Okay class, today we are going to begin using a new program called Freckle. Freckle is a program that is used to practice math and reading, and it might be very different than a lot of the practice you've done before. Instead of having everyone in the class practice the same skills, Freckle is able to understand both what you are good at and where you need extra help. It then will give you questions that help you improve and grow. It is very important that you try your hardest while working on Freckle in order to get the most out of the program.
While you are working on Freckle, there are times where you might get stuck and have difficulty answering a problem. Don't worry, that is to be expected. The program has lots of different tools that you can use to help you figure out how to solve the problem so you can move on to the next level.
When you answer a question correctly on Freckle, you earn a certain number of coins. There is a class leaderboard that shows the top five students in the class—and how many coins each of them has. Since everyone is working on questions that are at a level that is just right for them, all students have an equal chance of ending up on the leaderboard. Just work hard, try your best, and you may see your name on top!
Now, I want to go over some of the features of Freckle so that you understand how to use it best. I expect that everyone pays attention to the board and keeps their hands off the iPads and/or computers. I'll start by logging onto a student account I made.
Teacher displays the following on the board to demonstrate math practice:
- Signing in to your student account—make sure to have the class code displayed on the board
- Selecting Math
- Selecting the different domains—pick the one that your class will begin with
- Taking the diagnostic test (Note: diagnostic not included for grade K)—make sure to miss most of the questions and go through quickly so that the diagnostic demonstration doesn't take long
- Practicing within that domain—show students how to:
- watch a video for support,
- have the question read aloud,
- use the virtual manipulatives, and
- use the scratch paper.
Answer any questions students may have before beginning use.
Teacher displays the following on the board to demonstrate ELA practice:
- Signing in to your student account—make sure to have the class code displayed on the board
- Selecting Reading
- Taking the diagnostic test—make sure to miss most of the questions and go through quickly so that the diagnostic demonstration doesn't take long
- Completing an assignment—show students how to:
- select an assigned article,
- scroll on both the article side and the questions side,
- check and uncheck answers,
- submit their answers, and
- review their answers.
Answer any questions students may have before beginning use.