc) to get the most usage from the platform.

  • A Guide to Google Classroom (2015)
  • An Updated Guide to Google Classroom (2017)
  • Google Classroom for Everyone (2017)
  • Official Google Classroom Support and Forum 

How Homeschool Moms Can Use Google Classroom

Because Google Classroom is such a powerful platform, it can be used in many different ways. If you’re not sure how Google Classroom can be used in your homeschool, I’ve listed some suggestions to help you make the most of this powerful resource.

  1. Create lesson plans. Move lesson plans from other places and keep them digitally organized on Google Classroom. (If you’d like to learn more about creating homeschool lesson plans, check out this post: Tips For Creating Weekly Lesson Plans.)
  2. Create a calendar. Keep track of assignments by using Google calendar.
  3. Add files. Files can easily be added to and downloaded from Google Classroom.
  4. Add announcements. If you’d like alert your child to important information, create an announcement for him to see.
  5. Check your child’s activity. See when your child was last active in the classroom.
  6. Send due date reminders. Reduce the last minute rush to complete assignments by sending reminders in the days prior to the due date.
  7. Set up future assignments. Stay one step ahead in your planning by adding assignments today and scheduling them for a later posting date.
  8. Keep track of grades. Another task that is a breeze within Google Classroom.
  9. Communicate with your child. As your child works on assignments, she can leave comments or questions for you to see. Responding is also easy to do.
  10. Invite others to join your class. This is a great option for those teaching co-op classes or for moms teaching a single class to multiple children.
  11. Create YouTube playlists for students. Share videos related to the class. Children can access all videos in one place..
  12. Link to websites. Send students to relevant sources using specific outside links.
  13. Create tests. Whether your tests feature open-ended or multiple choice questions, Google Classroom provides the tools you need to create them.
  14. Add photos. Upload photos and use them however you like. Photos can provide examples of  subject matter or be used as writing prompts, etc.
  15. Recreate assignments with ease. Easily recreate and tweak frequently used forms such as discussion questions for vocabulary lists.
  16. Personalize the look of your class. Create a thematic look by uploading a photo be used as the class image. (This is similar to a Facebook header.)

I’m thrilled about this update to Google Classroom! I’ll use it to create classes for my girls, but I’ll also be using it to plan coursework for the weekly literature and writing classes I teach. Do you already use Google Classroom? Do you have tips for additional usage? If so, feel free to share them here or start a discussion about Google Classroom over in the AAHM Facebook group.

 

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Comments

  1. Hicunni says

    June 28, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    Hi! As soon as the info about google classroom was posted i immediately set up my account. I will start my planning for the upcoming school year within the next week or so. Super excited. My children are older elementary school age but I believe this new platform will aid in them continuing to learn how to be more independent. Also with children that have learning differences, organization is key!! Last year I started with checking assignments through their google email address. Now we are adding this! Woohoo!

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      June 28, 2017 at 2:13 pm

      I’m cheering right along with you! Watch out kids! Homeschool moms everywhere are about to level up with Google Classroom!

      I love your point about Google Classroom helping children become more independent. My oldest is a rising 8th grader and I spent much of last year teaching her how to study more effectively and work more independently. This platform can be another tool I use to help her do things on her own. She’ll love the freedom it gives her and I’ll love the ability to check in on her without hovering.

      The potential for differentiated instruction is great too. My older two girls do literature together, but now I can vary questions and activities for each girl throughout the week. Same book but different activities to meet different needs. So manny possibilities…

      Reply
  2. Hicunni says

    June 29, 2017 at 7:23 am

    That sounds amazing! Great job! Someone asked in our FB group if you would do a training or how to video. I know you are just getting your feet wet😊 A FB live giving tips would be great to encourage moms to try it out. In the future it may be a great way to collaborate on some unique subjects that others may want to join in on. Just a thought😊 Make today great!

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      June 29, 2017 at 10:22 am

      Collaborative projects are on my agenda too! As far as a video, I’m not ready to do that yet as I’m still learning the ropes myself. Once I feel confident navigating Google Classroom, I’ll consider doing so. In the meantime, stay tuned for an upcoming post about another organizational platform I know and LOVE! Thanks for taking time to comment! Hugs!

      Reply
  3. Hicunni says

    July 2, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    You are quite welcome! Thanks for all that you do!

    Reply
  4. Angie Dorn says

    April 15, 2018 at 3:44 pm

    THANK YOU FOR THIS POST! I was hoping someone had done the “legwork” and put this all together so I can see just how useful Google Classroom is. I am setting things up now. Have you put together (or thought of putting together) a YouTube to show us your Google Classroom? Which apps have you found useful? And have you had to pay for any apps?

    Reply
  5. Laura says

    September 10, 2018 at 11:12 am

    I can’t seem to set it up. Google says it’s only available for Homeschool Co-ops. I’m not in a co-op. How did you get access?

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      September 12, 2018 at 1:06 pm

      Hi Laura. You can access Google Classroom by visiting http://www.classroom.google.com.

      Reply
  6. Shar says

    January 16, 2019 at 10:59 am

    So, I’m late to the party. Per usual. But I am here now and I love it. From the moment I saw this in my G Suite, I knew it was going to be something special. I am excited about creating lesson plans and just digging in and exploring everything Google Classroom has to offer.
    Shar recently posted…Lids, Coverings, Coats, & John GrayMy Profile

    Reply

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andrea.thorpe

Wife to 1, Homeschooling Mom of 3 Girls, Writer, Planner Addict, Lover of Jesus, sunshine, books, and hot chocolate ❤️

andrea.thorpe
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