Do you use QR code activities in your classroom? QR code activities are a great way to integrate technology and let your students practice or review concepts learned in the classroom.
What are QR Codes?
QR codes are similar to barcodes at the store. They are an arrangement of black squares and dots that hold information. When scanned by smartphones or tablets theses codes link to a variety of information including websites, images, or video files.
How I use QR Code Activities in My Classroom
I’ve been using QR code activities in my classroom for several years now. I like that they are safe, kid-friendly, and can help integrate technology into a variety of subject areas.
1. Simplify Research
As an early childhood educator my students are expected to participate in research but many struggle with typing web addresses and reading to determine if a site or link is appropriate. Using QR codes allows me to provide quick and easy access to links I would like my students to access. They can scan the QR code and go directly to a video, website, or article. This eliminates the frustration of having to help numerous students at once and all of the mistyped web addresses.
2. Build Fluency
During literacy centers or Daily 5 I have used QR codes to link to books and voice files. Many books are available as read alouds on Youtube. Students scan the QR code and it takes them directly to the book I want them to listen to. I have also recorded myself reading a book and used the QR code to link the voice file. Using QR codes in this way supports my young readers and ELL students.
3. Literacy and Math Stations
I love using QR code activities during my math stations and literacy stations. I place codes at a station or hang them around the classroom and provide students with devices. They scan the code to reveal an image, word, or sound file.
4. Present or Share Information
QR codes work great to share information. Place a QR code on a newsletter or information going out to parents and they can scan and be linked to a video message, your website, and more! You can also use QR codes to create interactive bulletin boards. Other students and staff can scan the QR code and see your children sharing, presenting, or reading.
5. Dictation
QR codes are a wonderful way to create a second teacher. Record yourself saying a word, sentence, directions create a QR code with the file, and you have another teacher! I like to use QR codes to practice sentence dictation. Students scan the QR code, listen to the sentence, and record what they heard. You are free to be helping others and the student can scan it as many times as they need to hear it again.
Do you use QR codes in your classroom? I’d love to hear your ideas!
