Worksheet
and Puzzle Makers
Worksheet
and puzzle makers are material generators that allow the teacher or student to
input information and the software automatically creates a worksheet or puzzle.
I have used puzzle making software to create crossword puzzles and my students
enjoy them. I have used them specifically with textile terms, cooking terms and
sewing terms. It offers students an additional way to review vocabulary, rather
than copying terms from the textbook. I like the idea of putting in my own
content because it is often a challenge to find Family and Consumer Science
materials ready-made. From my experience, make sure the puzzle generator is truly free before you enter your information. Often the website will allow you to enter information but when you're ready to generate...it will prompt you to pay before printing.
Web
Design Software
Web
design software allows teachers to create a webpage with instructional links,
documents, videos, graphics and other important information for student use. I
have not used web design software in my classroom, but I can see many benefits of
this tool. Students could watch videos prior to class in order to introduce
them to a new concept. They could use links from the webpage for extra practice
or enrichment. A web page would be a great place to upload handouts and
materials for students who have been absent or “lost” their materials from
class that day. It would also be a great reminder tool for due dates or other
deadlines. This is definitely a tool I would love to use in my classroom.
Graphic
Document Makers
Graphic
document makers allow you to generate awards, certificates or other highly
graphic materials easily. I have not used a graphic document generator in my
classroom, but I would love to try it! Even though my high school students act like
they are “too cool for school”, they do like to be acknowledged and praised. This
would be a good way to award the “Cleanest Kitchen” or “Best Tasting Product”
after a foods lab. Students could also use this software to create menus or
invitations to be sent to our annual “Cake Challenge” judges. 
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI use the puzzle maker generator often! My 4th graders love word searches and cross word puzzles. I use these puzzles as center work or morning work. I also think the graphic document makers would be great to use in my classroom. My 4th graders love to be praised and recognized. I like this generator because you can create the certificate yourself and make it unique.
I ran into the same concern with my high schoolers in regards to whether they would think certificates were too childish, but surprisingly, they love them. I think any type of praise is cool as long as you play it right. As for worksheet & puzzle generators, there's nothing like being able to put things into your own words and help the students summarize your concepts.
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