Technology has officially become part of most teacher’s everyday life. The pandemic saw even the most technology reluctant teachers rise to the occasion and find many new ways to encourage student engagement while learning from home. The great thing about being forced to learn how to incorporate technology during the pandemic is that now teachers can use these ideas and resources for in-class learning once everyone is back in the classroom. Not only can you create whole class lessons around technology activities, but you can also create small group work, independent work, homework, or learning stations.
So, while you are meeting with individuals or small groups, your students are engaging in authentic and appropriate learning. There are so many great things being done to turn boring worksheets and lessons into fun and engaging activities for students.
Today I want to talk about Google Forms. Specifically, what I call a Riddle Reveal. There may be an official term out there for it, but I haven’t found one so I’m calling it a Riddle Reveal. In this activity, students are given a riddle that must be solved. The answer is covered by blocks, puzzle pieces, or any shapes you choose. I like using puzzle pieces because it seems more like a game to me. And you can create your own puzzle pieces in PowerPoint. You can learn how to do that here. Each shape corresponds to a question. If the question is answered correctly, a piece is removed revealing part of the answer. Once all pieces are removed, the answer is fully revealed. The kids love these. They get so excited as each piece is removed and they get closer to the answer. What’s great is that you can do a reveal for absolutely any topic or learning concept. Use it to introduce a new concept, practice skills, test knowledge, review for a quiz, and on, and on. I like using Riddle Reveals for math concepts. And I love tying in the theme of the Riddle Reveal to a current theme, topic, or season.
Check out my football-themed 3-digit subtraction across zeroes activity here.
