Centers and Secret Tabs: The Struggle is Real

Each year there is a new challenge to the craft of teaching.  This year for me, it's engagement.  This typically isn't an issue to be honest, well because, I'm hilarious.  I was class clown of my graduating class and I tell jokes that make my own self laugh on a regular basis.  Sadly, however, my excellent comedic timing is no match for...
INTERNET GAMES
Ugh.  It's been going on all year long.  I've asked about blocking websites, setting up special sessions in Go Guardian (our program for tracking students' computers), etc.  No matter what I seem to plan, how often I mention Go Guardian, or what I buy to bring into our classroom, it doesn't seem to matter.  I even have a 'Bucket of Shame' where Chromebooks must sit, untouched, if someone is on a site they're not supposed to be.  Internet games win every time.  I've even gone so far as to allow games... yeah, allow them... during homeroom, thinking that would alleviate my frustration the rest of the day.  Nope.
Recently we began our book clubs.  I'll give students various options of things to work on when they aren't with me.  They move around the room and we get started.  Now, obviously, I'm not a moron.  Kids who are sitting underneath a table or built-in desk, are clearly hiding something.  Thankfully, I have friends who keep me informed and then I have hallway discussions with rule breakers after my lesson.  This has been the struggle the last few weeks.  It's been happening in math as well, however, I've found more success!  How you ask? Awesome, no computers required, centers.  Those old-school centers have helped immensely and my math centers have started to be more successful.  Sure, it took work and staying late a few nights to set them up, but it's been totally worth it!  I was excited to begin the hunt for great ELA centers... in all my spare time.  No dice though.  It's either a monthly bundle where you print and organize and laminate a million items, or it's random busy work that offers no true review or experience that is worthwhile.  WHYYYYYYYYY!?
That was it.  After days, preps, after school hours, of scouring the internet, it hit me.  I'll fight technology, with even cooler technology.  HA!  Take that secret open tabs that aren't supposed to be open!
Enter *Alexa*
Oh yeah, baby.  I started to compile a list of super cool tasks Alexa could do.  Spelling games, writing activities, history lessons, local businesses, etc.  I was obsessed with my new idea.  I feverishly worked and finished creating the center in no time.  I'll be rolling it out this week and now my ELA centers will go from annoying and off task behind my back, to engaging, creative, and easily checked on for accountability.  BOOM.
About the center...
Ask Alexa.
Students will pick a card from the Alexa container.  They'll work with Alexa to complete the task on the card.  This task could be worked on during center time, or used if the child is an early finisher.  I designed the activities to be on-going.  Students will combine speaking and listening, with research, creation, math, science, history, and ELA.  I covered everything!  Some activities have worksheets to match while others require the scanning of our Ask Alexa flipgrid QR code so students can create a nature documentary, retell a choose your own adventure story, or more!  It's also the sort of center where more than one child can easily use it and then proceed to their independent work.  It's incredible if I do say so myself!  I gave the kiddos a preview on Friday and they cannot wait to try it out this week.  Here are some pictures of the center and you can grab your copy by clicking the link below!  Enjoy, and good luck to us all fellow teachers!

Grab your Ask Alexa center HERE