It Doesn't Have To Be So Hard!

Flippity

@LisaBerghoff 

I was recently asked about what it is that makes me want to do things that are physically and mentally demanding. Actually, the words that were used were "what's wrong with you?". I guess I like the challenge. I like to set a big goal and then see if I can accomplish it. This comes with a downside though, sometimes I get stuck in this mode where I think for something to be worthwhile, or to succeed, the process must be at least a little bit painful. In other words, if it doesn't feel hard, it must not be working. While we know that being pushed out of your comfort zone is where real progress happens, sometimes we take this too far. You can be out of your comfort zone and not be completely miserable the whole time. This reminds me that in school, we can be working hard without feeling like we are drowning all the time, if we employ the right tools to help us. 

That's why I often turn to tools like Flippity. The site is packed with small, simple classroom tools that can have a big impact. 

What Is Flippity?

Flippity.net is a free educational website that turns Google sheets into interactive, customizable learning tools. This includes flashcards, quiz shows, digital games, classroom management tools, digital breakouts, and more. There is no registration, login, or account needed. You don't need to have Google sheets set up because there are templates on Flippity that are already formatted for you to use. 

How Do I Use Flippity?

1. Go to Flippity.net to get started. Take a look at the options. New activities are being added regularly. 

2. For each activity, you can click on "Demo" to try it out yourself. This is very helpful and highly suggested. You will get to see exactly how the activity works before setting it up and using it with your students. 

3. When you have decided what activity you want to use, click on "Instructions". Some of the activities have a "quick and easy" method. Others have very easy to follow step-by-step directions followed by a FAQ section. 

Each activity is self contained and you will have a link ready to go to use in class. 

When Should I Use Flippity?

The tools within Flippity tend to fall in a few categories. These might help when making decisions about when to pull these activities out of your toolbox. 

• Study Aids: Flashcards, matching games, memory activities
• Games And Activities: Jeopardy-style quiz, bingo, crosswords, breakouts
• Classroom Tools: Random name pickers, randomizer wheels, scavenger hunts, seating charts
• Organization: Leaderboards, progress indicators, certificate creators

What Flippity Activities Should I Try?

I'm so glad you asked! There are a few that I have been using on repeat lately.

Random Name Picker: I call this the spinny wheel. So easy you can set it up in less than a minute. You don't have to put names in there. Add characters, numbers, settings, or anything where you don't really care what the outcome is. Click on the wheel and watch your students get invested. I don't know why it works, but it does. 

Flippity Flexcards: These are 10-sided multimedia flashcards and they are a powerful study and organization tool. Click on the demo first to see how they work. 

Flippity Randomizer: This reminds me of a slot machine for words or symbols. You could add numbers, math symbols, or anything else that fits with your content. This is a powerful tool for practice. 

Mobile Friendly Leaderboard: Sometimes you need a cool leaderboard for your students who are motivated by seeing their name climb to the top. This one has a spreadsheet template that is easy to follow so you'll have your leaderboard up and running fast.

Are you using Flippity? What are your favorites? Ready to get started with Flippity but want some help? Let me know. I'm happy to help get you up and running with Flippity.