QR Codes in Kindergarten

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This year we have explored some new ways to use QR codes in our classroom. We are excited about some of the possibilities in the unique ways that they can be easily incorporated!

What is a QR code?

It is machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares, typically used for storing URLs or other information for reading by the camera on a mobile device.

We have used QR codes in 3 different ways so far this year. We do want to ensure that these QR codes are by no means a substitute for human interaction. We love spending time reading with children and providing opportunities for rich conversations. They are simply another tool that we have found to be interesting and helpful in engaging students.

QR Codes: Student Voice in Writing

We have a "What's New" board in our classroom. When something exciting happens at home or school, we support students in writing about their experience to share with their peers. It creates a great conversation starter and supports students in engaging in writing about something that is of interest to them. Children have written about their new pets, family trips, learning something new at school, or celebrating their birthday.

We support children in their writing and developmentally it looks very different for each student. To add more detail and depth, we gave children an opportunity to record their story. We then add the QR code to their picture, photograph and writing.

QR Codes on Documentation

Each student in our room has a portfolio with documentation that is meaningful to them. We also document students conversations, explorations and experiences daily. When we add documentation to their portfolios or on the wall in a panel, they often invite us to read it to them. 

To support this we have started to record some of our pieces. We will read what we have written (whether it is a story of their learning or a group conversation) and then create a small QR code to add to the documentation. Students can then use the QR code to hear their learning stories anytime.

QR Codes: Listening to Favourite Stories

It can be expensive to purchase books for a listening centre. Sometimes we are limited by what we purchase too! There are so many great apps that have books for children to listen to, but we have found another neat way to support this!

We will record a story that we have read as a class or a nonfiction text that we are using for an investigation. We then add a photo of the book and the QR code so that students can easily scan the code to hear it read aloud to them.

The "How To":

1. Record an Audio File:

• You can record an audio file many different ways, you have to find what works best for you!
• We use the built in speaker in our computer and the web based audio recorder Vocaroo http://vocaroo.com/

www.vocaroo.com (one website option to record Audio)

After stopping recording, click to "save"

2. Save the Audio File to your device or computer.

Download as MP3

3. Load the File to Google Drive

• we created a folder in google drive called "QR codes"
• You can use other file sharing programs (such as Drop Box) too.

4. Make the link Public:

• change settings to make the link public (or so that your students can open it, depending on your school and boards privacy settings)
• Copy the Link

5. Create a QR code:

• using any QR code generator, copy and paste the link in!
• QR Code Generator: http://www.qr-code-generator.com/