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Google Classroom

1. Initial Setup of your Classroom

1.1. Overview of the Home Screen

This is the screen that initially appears when students open the class. In addition to the items listed here, it will display any announcements you have posted.

Clicking on this header will take you to the “Classwork” page. On this page, students can find any assignments (including question, quiz and materials).

Clicking on this header will take you to the “People” page. Students can see all of their classmates enrolled in the class.

Clicking on this header will take students to the “Grades” page. Students can see grades assigned to work they have completed.

If you wish to utilize a Google Meet session, this button will generate a link to share with students.

The “Class Code” is what students can enter to join the class.

The “Upcoming” box displays assignments that are due soon.

Video Demonstration - Google Classroom Home Page

1.2. Create A New Class

Step 1. Using your web browser, go to classroom.google.com. Another option is to click on the waffle icon in the upper right corner of the screen, and from the list, select Classroom.

Step 2. At the top of the Classes page, click the + sign (Create or Join A Class). From the two choices, select “Create A Class”. Notice that if you do not see "Create Class" as an option, ensure that you are using your school Google account (and not a personal account). Also, it may be possible you have not yet been added by the technology staff to the teacher group. If this happens, submit a work request to the technology department.

Step 3. Enter the class name, section, subject or room. The only required entry on this screen is the class name (all other items are optional).

Step 4. Click Create.

1.3. Select A Classroom Theme

Step 1. Go to classroom.google.com. Click on the class you wish to customize.

Step 2. Click on “Customize” in the upper right corner of the header (theme).

Step 3. There are several pre-made templates provided by Google. To see the options, click on “Select Photo”. Several templates appear. Note there are class subjects listed across the top.

Step 4. Make your selection, then click "Select Class Theme". On the next screen, click "Save".

Create A Custom Theme

You can also create a custom header. Several options are available doing a search for “Google Classroom Theme Templates”. If you want to create a header from start to finish, go to alicekeeler.com/gcheader. Once this website is open, click on “Make A Copy”. Right-click on the blue background, then select “Background” from the pop-up menu. Choose one of the solid colors, then click OK. To make a gradient theme, click on the Gradient tab. Click on “Custom”. Select your first color. Click on “Add”. Select the second color. Use the slide bar to adjust the balance of the two colors. Click OK when finished.


If you have selected or created a custom header, click on File, then Download, then PNG image.

Return to your Google classroom, click on “Customize” in the upper right corner, then click “Upload Photo”. Select the image from the Download folder or drag and drop the image from the lower left corner. Once loaded, move the crop box to the upper left corner than expand to include the entire image. Once the image appears as your classroom theme, click Save.

1.4. Change Class Name

Right-click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to change the name of a Google Classroom

1.5. Add A Co-Teacher

Montague Area Public Schools is pleased to present this tutorial on how to add a co-teacher in Google Classroom. The tutorial is presented in two formats - video and a PDF file that can be opened or downloaded for printing. To see a larger version of the video, hover over the video and click on "YouTube" to expand.


1.6. Manage Notifications

Right-click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to manage notifications within Google Classroom

1.7. Customize Notifications

Right-click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to customize notifications within Google Classroom

1.8. Enroll Students

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to enroll students in Google Classroom

1.9. Utilize the Calendar

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to utilize the Google Classroom calendar

1.10. Create Topics for your Class

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to add topics to Google Classroom

1.11. Create Grade Categories

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to create grade categories

1.12. Create a Grading Rubric

2. Inform Students Using The Stream Page

2.1. Create An Announcement

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to create an announcement within Google Classroom

2.2. Locate Class Code

Right-click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to locate a class code within your Google Classroom

3. Engage Students Using The Classwork Page

3.1. Create an Assignment

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to create an assignment in Google Classroom

3.2. Create a "Question" Assignment

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to create a "question" in Google Classroom

3.3. Create a "Quiz" Assignment

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to create a "Quiz Assignment" in Google Classroom

3.4. Embed Google Meet

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to utilize Google Meet in your Google Classroom

3.5. Create a Materials Post

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to create a "Materials Post" in Google Classroom

3.6. Class and Private Comments

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to use class and private comments in Google Classroom

3.7. Learning Activity Emojis

Right-click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to add emojis before assignments or announcements in Google Classroom

4. Communicate Using the People Page

4.1. Modify Student Permissions

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to modify student permissions in Google Classroom

4.2. Email Students

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to email students in Google Classroom

4.3. Invite Parents and Guardians

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to invite parents and guardians in Google Classroom

4.4. Mute A Student

Right-click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to mute a student within Google Classroom

5. Track Students Using the Grades Page

5.1. Grade Assignments

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to grade the Question Assignment and provide feedback in Google Classroom

5.2. Grade the "Question" Assignment

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to grade assignments and provide feedback in Google Classroom

5.3. Grade the "Quiz" Assignment

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to grade the "Quiz" assignment in Google Classroom

5.4. Originality Reports

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to use originality reports to detect possible plagarism.

5.5. Grade with a Rubric

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to use a rubric to evaluate student work.

5.6. Utilize the Comment Bank

Right-click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to utilize the comment bank within Google Classroom

6. Additional Resources

6.1. Arrange Class Card Order

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to change the order of your classes on the home screen

6.2. Using Content Again

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to add reuse an assignment from a previously taught class

6.3. Transfer Ownership of a Class

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to transfer ownership of a class within Google Classroom

6.4. End-of-the-Year Wrap-Up

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to archive your classroom at the end of a semester or school year.

6.5. Archiving and Deleting A Class

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to archive, restore or delete a class within Google Classroom

6.6. View Student Deletions

Click the link below to download step-by-step instructions on how to view any deletions made by students.