We went out to eat this past weekend for a much needed date night. (Thanks Mima for the free childcare!) No menus were provided, just a pixelated code like this:
Ever seen something like that before? With my old phone I had to download a special app to read the code, but I guess times are changing. These things are so popular nowadays that my new phone (within the last 2 years) has a built-in QR scanner.
Your phone not fancy? It’s all good! In your smartphone’s app store, you can download a free QR code scanner for everyday use.
Wait. What’s QR even stand for anyway?
QR is short for Quick Response and these images contain data. Think of QR codes like modern-day bar codes. When you scan the code, you’ll get all kinds of data: text, video, website links, audio clips, etc.
And this pertains to my classroom… how?
QR codes aren’t just cool when spotted out and about โin the wild.โ A few years ago, I brought them into the classroom with my math task cards and never looked back! The QR codes on my task cards lead students to the correct answer. This has freed me up to do small group instruction during independent center time. I love it and so do the kids! In the next section of this post, I’ll even walk you through making your own. It’s so simple!
Okay, I’m in! How do I make my own QR codes?
As easy as these coded images are to scan, they are even easier to make! Use a free website like QR Monkey to make your own. I use them for encoded answer keys so students can’t just flip and write the solution without showing some work. I use the “text” option of the site to create my images, but you can also use QR codes for video explanations, PDFs, and so much more. The possibilities are endless!
ACTIONABLE STEPS: Make and print your own QR codes for the classroom. I like to print them on mailing labels and stick to the back of my laminated cards. For your convenience, I have ready-made QR math task cards for purchase in my TpT store!
