Low-Tech and No-Tech Remote Learning Strategies

Author: Kevin Bower | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , 1 Comment

Forced to abruptly transition from face-to-face to remote instruction with limited support, veteran and novice teachers strived to implement online environments conducive to active student learning. There are many factors educators need to consider to meet the needs of their students thoughtfully. We can celebrate that technology assists us as we navigate these challenging times. … read more »

Beyond the Oregon Trail – Using Simulations in the Classroom

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , ,
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Do you remember playing The Oregon Trail game? For some students, it was the first opportunity to virtually experience the life of pioneers as they searched for a better life in Oregon. Players select from different options, including the traveler’s profile, date of departure to head west, money spent on goods, and more. Throughout the … read more »

Get Caught Reading in May!

Author: Darshell Silva | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: ,
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May is Get Caught Reading Month! Started in 1999 by the Association of American Publishers, Get Caught Reading Month is an annual celebration to promote reading. The observance is championed by Every Child A Reader, a literacy nonprofit, and kicked off by Children’s Book Week, which will be celebrated twice this year: May 4–10 will … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: TimelineJS Part 2

Author: Melissa Henning | Posted:
Categories: Tech Tool of the Month | Tags: , , , 1 Comment

In part 1 of this blog, we introduced you to Northwestern University’s Knight Lab: TimelineJS and discussed the application of both the SAMR model and the Triple E Framework to help you integrate TimelineJS into your lessons. Today’s post offers detailed instructions about how to use this timeline tool and shares many classroom use ideas … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: TimelineJS Part 1

Author: Melissa Henning | Posted:
Categories: Tech Tool of the Month | Tags: , , , 1 Comment

Northwestern University’s Knight Lab: TimelineJS is a web tool you can use to create beautiful and interactive timelines. The timelines use text and media links entered into a Google Sheet template provided by the site – it’s even easier than it sounds. You can add a variety of media sources: YouTube, Google Maps, Twitter, and … read more »

Let’s Talk About: Using Cartoons to Empower Student Voice

Author: Ruth Okoye | Posted:
Categories: Let's Talk About | Tags: , ,
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The history of cartoons in American newsprint began on May 9th, 1754.  Benjamin Franklin had an idea about the need to unite the colonies.  A cartoon accompanied his editorial – a single panel image meant to persuade the colonies to work together against common enemies. The picture underscored the message and communicated it differently for those who … read more »

Celebrating 220 Years of the Library of Congress!

Author: Darshell Silva | Posted:
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 The Library of Congress was founded on April 24, 1800, to provide books for Congress’s use. Over time, its mission expanded, allowing it to be viewed as a national institution and, therefore, the national library. The current building was completed and opened to the public in 1897. Since then, the library’s offerings and resources … read more »

National Kindergarten Day Lesson Plans From TeachersFirst

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
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Kindergarten children are confident in spirit, infinite in resources, and eager to learn. Everything is still possible. Robert Fulgham German educator Friedrich Fröbel, the founder of the first play and activity institute, was born on April 21, 1782. His institute, which opened in 1837, became known as ‘kindergarten’ or children’s garden. In the United States, … read more »

Let’s Talk About: Student Voice and Poetry

Author: Ruth Okoye | Posted:
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Today is World Voice Day, and the theme this year is “Focus on Your Voice”. While the organizers are more concerned with the science behind vocal communication, there is an opportunity here to encourage student voice. As educators, we can help students learn to contribute their values and perspectives to conversations as we teach and … read more »

Rubrics to the Rescue When Teaching Remotely

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
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As educators provide lessons through remote teaching, one question is how to assess student learning effectively. Schools and districts are taking varying approaches. Some schools don’t have assessment policies; others have specific guidelines by grade level and subject for required assessment and recording of grades. One of the features of remote learning that many teachers … read more »