ST. LOUIS, February 20 — The St. Louis-based online game and social media start-up known as SNOTES™ (https://snotes.com) has emerged with a major success under its belt: its patent-pending software performed reliably for more than 1,000 site visitors during a 16-day beta test in Mid-Missouri.

SNOTES is like a word game. It’s a way to send and receive secret messages between friends and family. Through the patent-pending “SNOTES Generator,” a user turns short private messages into a piece of artwork that only the initiated can read. People can “play” SNOTES on their computers, tablets, or even on cell phones. SNOTES is a high-tech adaptation of a centuries-old form of secret communication.

The SNOTES Generator took months to custom-build. Emerging from a November alpha test, SNOTES learned there were expected bugs, so an independent software testing firm was hired to isolate operability issues. The beta test has confirmed virtually all major issues have been resolved.

The public from all over Mid-Missouri was invited to try SNOTES. The epicenter of the beta trial was Hermann, Missouri.

Valuable feedback was collected, and SNOTES will receive even more fine tuning. But the product is nearing a worldwide roll-out centered on St. Louis.

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By now, most teachers are either back in school or are starting back soon. Here are some of our most favorite classroom hacks to help you create a lively learning environment, stay organized and save time with less messes to clean up!

Cover it Up:

Sometimes all that’s needed to brighten up a bulletin board, box or table is an inexpensive cover. Dollar store plastic table covers are great for boards or to cover up art tables for easy after clean up tasks. Decorative duct tape and contact paper are perfect for turning an old cardboard box into eye candy, also good for unsightly desks, tables and shelving.

Make it a Game:

Students tend to groan after the fun is done and it’s time to clean. Make it fun with a pick-up game; the student that picks up the most trash wins the prize. Cut down on class disruptions by creating a game code for frequently asked requests – 1 finger up means they need a pencil, 2 fingers mean they need a tissue and 3 is a bathroom break.

Stick It:

There is something so magical about stickers! For some great prices on stickers check out dollar stores and Oriental Trading. Kids love them. Stock up on stickers and use them as rewards, prizes, and, well . . . bribes. Sticky notes are also super helpful for organizing, reminding and more.

Perfect Pans and Tubs:

Inexpensive roasting pans are great for storing art materials, collecting homework, holding construction paper and more.

Snotes:

• Make up some Snotes ahead of time with different activities that kids can do if they finish an assignment early. They must first be able to read it, before they know what activity they can do.
• Snotes are great icebreaker activity for kids to get to know each other; create questions on each Snote like “What if your favorite subject,” “What did you do over summer vacation,” or “Do you have any pets?”
• Create Snoes to Pay it Forward with compliments. Need some ideas, we have some already made up for you, check out these compliments and quirky compliment Snotes.
• Use Snotes to communicate tasks, each Snote can have a different task to be accomplished that day. This will add in an extra bit of fun, while retaining their attention.
• A Snote can reveal where a special reward is hidden in the classroom.
• Use Snotes to create quiz questions.
• Create Snotes that say, “Great job this week!” “You’ve mastered a new skill!” or “You were extra kind to someone this week,” for students who are going above and beyond.
• Snotes are a perfect addition to an Escape the Room or Breakout EDU activity.

Welcome back to school teachers!

Teachers deserve their summer break! At Snotes, we have had the great privilege of becoming better acquainted with the teachers that use Snotes to create lessons for their BreakOut EDU projects and more! We are struck by the fact that teachers are so giving of their time and money, they go over and above, doing whatever needs to done to provide their students with the best possible education.

Today, we honor our teachers with some of our favorite quotes, these quotes speak to their ever amazingness! You are invited to use these quotes on a Snote and send it to your favorite teacher, whether that teacher be your actual teacher, a teacher to your child, a friend, spouse or family member. Enjoy!

 

“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” ~ Malala Yousafzai

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.” ~ Brad Henry

“Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their student.” ~ Solomon Ortiz

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” ~ Albert Einstein

“A word of encouragement from a teacher to a child can change a life.” ~ John C. Maxwell

“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.” ~ Bill Gates

“It’s the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.” ~ Michael Morpurgo

“Good teachers know how to bring out the best in students.” ~ Charles Kuralt

“I touch the future. I teach.” ~ Christa McAuliffe

“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” ~ Mark Van Dore

 

To all the teachers out there, enjoy your summer! To everyone else, we wish for you to enjoy your summer as well – but do not forget to take a few minutes to thank and consider your teachers. And you can do so with flair via Snote, learn how to make one today. Happy summer to all!