Google Docs for Kids: What is it?
While this video is great for kids, it is also a good overview of what you can do with Google Docs.
Google Docs for Kids: Formatting
This video offers a 'formatting' assignment for students, but it does a great overview of some of the formatting options in Docs
For Discussion
Google Docs can be used for rudimentary discussion. Simply share your Google Doc to the participants you would like typing into the Doc. You can create a table or chart to help manage the discussion. Make sure that the sharing rights are "Can Edit" if you want students typing directly into the document. This can be helpful for small group collaboration and discussion.
You can create fillable lines in docs so that you have interactive worksheets for your students. This video will show you how to set these up!
For Reflection & For Curating
There are several ways that you can use Google Docs for reflecting or for curating. First, if you would like students to reflect in a Google Doc, simply set up the Google Doc and share it to them using the "Share" button. If you are part of a GSuiteEDU organization, you'll be able to share it to their gmail if they have one. If you use Google Classroom, you'll be able to share it there so that each student has a copy to work in and submit. If you are curating resources and links for students, link the text and share as "Can View" so students can access the links but are unable to edit any of the text. You can also share it as a material instead of an assignment in Google Classroom.
When curating links, consider using bit.ly to shorten the URL of the webpage so that students/caregivers can type that shortened URL into another device like a smart phone.
For Reading and Responding
One of the great things about Google Docs is that when you share a document, you and the person you've shared it to can leave comments. If you share a document with a student, they can leave a comment, OR if a student shares a document with you, you can leave a comments. The videos give you an overview of this commenting feature. If you want, you can send students a copy of a text in Google Docs, and they can respond by leaving comments.