Google Slides can be used for so much more than just presentations. Slides create interactive collaboration spaces. I teach math part time and I code for Schoolytics part time. I was able to code an Add-on for Google Slides, sponsored by Schoolytics, which will allow you to add dice to ANY Google Slides. See below for templates for NOT math (and math) games.
Dice Slides by Alice Keeler
This Add-on is FREE. It collects NO user data. It collects NO PII. Install the Add-on and use the Add-on menu to select “Dice Slides by Schoolytics” to show the sidebar.
Dice in Any Google Slides
Design any Google Slides to be a game that requires dice. The Add-on Dice Slides by Schoolytics will allow you to use the sidebar to place dice onto any Slide.
Show Sidebar
The sidebar of Dice Slides by Schoolytics will allow you to “roll” between 1 and 6 dice. Select “Roll 1” to “Roll 6” for a pop up of the dice rolls. This allows the game slides to not be altered with the dice rolls. To place the dice on the slide, use “Place 1” to “Place 6.” This will add, to the upper right, small cubes with a dice roll number on them.
Some Templates
I created these templates in Google Slides specifically to work with the Dice Slides by Schoolytics Add-on. To create these I designed the layouts in Canva. I used “Presentation” as the template. Downloading as PNG images allows me to set them as the background in Google Slides. Use the View menu and select “Theme builder.” From there I will delete the pre made layouts and add new layouts with the Canva backgrounds. The key is realizing where the Dice Slides by Schoolytics will place the dice.
Using the Menu option of “Place Die” a large die, of a random color, will appear in the upper right. Using the sidebar options, placing die are much more subtle. Up to 6 die can be placed in the upper right hand corner.
Game Board
Create a board game in Google Slides. In the Add-on menu select “Dice Slides by Schoolytics” to create built in dice for the game. Students will need a game piece to move around the game board. Use the option “Add Game Piece” in the Dice Slides by Schoolytics menu to add a cylinder game piece to the board. This can be dragged and moved around the board.
I have provided below the Canva template I used to create the game board.
Math Facts Dice
Do you use dice to have students practice their math facts? I created a Google Slides version. One fun reason to use Google Slides with the Dice Slides by Schoolytics Add-on is to be able to play virtually with anyone around the world. Simply share the Google Slides with someone. Both players would need to have the Add-on installed. When a remote opponent plays, the dice rolls will appear on the screen allowing both players to see the dice rolls. A challenge when using real dice.
Tell Me Template
Use the Tell Me template to have students get to know each other. On the questions slide add 6 questions for the student to answer. It might be “What is your favorite food” or “What is a place you want to visit?” Students then roll a single die to determine which question to answer. In the Add-on menu select “Dice Slides by Schoolytics” and use the “Place Die” option add a dice roll to the upper right hand corner of the slide.
Story Dice
Help students creatively tell a story. Use this template to give students options about the setting, plot, and characters. Perhaps a noun that must be included in the story. Add as many element slides as you wish! Students use the Add-on menu to choose “Dice to Slides by Schoolytics” and select “Place Die” to determine which story element they will include.
Yahtzee Template
This will require that you know the rules for playing Yahtzee. Basically you need 5 dice per player. In this Google Slides version, each player will be on their own slide and roll to add dice. DELETE dice manually from the slide for each turn.
Sponsored by Schoolytics
Schoolytics is free for teachers. Google Classroom users (and soon other LMS and products) can get free progress reports, reuse assignments easily, get a class roster, and more!
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