Know the Code: QR Codes
It seems they are everywhere, those quick response codes. They are on the back of boxes of food you buy, the tag on the plant you bought from the nursery and now in this newsletter. To unlock the code you need to know what they are and how you can use them.
Quick Response codes, or QR codes, are 2 dimensional barcodes that you can scan with your smartphone to link you to videos, websites, contact information, audio recordings, events, and the list goes on and on. QR codes allow people to have a quick response to getting the information they are looking for. In order to scan a QR code you need to go to your phones app store and search for a QR code scanner app.
We like to use the app i-nigma QR Code Reader but find the one that works best for you and your device! 
Now that you have the QR code reader you can read any QR code! Start by scanning this QR Code to see a short informational video
about QR codes. 
QR codes are everywhere, including at school! The first grade team uses QR codes in the classroom daily. In the morning at calendar time students scan a QR code that takes them to a site that tells them about the weather. During reading block they use QR codes to go to YouTube videos that read directions to their practice book pages so they can work independently in center rotations. We wanted to provide more information about them so when your student talks about them or brings home papers with them on, you know what they are and how to use them.
Here are a few QR codes for you to practice with! Scan this to go to the district website…
Scan these to put some important dates directly into your phone’s calendar…
Now that you know the code, you have access to information instantly. First grade plans to expand the use of QR codes in their classrooms to connect parents to news about classroom learning and important dates. Know the code and stay informed and connected!
