TeachersFirst Professional Exclusives
TeachersFirst’s Professional Exclusives help you learn as a teacher, try new technologies, explore new teaching strategies, or understand student differences. Discover how and why to use wikis from the Wiki Walk-Through. Learn to adapt for ESL students in a regular classroom. Learn the how and why of better rubrics – and locate or create them easily. Every TeachersFirst professional exclusive is written by experienced teachers and includes the pragmatic, teacher-friendly details that you count on from our Thinking Teachers.
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OK2Ask: No Passport Required: Cross-Curricular Learning Journeys with Google My Maps - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12While Google Maps helps us navigate from place to place, Google My Maps unlocks unlimited potential for dynamic, interactive learning experiences that transport students anywhere--whether they're learning about ancient civilizations, modern scientific discoveries, mathematical patterns in architecture, or historical events that shaped our world. In this session, you'll discover how location-based storytelling can revolutionize instruction in any subject and grade level. You'll learn practical strategies for empowering students to guide their own explorations, tell compelling location-based stories, visualize complex data, and demonstrate deep learning through interactive digital maps. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Create a functional Google My Maps project with multimedia elements that's aligned to curriculum standards. 2. Identify cross-curricular applications of location-based learning for enhanced student engagement. 3. Plan student-centered My Maps activities that promote collaboration and authentic assessment. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): map skills (67), maps (222), OK2Askarchive (83), professional development (295)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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OK2Ask: Generating Formative and Summative Assessments using AI - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Artificial intelligence (AI) offers exciting opportunities to transform assessment practices. In this workshop, you will learn how to use education-specific AI tools to create engaging, effective formative and summative assessments for your students. Join us to explore various AI tools that can help you design and generate assessment items, rubrics, feedback, and reports based on your curriculum's learning objectives and standards. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Identify and evaluate different types of AI tools for assessment creation and delivery; 2. Use AI tools to design and generate formative and summative assessment instruments, such as quizzes, projects, portfolios, and presentations; and 3. Reflect on the benefits and challenges of using AI tools for assessment in your teaching practice. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (257), assessment (136), Formative Assessment (45), OK2Askarchive (83), professional development (295)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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What Do Snowmen Do In Summer? - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 8tag(s): commoncore (61), literacy (124), summer (28)
In the Classroom
Browse through the suggested activities found in this article. Then, create a Wakelet, reviewed here, page of books and ideas, and post it on your teacher or school webpage. If the school library is open during the summer, ask them to post your Wakelet page, too. Wakelet gives you the ability to have a cover image and background for your wakes, which makes them much more engaging and easily identifiable, especially for young or visual students!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Building Background Knowledge with Reading Treks - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Revolutionize literature instruction with Reading Treks--interactive maps that chronicle characters' journeys while building critical background knowledge and cultural connections. Whether you're working with limited resources or seeking to make literature more accessible to all students, Reading Treks offer a powerful way to contextualize stories, connect learning to real-world geography and cultures, and provide visual supports that enhance comprehension for every learner. In this workshop, we'll explore proven instructional strategies for integrating ready-made Reading Treks into your classroom to support multilingual learners and strengthen family engagement--perfect for immediate classroom application. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Implement Reading Treks to build background knowledge and support diverse learners. 2. Use existing Reading Treks to design differentiated lessons for varied student needs. 3. Create family engagement opportunities that bridge home and school learning. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): OK2Askarchive (83), professional development (295), reading strategies (92)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Nourishing Gifted Through Technology in Any Classroom - TeachersFirst/Melissa Henning and Candace Hackett Shively
Grades
K to 12tag(s): differentiation (82), gifted (62)
In the Classroom
Mark these pages in your Favorites as a reference whenever you have gifted students. These students may or may not be officially identified, but sometimes trying these strategies will save you and the student a lot of frustration. When it comes time to offer choices, share the handpicked tool collections in this article with your gifted students so they have a solid place to start. For more ideas about gifted, try the gifted tag in reviews, use a keyword search including the term "gifted," or browse for the subject "Gifted" in the TeachersFirst Subject/Grade pages.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Read, Tell, and Sell: CCSS through student book promotions - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6tag(s): book reports (26), commoncore (61), listening (97), process writing (35), speaking (22)
In the Classroom
Save this article in your Favorites to have it ready. Use the comprehensive tips and resources to have students create book promotions as your next (traditional or digital) writing activity as part of your usual reading activities. Let this reading and writing activity do double duty to meet speaking and listening standards, too!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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You Are What You Eat - Examining Nutrition through Literature - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 7tag(s): commoncore (61), nutrition (136)
In the Classroom
This is a thorough unit on food and nutrition. Start with activating prior knowledge on your interactive whiteboard or using your projector. Use Padlet, reviewed here, once students have sorted their favorites into categories and project the results on your whiteboard. When teaching science, social studies, or health content about nutrition, foods, plants, or farms, consider pairing fictional books along with informational texts (several are suggested) to maximize the potential of every unit of study. This article is a good starting point. What a perfect way to integrate healthy eating, whether during the holiday season or spring garden planting! Speaking of planting, whether you are considering or implementing a school garden unit you will want to check out this article.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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In a Manner of Speaking: Figurative Language and the Common Core - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 5tag(s): commoncore (61), figurative language (19)
