How Do I Create A Class In CommonLit? Creating a class in CommonLit is a simple but highly important issue for any educator wishing to use this educational platform.
This quick guide aims at addressing the issue by taking you through the steps in the correct order so that in no time you will be able to create a class and use CommonLit for your teaching improvement.
What is CommonLit?
CommonLit is a free online tool for grades 3-12 which helps promote literacy among students. It has a wide-range gallery of text accompanied by questions, activities, and resources meant to develop effective reading, writing, and critical thinking skills in students.
Its robust structure also enables teachers to assign particular text, monitor student progress, and give constructive comments on students’ work.
Why Use CommonLit for Your Classroom?
Before diving into How Do I Create A Class In CommonLit?, it is prudent to first highlight the reason why CommonLit is a good addition to your classroom. This platform offers:
- A wide variety of texts: For instance, an extensive collection of literary and informational texts which meets different levels of readers and their interests.
- Simple evaluation methods: Apply existing tests and questionnaires in order to evaluate the level of students’ comprehension of material presented to them.
- Adaptable assignments: Adapt them so that they fit the very select requirements of the students.
- Evidence-based approach: Understand where students perform, and where more help is required.
Comprehension of these benefits or advantages is very applicable to the successful creation and coordination of a class in CommonLit.
Step-by-Step Guide On Creating A Class In CommonLit
It is very easy to create a class in CommonLit as it entails few steps. Use this guide to get started.
Step 1: Sign Up Or Log In To CommonLit
To start, there are some ways you can do which comes back to a CommonLit account. If an account is already present, one can easily sign in. If the account is not present, follow these steps in signing up:
- Enter the CommonLit website: Click on the “Sign Up” option found at the top right corner of the site or go to CommonLit.org
- Specify: Select your role: Click “I’m a Teacher” when available.
- Complete the registration form: Indicate your names, email address, and devise a password. You could instead use Google account or Clever to sign up.
- Check your email to confirm your registration: In a confirmation email, you will find a link to click in order to forward the registration process. If you registered, go check your email for a link to verify your account and do as instructed.
Step 2: Go to the Page “My Classes”
Having logged in, the next step in creating a class in CommonLit is moving to “My Classes Page”:
- Click on your name: This option can be found on the topmost section of the dashboard towards the right side.
- Select “My Classes“: Click on “My Classes” from the dropdown that appears which open the classes editing panel.
Step 3: Add New Class
After that, you’re on the page My Classes you can add a new class using these:
- Click “Add a New Class”: This usually comes in the middle of the page or at the top right-hand corner.
- Fill in the required classes fields: Name/title of the class, grade level, and subject.
- Decide on how learners will join the class: As the teacher, you have the option to let students enter a class code or simply give them an email invite link.
- Click “Create Class”: After this process, click “Create Class” and the class will be created.
Creating a class is the very first thing you need to know when using CommonLit. By performing these few and simple steps, you will be more than prepared to give your children text assignments and observe their development.
Managing Your Class on CommonLit
Once you learn How Do I Create A Class In CommonLit?, it follows that you should know how to take good care of your class as well. Here’s what you can do:
Adding Students to Your Class
Having set up your class, the next step is adding students:
- Share the class code: In case you selected this class code option, then this code must be shared with your students. They will do it on the CommonLit website to gain access to your class.
- Send invitation links: In other cases, you may involve sending the students invitation links through emails where, when they click the link, they will go straight to your class without your confirmation.
Assigning Texts and Activities
To enhance the effectiveness of CommonLit, you should ensure that you periodically give your students scripts and tasks:
- Browse the CommonLit library: They should be able to use this library to search for texts that are in line with the curriculum objectives.
- Assign the text: A text will be clicked on, a phrase which reads ‘Assign Text’ will be selected from the attached page with the text. A class to assign this to and a due date will be specified.
- Assign questions and/or activities: Amend the assignment by provision of particular questions or activities.
Tracking Student Progress
In CommonLit, there are effective measures for tracking student performance:
- Go to the ‘My Classes’ page: This page summarizes the grades earned so far by each student.
- Review assignment reports: Click on any assignment and it provides a report about the student performance showing even the wrong items, how many questions were completed, scores, and other details report.
- Provide feedback: There are some opportunities where you may use comments on students’ work to help them as most students do respond very well to positive feedback on their performance.
CommonLit strategies are not only limited to the allocation of reading materials. There are various tools present on CommonLit which you can use in order to improve the level of understanding of the given topic for students.
Tips for Effective Use of CommonLit
If you already understand How Do I Create A Class In CommonLit?, now let’s discuss some suggestions that will help you fully benefit from the platform:
Creating Assignments
Amend an assignment so that it reflects the Requirements of a given group of Learners:
- Lend based on literacy levels: Do not forget that it is possible to lend several students of different literacy levels several specific lent books using CommonLit reading materials’ features.
- Provide additional materials: Provide assignments together with other materials like videos and other related articles as supplements.
Engaging Students
In what ways you may sustain your student’s interest in the lesson:
- Use discussion questions: Use the discussion questions available on CommonLit to get class discussions started.
- Use quizzes and other challenges: Ways of learning can be made more effective by making them fun and engaging.
Utilizing Data Insights
Use data to enhance instruction:
- Spot trends: Employ the data tools on CommonLit to recognize trends amongst students that should be taken into consideration when determining the way to go about teaching them.
- Provide additional practice in places they are weak: If students are having trouble in certain subjects, that is where more help is needed.
The previous, effective use of CommonLit comprises of modifying the assignments, the active participation of students, and the effective use of data insight. These aspects of CommonLit can help you become better at using it and all its resources in your class.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Although CommonLit is very straightforward to use, some issues may occur. Here are some tips on how to sort out common problems:
Students Can’t Join the Class
When students are unable to join your class, even if they do not figure out how to:
- Re-check the class code: Be sure that the class code is accurate and the students are typing it in the correct box.
- Await for all students to accept the invitation links: If you sent websites invitations via email, you may consider resending a website link again.
Assignments Not Showing Up
In cases where assignments aren’t appearing for students:
- Verify the assignment date: This means checking if the relevant dates regarding beginning and ending of the assignment are in proper configuration.
- Check class settings: It is necessary to ensure that the right class was chosen during the process of assigning the text.
Technical Issues
For other technical problems:
- Visit the Help Center: For those who are unable to find this function in the application, needn’t worry because CommonLit has a help center where most of the problems can be solved.
- Contact support: In conclusion, if the problem continues, please contact the support team of CommonLit.
Dealing with problems is an unavoidable twist while using any platform. In line with these steps, most of the problems can be solved without a lot of hindrances thus maintaining order in the class.
Conclusion
Learning How Do I Create A Class In CommonLit is the beginning of the full exploitation of such a formidable learning tool.
And as a result, you should not panic, since it is possible to create and manage your CommonLit class step by step as it is outlined in this guide.
From the general procedure of creating the classroom, you will be able to allocate text to students and even monitor their performance. CommonLit has everything you would require for enhancing literacy skills within the confines of your classroom setting.
