How to Create A Drag And Drop Activity in Google Slides

Have you been wondering how to create a drag and drop activity in Google Slides?

Over the past year, I have fallen in love with these digital activities and so have my students.

They are super simple to create and after you make your first one, you can use it as a template for the future!

To create your first drag and drop activity, all you need is a Google account!

Step 1: Once you have your Google account ready to go, it is time to open Google Slides to create your drag and drop activity!

Open a new blank presentation in Google Slides.

Step 2: Insert a text box for your title and one for your directions!

Step 3: Insert a Table and add questions

The size of the table depends on how many questions you want to have. I usually do 10, so I insert a 5×2 table. Type your questions into the cells of the table.  If you need math symbols for your questions or answers, try using the Add-On Hypatia!

Add table and insert questions!

Step 4: Insert placeholder shapes for your answers

Insert a shape of your choosing. Duplicate the shape and add one to each cell in your table!

Placeholder shapes added!

Step 5: Duplicate those shapes to use as your moveable pieces

Once you have created your placeholder shapes, select them all and duplicate them!

Step 6: Drag the duplicated shapes down to the area below your table

Step 7: Add in your answers

Type your answers into the moveable pieces below your table.

Add your answers to moveable pieces.

Step 8: Make it cute!

Background: Go to format background to add in a fun background or change the color. If you go to Google Image Search, you can find a variety of options to use!

Text: Pick your favorites!

Colors: Change the shading color of your table and answers!

Step 9: Lock the Background

• Duplicate your slide. Remove the movable pieces from your duplicated slide (slide 2).
• While still on slide 2, go to File → Download → PNG
• Insert a new blank slide (slide 3). Change the background to the downloaded PNG.
• Go back to slide 1 and copy the moveable pieces.
• Pop back down to slide 3 and paste the moveable pieces. Switch up the order so the answers aren’t in order!

Step 10: Create a Student Copy of your Drag and Drop Activity in Google Slides

While slide 3 is selected, go to File → Make A Copy → Selected Slides → Replace the words “copy of” with “student version”.

Step 11: Share with your students!

How did it turn out?

If you still need a bit more guidance, download my free Google Slides and PowerPoint Made Easy guide to learn my favorite tips that have helped my resources get noticed by over 10,000 classrooms!