Let’s Talk About Tech Tools for ELA Workstations

After seeing all of the Read Across America posts this past week, I decided to focus my post this month on reading. I want to share some ideas on using technology to support reading instruction in ways that follow strategies and the science of reading framework. The science of reading framework includes the latest research … read more »

Leveraging Podcasts to Boost Active Listening in the Classroom

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 »

Tech Tool of the Month: eMargin – Part 1

eMargin is a web-based tool that allows you to annotate and collaborate. Users can upload text from their device, provide a website URL, or copy and paste text to annotate. You can use the menu on the right side of the screen to highlight text with your choice of color, add tags and notes, search for … read more »

Let’s Talk About: Oral Language Development

Oral language development is a crucial part of the Science of Reading. The science tells us that while phonics, decoding, and sight recognition (the lower strands on Scarborough’s Reading Rope) are foundational, students will only become fluent readers with appropriate language development. Language skills help students to understand and discuss texts. Weaving oral language development … read more »

Captain Critique’s War on Fake News: Join the Fight!

Technology has transformed how information is accessed and shared, bringing opportunities and challenges to our classrooms. In this wild west of the Internet, as educators, we find ourselves in serious need of superhero skills to empower students to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected world – where misinformation lurks in the shadows, emojis function as … read more »

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

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

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 »

Tech Tool of the Month: Google My Maps – Part 2

Part 1 of this blog introduced you to Google My Maps and discussed applying the SAMR Model and the Triple E Framework to using it in your instruction. Today’s post offers detailed instructions for this tool and ideas for using it in the classroom.  Google My Maps:  The main page shares essential information about making … read more »

Picture This: Using AI Tools to Bring Concepts to Life

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 »

Tech Tool of the Month: Do I Have a Right? – Part 1

iCivics’s Do I Have a Right? is an immersive role-playing experience designed to help students deepen their understanding of constitutional law. During the game, students assume the role of a lawyer establishing their own legal firm and get an opportunity to apply legal principles to real-life situations. Players delve into the intricacies of constitutional amendments … read more »