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 »


Celebrate Your Future Engineers!

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With National Engineers Week taking place from February 18–24 (this year’s theme is “Welcome to the Future!”) and Introduce A Girl to Engineering Day happening on February 22, this is the perfect time to add some engineering lessons or activities to your class schedule! Many organizations offer live and on-demand events and various resources to … 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 »


Igniting Curiosity: Stories and Resources for Celebrating Women and Girls in Science

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“If you know you are on the right track, if you have this inner knowledge, then nobody can turn you off… no matter what they say.”  Barbara McClintock, cytogeneticist and winner of the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine As we approach the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11th, … 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 »


Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy Year-Round: Bringing His Message of Peace and Justice Into the Classroom

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day was January 15th, but Dr King’s message and example have so much wisdom to offer students year-round! MLK Jr. was multifaceted. He was a family man, an organizer, an orator, and a hero to many. He won a Nobel Peace Prize and sparked a nonviolence movement that continues today. His life continues … read more »


Celebrating the Grand Canyon’s 105th Anniversary: Unleashing Nature’s Wonders in Your Classroom

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Did you know that on January 11th, 1919, the Grand Canyon achieved a historic milestone, transforming from a National Monument to a National Park? This pivotal transition showed a commitment to preserving and celebrating the canyon’s breathtaking beauty for generations to come. Another significance of this transition is that it embodies a higher level of … 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 »


Reflection as Our Compass

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Learning without reflection is a waste. Reflection without learning is dangerous. ~Confucious The complexities of navigating the teaching and learning landscape challenge students and teachers throughout the school year. In changing landscapes, where visual cues may be unreliable, a compass becomes a reliable tool for navigation. A compass determines your orientation and helps you make … 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 »