Author: Sharon Hall

Sharon Hall is a dedicated education consultant with over two decades of experience in the field. A recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching and a National Board Certified Elementary Educator, Sharon brings a wealth of classroom knowledge to her current role. She creates and moderates virtual webinars, writes educational blogs, and develops resources that help teachers integrate technology and innovative teaching strategies into their classrooms. With a Master's degree in Teaching from Miami University and extensive experience in elementary education, Sharon is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes and student engagement. Her expertise spans from curriculum development to supporting English Language Learners, making her a valuable voice in the education community.

Celebrate National Foreign Language Month

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Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things. Flora Lewis March is National Foreign Language Month—a time to recognize the cognitive and cultural benefits of learning foreign languages. Studying languages builds communication skills and strengthens mental flexibility, critical thinking, and problem-solving across … read more »

Leveraging Podcasts to Boost Active Listening in the Classroom

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UNESCO recognized World Radio Day on behalf of its member nations in 2011; then, in 2013, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the day internationally. This annual recognition focuses on raising awareness of radio as a means of communication, information, and entertainment. In many respects, podcasts are like radio broadcasts. Both deliver audio content to … read more »

Digging Deeper: Using Thinking Routines to Build Empathy During African-American History Month

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As we celebrate and observe African-American History Month in February, we must recognize the importance of making this topic relevant to students beyond just learning about famous African Americans and their contributions to this country’s history. Including specific activities that promote deeper thinking allows us to deepen understanding while building empathy for others. Developing empathy … read more »

Save Time & Enhance Learning: A Guide to Time-Saving Resources on TeachersFirst

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TeachersFirst offers many helpful free resources created and curated for educators by educators. Are you familiar with our OK2Ask workshops that cover timely topics to contribute to your professional learning goals? Do you use the TeachersFirst calendar to find resources for upcoming holidays and events? Have you discovered our special topics collections that save time … read more »

Picture This: Using AI Tools to Bring Concepts to Life

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Educators are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) for many purposes: to increase productivity, enhance lessons, and engage students in the learning process. The number of resources and tools has grown tremendously in the past year, and additional tools appear almost daily. A quick look at TeachersFirst resources with the artificial intelligence tag reveals dozens of resources … read more »

Introducing Women as Changemakers Using Multimedia Text Sets

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On December 23, 1867, in Delta, Louisiana, Sara Breedlove was born, and she became a remarkable changemaker better known as Madam C.J. Walker. Her transformative contributions revolutionized African-American women’s hair care and cosmetic industries while establishing her as the first American woman to amass a million dollars. Modern-day changemakers such as Ketanji Brown Jackson and … read more »

3 Cool Tools for Read a New Book Month

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If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book. J. K. Rowling Read a New Book Month (December) offers a great chance to increase students’ enthusiasm about reading. Let’s explore three cool tools you can use to help students choose a book that will fit their interests and suggest some ways they … read more »

Preparing for Universal Human Rights Month

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As December approaches, educators worldwide will work to share an understanding of the values of justice, equality, and human dignity with their students. Universal Human Rights Month, observed each December, is a powerful reminder of the fundamental rights and freedoms to which every individual should be entitled. It’s an excellent occasion for teachers to introduce … read more »

Enhancing Education with AI: American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month Lessons

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George H.W. Bush designated November as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month in 1990 as an extension to the 1986 celebration of American Indian Week proclaimed by Ronald Reagan. American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month is now recognized annually to honor Native American and Alaska Native communities. Although it is possible to conduct … read more »

Teaching Economics in Any Classroom: Using EconEdLink to Engage Students of All Ages

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The 1929 stock market crash and the Great Depression forever highlighted the importance of understanding economics and intelligent financial decision-making. Today’s students grow up in a world of complex financial systems that demands teaching economic literacy as a crucial life skill.  EconEdLink (reviewed here) shares many teacher-created lessons, activities, and multimedia resources to teach economics … read more »