After reading several articles about Pinterest in the classroom, I'd lilke to share 5 ways for teachers to consider using Pinterest in the classroom (all levels K-12). Be sure to read the details because it may be an old idea with a new twist.
Show and Tell
- Set up Show/Tell Pinterest board and invite students/parents so they can pin.
- Elementary: Choose items based on topics (all about me, places I've visited, future occupation, etc)
- Middle School: Learn about classmates by pinning an object that represents them, something (place, object) that their classmates don't know about them, or where they see themselves in 5 years.
- High School: Content Show and Tell...based on what was taught in class a student must find a representation of that concept and tell why it relates.
Showcase Projects
- Think of Pinterest like an art studio showcasing new artist. Create a board to showcase student work. Teachers can upload digital art work, graphic designs, or any student work that students create.
- Publicize the project by providing the link to the showcase board on teacher webpages, blogs or email out to parents.
- Think of this as a way to connect your classroom globally.
- Use a Pinterest board to gather opinions on class topics by gathering how many likes are recorded on each opinion.
- This option allows students to "like" items that are more of their preference.
- Secondary Uses: new book choice for book clubs, six/nine weeks evaluation of content, research choices, world events to cover, etc.
Collaboration
- Create a board with the intent of adding collaborators to the board so they can add content to the board.
- Content added can be website, pictures and each addition can have a brief description added to it.
- All Levels: Research-create boards for students to add content, Math-pictures of shapes, English-collection of class books read, Library-book club choices, etc.
Current Events
- Create a Current Events board and pin current events to your each day. At the end year you will have a collection of what current events you studied each day.
- If you feel courageous, invite students to your board once a week to pin their suggestion of what current event should be covered in class.
Resources:
5 Surprising Uses For Pinterest You Haven’t Thought Of Before by Joel Lee
3 Creative Ways Teachers Can Use Pinterest by Classroom Jr.
Sixteen Ways Educators Use Pinterest
