Tech Tool of the Month: Nearpod – Part 1

Nearpod is a device-agnostic tool for creating interactive presentations and assessments. Teachers can also use one of the pre-made presentations from an extensive library that includes both lessons and videos. When creating your own presentation (or editing an already-created lesson), you can add images, audio clips, PDF files, videos, multiple-choice questions, polls, and more. There … read more »

Be a Sport! Lessons for Increasing Literacy Using Sports Heroes

One method for engaging reluctant readers is to provide books and activities that connect to their interests and passions. Making this connection is especially helpful when introducing nonfiction reading materials to students. Matching the appropriate books and articles to individual students takes time but provides long-term rewards, such as increased interest in reading.  Many students … read more »

Virtual Inauguration? Create a Virtual Lesson with Bitmojis!

The Constitution initially established March 4 as Inauguration Day in the United States. This date allowed enough time for an orderly transition of power and for all newly-elected candidates to travel to the capital. In 1933, after advances in communication and transportation made the long wait until March unnecessary, the date moved to January 20 … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: Classroomscreen – Part 2

In Part 1 of this blog, we introduced you to Classroomscreen and discussed the application of both the SAMR Model and the Triple E Framework to help you integrate Classroomscreen into your instruction. Today’s post offers detailed instructions about how to use this tool and also shares classroom use ideas by subject. Classroomscreen: When you … read more »

Bring Letter Writing into Your Classroom: Here’s How

“To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart.”Phyllis Theroux When is the last time you wrote a letter using paper and pencil? For many of us, it has been quite a long time. The art of letter writing is under assault from easy access to email … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: Tynker (Part 1)

Tynker is an engaging tool for students to use to learn the basics of coding. The tool is available as a website or mobile app, and while the features differ slightly between the two versions, they both offer a powerful coding tool with curriculum lessons and activities. The app version offers Tynker Junior, designed for … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: Google Forms – Part 2

In Part 1 of this blog, we introduced you to Google Forms and discussed the application of both the SAMR Model and the Triple E Framework to help you integrate Google Forms into your instruction. Today’s post offers detailed instructions about how to use this tool and shares classroom use ideas by subject. Google Forms: … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: Google Forms – Part 1

Google Forms offers easy-to-use templates for creating polls, quick quizzes, signups, and forms for collecting emails or other information. Google Forms offers a quick way to assess students’ learning and is a great option for both the traditional classroom and remote learning. Teachers can choose to include various answer types, including multiple choice, short answer, … read more »

National Family Literacy Day and Remote Learning

Our current situation has magnified the importance of connecting with our students’ families and the community, but it’s a crucial time to help families connect with their children. Caregivers and parents play a critical role in a child’s literacy development. Much has fallen in our students’ families’ laps as they navigate the challenges of remote … read more »

United Nations Day: Celebrating Global Citizenship and Cooperation

October 24 marks a milestone event for the United Nations: the 75th anniversary of the UN Charter. Founded as a collective action to support peace, development, and human rights, the UN is represented by 193 sovereign states. This year’s United Nations Day celebration focuses on global cooperation for building a better future.  This anniversary serves … read more »