TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Apr 12, 2026
Here are this week's features. Clicking the tags in the description area of each listing will present a list of other resources with this topic. | Click here to go to the Featured Sites Archive
Share TeachersFirst's weekly Featured Sites automatically on your teacher blog, wiki, edtech resource page, or educator web page. Use our Featured Sites embeddable widget offered here.
Cosmic Kids Yoga - Jaime Amor
Grades
K to 5
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Cosmic Kids Yoga is a lively, kid-friendly YouTube channel where instructor Jaime Amor uses storytelling and movement to guide students through yoga and mindfulness-based sessions....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Cosmic Kids Yoga is a lively, kid-friendly YouTube channel where instructor Jaime Amor uses storytelling and movement to guide students through yoga and mindfulness-based sessions. The content blends adventure, imagination, and physical poses to engage children while promoting focus, calm, balance, and self-awareness. Many educators report that it works well as a brain-break or transition activity in the classroom, particularly when students need a reset or a moment of movement. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): social and emotional learning (145), thinking skills (86)
In the Classroom
After the yoga session, have students write a quick reflection: "How did my body feel before and after?" "What pose was easiest/hardest?", or "What did I learn about calming my mind?" Students can choose one pose from the video and explain the muscles they use during the activity. Yoga poses can be tied to health or PE by discussing balance, flexibility, and movement. In small groups, have students design a short yoga story with 4-6 poses. They can record the sequence using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here, then present it to the class as a mini Cosmic Kids episode.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Native Pride Dancers - The Kennedy Center
Grades
K to 8
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Bring Indigenous culture to life in your classroom with the Kennedy Center's "Larry & Jessup Yazzie: Native Pride Dancers" multimedia resource, which showcases traditional eagle and...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Bring Indigenous culture to life in your classroom with the Kennedy Center's "Larry & Jessup Yazzie: Native Pride Dancers" multimedia resource, which showcases traditional eagle and hoop dances performed by Larry Yazzie, a Meskwaki tribal member, and his son, Jessup. Through powerful movement and meaningful storytelling, the Yazzies explain the cultural symbolism behind their dances, regalia, and traditions. This engaging resource is ideal for grades K-8. It includes a YouTube performance and a discussion, along with grade-specific lesson extensions. It's an excellent tool for integrating Indigenous perspectives into lessons on dance, culture, and visual arts.
tag(s): cultures (270), dance (41), native americans (131), stories and storytelling (71)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to choreograph a short dance that tells a story about nature or community, drawing inspiration from the hoop and eagle dances. They can perform live or create a video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here. Ask students to write a narrative, poem, or journal entry from the perspective of a dancer preparing for a ceremonial performance, incorporating sensory details and cultural themes. Pair this resource with another traditional dance (e.g., Irish step dance or West African drumming) and have students complete a Venn diagram using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here to compare movements, costumes, and cultural origins.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Pacifico Dance Company: On Stage at the Kennedy Center - The Kennedy Center
Grades
3 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This Kennedy Center multimedia feature introduces the Pacifico Dance Company, a Mexican Folklorico group celebrating regional dance traditions through vibrant performances and classroom...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This Kennedy Center multimedia feature introduces the Pacifico Dance Company, a Mexican Folklorico group celebrating regional dance traditions through vibrant performances and classroom explorations. It showcases a short documentary clip that highlights the dancers' costumes, choreography, and musical accompaniment while providing context on the company's cultural mission. Educators gain access to discussion prompts, guided viewing questions, and suggested activities designed to deepen student understanding of movement, identity, and cultural storytelling. These resources help students understand how dance shows the unique traditions of different regions in Mexico. They can also look at the meaning behind costumes and dance styles and try some of the movements themselves to connect with Mexican culture. The lesson includes videos, questions, and fun activities that support learning in both art and social studies. If your school district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Watch the performance clip and discuss the costumes, music, and dance movements. Use the provided viewing questions to guide student observations and spark conversation about cultural expression. Students can label the map and add notes or images about the styles. Students can label a map of Mexico in Google My Maps, reviewed here and add notes or images about the styles. Using simple steps, music, and props (like scarves or ribbons), have students work in groups to choreograph and perform a short Folklorico-inspired dance that celebrates a tradition or value.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Five(ish) Minute Dance Lessons: Latin Dance - The Kennedy Center
Grades
3 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Get ready to move! The Kennedy Center's "Five(ish) Minute Dance Lessons: Latin Dance" invites students to step into the vibrant rhythms of Latin dance, no experience required! In quick,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Get ready to move! The Kennedy Center's "Five(ish) Minute Dance Lessons: Latin Dance" invites students to step into the vibrant rhythms of Latin dance, no experience required! In quick, engaging segments, instructors Ricardo Loaiza and Elba Garcia guide learners through the basics of Salsa, Merengue, and Cha-Cha-Cha, making it easy to pick up and share in the joy of dance. In just a few minutes per routine, these videos offer clear demonstrations, lively instruction, and a fun way to connect with cultural expression and movement. Ideal for classroom use, they encourage interaction, physical activity, and an appreciation of Latin dance, all wrapped into small, accessible lessons. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
