The beginning of a new school year is both exciting and challenging. There is a lot to look forward to and a lot to get ready for! In my 17 years working in education, I’ve learned some things and created some classroom templates that help me get started. Today I’m sharing those resources with you.

• If you are feeling overwhelmed, I hope these classroom templates will bring you some peace and confidence.
• If you are excited about the possibilities of a new school year, I hope these classroom templates will inspire you with some new ideas.

If we haven’t met before, my name is John and I help teachers and students use Google tools in the classroom. I hope we can be friends! You can join my free email list with important updates, teaching tips, and classroom templates.

Checklists to start the year

Here are two checklists that you can use as you prepare your class and inventory your student’s technology skills.

Google Classroom Checklist for teachers – It’s time to set up your courses for the new year, and this checklist will ensure everything is ready for your first day, saving you precious time and reducing stress!

Student skills checklist – If you plan on using technology in your classroom this year, there are some essential skills that you need to help your students master. My essential skills checklist is a list of basic skills for elementary, middle school, and high school students. I’ve also included links to some resources and lessons to help you introduce these skills.

Administrative Resources

Is it time to update your school policies? Here are some resources for principals, IT directors and superintendents that might help!

Google Classroom Requirements – It’s important to clarify minimum expectations for things like Google Classroom. This document outlines the requirements for both elementary and MS/HS courses.

Student Chromebook Agreement – Before you hand your students a brand new Chromebook they should understand your expectations. This agreement outlines basic expectations for students who are being assigned a new device.

AI and Plagiarism Policy – There’s no question that cheating is one way that students can use AI. This collection of policies will provide inspiration as you develop your guidelines for acceptable use of AI on school assignments.

Teacher Resources

You’ve got a lot on your plate as it is, here are a few templates that will hopefully save you some time and energy!

Classroom resource template – Make a list of links that your students will need to access…things like your gradebook, textbook, citation tools, etc. Rather than posting your classroom links one at a time in Google Classroom, put them in this document and post it to all of your courses. Need to change a link? Just update this document!

Free time activities – don’t let students randomly wander the internet! This list of educational resources is a great sponge to soak up extra class time. Add your grade-level appropriate activities!

Chrome Extensions for Students – there are five extensions that I think all students can benefit from using. Ask your IT department to add these resources to your list of approved student tools.

Chrome Extensions for teachers – teachers need tools too! Here’s my list of essential Chrome extensions. Add them to your browser to improve your efficiency and organization!

Parent contact log – this Google form will help you track your communication with parents throughout the year, something that my HS principal encouraged me to do when I first started teaching.

First week lessons

Not sure what to do the first week of school? The following resources will introduce your students to some important tools and help them refresh their technology skills.

Peer editing practice – If you plan on having your students write and edit using Google Docs you might want to consider incorporating this peer editing lesson. It’s a fun way to show students how to add comments and suggestions to a document, something they will need to know for future writing assignments.

Google Classroom Quiz – for a lot of teachers, Google Classroom is the central hub for lessons, announcements, and due-dates. It is critical that your students have a functional understanding of how to review upcoming assignments, turn in their homework, and participate in a class discussion. My Google Classroom quiz is a formative assessment that both teaches AND assesses students knowledge of Google Classroom. Assign this quiz early in the year to avoid confusion and frustration later on!

Selfie Cards – this quick activity accomplishes two goals: getting to know your students AND assessing their ability to use Google Slides. I recommend that you assign this activity with little to no instructions; see if your students understand how to open and edit a Google Slide presentation. If you notice them struggling, provide the instruction they need to insert a photo, add text, etc.

Let’s be friends!

All year long I share tips, ideas and free resources on my blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. You can also join my free email list for monthly tips and ideas. Let’s be friends! My goal is to help you and your students succeed this year.