In the Classroom
Read lesson ideas and learn more about the ambitious figurative language expectations of Common Core as you begin to implement the new standards. Mark this article in your Favorites. Many of the suggested resources may be helpful during curriculum planning sessions with other teachers or with your teacher -librarian if you DO have one. Click the "share" widget to send them to others!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Questions and Thinking in Common Core; Part 2: Students as Questioners - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 8tag(s): commoncore (61), questioning (36), thinking skills (86)
In the Classroom
Read lesson ideas and explore the questioning strategies suggested as you begin to implement Common Core. Mark this article in your Favorites. Many of the ideas will be helpful during curriculum planning sessions with other teachers. Click the "share" widget to send them to others!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Questions and Thinking in Common Core; Part 1: Teachers as Questioners - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 8tag(s): commoncore (61), questioning (36), thinking skills (86)
In the Classroom
Read lesson ideas and explore the question repertoire sources as you begin to implement Common Core. Mark this article in your Favorites. Many of the suggested resources may be helpful during curriculum planning sessions with other teachers. Click the "share" widget to send them to others!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teachers' Common Core Planning Toolkit: A guide for elementary teachers - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 5tag(s): commoncore (61), professional development (295)
In the Classroom
This is perfect for teachers' summer reading or collaborative planning. As you face the daunting task of re-visioning your plans, find a process that you can grasp.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Going Deep with Award Winning Books: Close reading and text-dependent questions - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6tag(s): commoncore (61)
In the Classroom
If you are fortunate enough to have a library/media specialist to partner with you, try these ideas together during read-alouds both in the library/media center and in your classroom. Mark this article in your favorites and refer back to it as you move forward with Common Core.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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For the Sake of Argument: Another Common Core Shift - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6tag(s): commoncore (61), expository writing (31), letter writing (19), persuasive writing (52), writing (307)
In the Classroom
If you are fortunate enough to have a library/media specialist to partner with you, try these ideas together, including read-alouds and writing activities to follow up. Mark this article in your favorites and refer back to it for ideas to integrate writing into science or social studies activities, especially for opportunities to have students write and/or read opinion/argument pieces.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Common Core Shift: Short, Focused Research Projects - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 3tag(s): commoncore (61), water cycle (25)
In the Classroom
NO more BIG projects! Make research manageable and meaningful. Try the lesson plan as a way to incorporate Common Core reading skills into the lessons you would be teaching as part of your science curriculum. If you do not have access to the same book, check interlibrary loan or adapt the lessons to another book.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Common Core Part 2: Moving Forward with Informational Text - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 5tag(s): commoncore (61), graphic organizers (55)
In the Classroom
Read lesson ideas and explore the suggested resources as you begin to implement Common Core. Mark this article in your Favorites. Many of the suggested resources may be helpful during curriculum planning sessions with other teachers. Click the "share" widget to send them to others!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Been There, Done That - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): classroom management (124)
In the Classroom
Mark this page in your favorites and click the "share" widget to share it with the other teachers in your school. If you are all on the same page using shared laptops and labs, you all benefit. If you work with student teachers or new teachers, this is a must share. If you have parent volunteers or aides helping with computer activities, share with them, too!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Common Core: The Fuss Over Non-Fiction - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6tag(s): commoncore (61)
In the Classroom
Read the questions/answers and explore the suggested resources as background during this new challenge. Mark this article in your Favorites as you begin to implement Common Core. Many of the suggested resources may be helpful during curriculum planning sessions with other teachers. Click the "share" widget to send them to others!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Now I See! Infographics as content scaffold and creative, formative assessment - TeachersFirst: Candace Hackett Shively and Louise Maine
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): infographics (67)
In the Classroom
Read through this professional tutorial if you have even considered trying infographics with your students. You will find just the encouragement you need. Mark this one in your Favorites and share the many examples with your students, including student-created examples from a ninth grade class, as you launch your own infographics projects. Let your students "show what they know" in a new way.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Honing Your Craft During the Dog Days of Summer - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6tag(s): book lists (160), independent reading (81)
In the Classroom
Mark this one in your TeachersFirst favorites, even if you have NO time to even LOOK at it right now. Share it with your student teacher, mentoree, recent teacher ed graduate, and newbie teachers as they go off on break, too. Read what you have time for this summer, and save the rest for a break later on.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mining the Riches of History: Creating Oral Histories - TeachersFirst
Grades
3 to 9tag(s): interviews (17), local history (12), primary sources (124)
In the Classroom
Mark this in your Favorites as a way to develop information literacy in your classes, even if you no longer have a library/media specialist to help out.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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