What’s the Buzz: Active Learning

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Sometimes, when thinking about educational buzzwords, we only think about student applications.  As a coach, I realize that I need to apply the same concept when working with adults.  Active Learning is a concept that applies when working with adults as well as with children. As educators, we pick up and use buzzwords all the … read more »


Tech Tool of the Month: Penzu

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In the fall I had a chance to get reacquainted with Penzu. It’s a great tool for writing that allows you to create a free online journal. Individual entries can be public or private which allows you to share them in many ways. Using Penzu would be an excellent way to reflect or share your … read more »


Teach Bullying Prevention All Year Long

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Last month was National Bullying Prevention Month, but educators know that bullying is an everyday issue. According to the NEA, it is the number one discipline problem in middle schools and a significant problem at all grade levels. So, how do we provide students with the safe and supportive climate for learning they deserve? Here … read more »


What’s the Buzz: Computational Thinking

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When ISTE unveiled the refreshed ISTE Standards for Students in June, there were a number significant changes. The addition of “Computational Thinking” was one of them. I’ve overheard some teachers trying to understand the concept and have come to realize that we’re not all as clear on the concept as we should be.  Some have … read more »


Tech Tool of the Month: Animoto

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From time to time I learn about or rediscover a tech tool that is really versatile.  When that happens, members of the TeachersFirst team know that for at least the next month they will find the tool strategically placed in emails, mentioned in conversation, and suggested for inclusion on all types of projects that we … read more »


Using Primary Sources to Teach Thanksgiving

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There is one day that is ours. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American. O. Henry A recent TeachersFirst blog post by Paula Deal discussed the use of primary sources and suggested several resources for finding primary sources for all grade levels. What better time of year to include primary sources than … read more »


Batter Up! World Series Resources for All Subjects

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October is the time of the year we look forward to many of our favorite events. Carving pumpkins, picking apples, and trick or treating are just a few things we look forward to. Other anticipated events each fall are the baseball playoffs and World Series. Take advantage of student enjoyment of baseball to motivate and … read more »


Gamify Learning with Symbaloo Lesson Plans

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Are you incorporating game-based learning activities into your classroom? Perhaps you are familiar with Symbaloo to use as a bookmarking tool, but did you know that Symbaloo has a new lesson planning site that turns activities into a game-like simulation? You can find the TeachersFirst review of Symbaloo Lesson Plans here, or go directly to … read more »


Media Literacy in a Presidential Election Year

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Bombarded by television ads in this presidential election year, especially in battleground states, many of us tend to press the mute button on the remote or change the station. However, as teachers, we should be thinking about the messages our students are getting when watching TV and as they live their everyday virtual lives. Media literacy, … read more »