ClassDojo for Teachers: Everything You Need to Know in 20 Minutes | Tech Tips for Teachers

Summary

In this video, the teacher shares their experience using ClassDojo, a classroom management tool that enhances student engagement and fosters communication with families. The video covers the setup process, customization options, and features like rewarding points, creating student groups, and managing class behavior. It emphasizes using positive reinforcement over negative point deductions and highlights how to involve parents through messaging and class stories. The teacher also explains how to use student portfolios for showcasing work, alongside tips for effective family communication and creating a positive classroom environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 ClassDojo is a valuable classroom management tool that helps with building community and communication between teachers, students, and families.
• 😀 The platform allows teachers to assign avatars to students and reward them points for positive behaviors and skills.
• 😀 Teachers can set up different groups (teams, table groups, etc.) and easily reward the entire group with points.
• 😀 Customization of avatars is possible, with options to choose themes, add personal images, or import custom avatars like popular characters (e.g., Among Us).
• 😀 Teachers can create and edit skill sets for students, such as rewarding specific behaviors like completing assignments or using the chat box appropriately.
• 😀 The platform encourages a positive reinforcement approach by focusing on rewarding positive actions rather than deducting points.
• 😀 It is important for teachers to get families connected to ClassDojo early in the year to enhance parent involvement and communication.
• 😀 Teachers can send messages to parents directly through ClassDojo, and these messages are automatically translated into the family's preferred language.
• 😀 The ClassDojo portfolio feature allows students to showcase their work and receive feedback, building a stronger connection with families.
• 😀 Teachers can set quiet hours to avoid receiving parent messages during off-hours, helping to maintain a work-life balance for teachers.

Q & A

How does ClassDojo help with classroom management?

ClassDojo provides a way to track student behavior and performance by awarding positive points. Teachers can customize the points based on desired behaviors and skills, creating a motivational system that encourages positive actions in the classroom.

What customization options are available for students in ClassDojo?

Teachers can personalize student avatars, assign students to groups or teams, and customize skills (such as teamwork or completing assignments) to match the classroom goals. This helps create a unique experience tailored to the class.

How can ClassDojo foster family communication?

ClassDojo facilitates communication with families by allowing teachers to send messages through the app and share updates via the Class Story. Families can receive notifications, ensuring they stay connected to classroom activities and their child’s progress.

What is the role of student portfolios in ClassDojo?

Student portfolios allow both students and their families to track progress and view submitted work. This feature enhances family involvement by making it easy to see what the student is working on and how they are performing.

How do ClassDojo rewards work?

Teachers can set up rewards in ClassDojo to reinforce positive behavior. These rewards can be both virtual and physical, and students can earn them based on points they accumulate. This system helps keep students motivated and engaged.

Can ClassDojo be used for group activities?

Yes, ClassDojo supports group activities by allowing teachers to assign students to teams or groups. Teachers can award points to entire groups for teamwork, collaboration, and completing group assignments, promoting a sense of community.

What tools does ClassDojo provide to assist with classroom activities?

ClassDojo includes various tools such as a timer, a random student selector, and a group maker. These tools help teachers manage classroom activities more efficiently, ensuring smooth transitions and fair participation.

How can teachers use ClassDojo to manage class attendance?

Teachers can use ClassDojo to track attendance by marking students as present or absent. This ensures that points and rewards are accurately assigned based on student presence, promoting fairness in the system.

What is the 'quiet hours' feature in ClassDojo, and how does it work?

The 'quiet hours' feature in ClassDojo allows teachers to set specific hours during which parents cannot send messages. This feature helps teachers manage their work-life balance by preventing late-night or off-hour communications.

How can ClassDojo contribute to building a positive classroom environment?

ClassDojo contributes to a positive classroom environment by providing a platform where positive behaviors are recognized and reinforced. It fosters communication between teachers and families, which helps create a collaborative atmosphere where students feel motivated and supported.