After each lesson, have students write or draw in a dance journal. They can reflect on how the dance made them feel, list new vocabulary (e.g., basic steps or Spanish terms), and sketch the dance moves. The journals can be created digitally using Book Creator, reviewed here. Watch videos from different Latin dance styles (Salsa, Cha-Cha-Cha, Merengue) and create a Venn diagram using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here or a chart to compare their rhythms, origins, and movement styles. Once students are familiar with a few styles, encourage them to choreograph their own short Latin dance routine using the steps they've learned.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Ceilis: Exploring Irish Folk Dance - The Kennedy Center
Grades
3 to 5
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Explore the Heartbeat of Irish Culture through Dance! Transform your classroom into a lively Irish gathering where students don't just learn -- they live the energy and traditions of...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Explore the Heartbeat of Irish Culture through Dance! Transform your classroom into a lively Irish gathering where students don't just learn -- they live the energy and traditions of the Ceilidh. The Kennedy Center's "Ceilis: Exploring Irish Folk Dance" lesson for grades 3-5 (adaptable beyond) immerses students in the communal spirit and rhythmic steps of Irish folk dance, highlighting both the vibrant attire and the joyful group patterns of this rich cultural heritage. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Use the Kennedy Center's instructional video to teach students the fundamental movements and partner patterns of Irish ceili dancing. Practice in small groups or as a whole class to build rhythm and coordination. Play traditional Irish folk music in class and have students identify the instruments (such as the fiddle, bodhran, or tin whistle). Discuss how the tempo and rhythm influence dance. Transform the classroom into a community dance space where students invite peers or other classes to learn and participate in a short Ceili routine. Add simple decorations and Irish music to enhance the experience.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Flamenco - The Kennedy Center
Grades
3 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Imagine your students feeling the powerful stomp of heels and the hand claps marking a heartbeat- they're not just dancing; they're speaking a cultural language. Flamenco with Alice...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Imagine your students feeling the powerful stomp of heels and the hand claps marking a heartbeat- they're not just dancing; they're speaking a cultural language. Flamenco with Alice Blumenfeld from the Kennedy Center invites learners to dive into Spain's rich folkloric tradition through core rhythmic patterns and percussive moves guided by an expert teaching artist. This short, dynamic video activity showcases Alice Blumenfeld, a renowned flamenco artist and educator, demonstrating essential flamenco techniques, including palmas (hand claps), zapateado (footwork), and expressive posture. Ideal for integration into music, dance, social studies, or cultural arts units, the video offers kinesthetic learners an engaging, multisensory learning experience. It emphasizes flamenco's cultural roots as a hybrid art form shaped by history and personal storytelling. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Play the Kennedy Center video and have students imitate Alice Blumenfeld's flamenco movements -- clapping (palmas), footwork (zapateado), and posture. Pause frequently to review and practice each part. Explore the roots of flamenco in Spain and its influences from Romani, Moorish, Jewish, and Andalusian traditions. Have students create an infographic using Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here or a cultural heritage poster explaining flamenco's origins. Since flamenco expresses deep emotion (duende), have students write a short poem inspired by its movement and mood. Encourage them to present it alongside simple claps or foot taps for dramatic effect.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Dancing Bachata - The Kennedy Center
Grades
3 to 8
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Have you ever imagined your students exchanging traditional worksheets for lively dance steps? "Dancing Bachata with Andre Avila" brings that exact energy to the classroom, inviting...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Have you ever imagined your students exchanging traditional worksheets for lively dance steps? "Dancing Bachata with Andre Avila" brings that exact energy to the classroom, inviting learners to connect with culture, rhythm, and movement in a fun and educational way. This interactive activity features Andre Avila, a Kennedy Center teaching artist from the ComMotion dance program, demonstrating the basic steps of Bachata, a social partner dance originating in the Dominican Republic. It's presented as a short video tutorial, ideal for students to follow along and experience foundational Bachata footwork and rhythm. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Watch the Kennedy Center video as a class and follow along with the steps. Allow students to practice in pairs or small groups to build confidence and develop a sense of rhythm. Have students build on the basic steps by choreographing their own short Bachata sequence. They can present it to the class, integrating counts and movement patterns. Introduce traditional Bachata music and analyze its instruments and rhythms. Students can clap, tap, or use classroom percussion to replicate the beats.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Dance Resources Collection - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
PBS LearningMedia's Dancer and Dance Jobs collection features an assortment of resources, including videos, audio, documents, lesson plans, webpages, and collections for grades kindergarten...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
PBS LearningMedia's Dancer and Dance Jobs collection features an assortment of resources, including videos, audio, documents, lesson plans, webpages, and collections for grades kindergarten through twelfth. There are over one hundred resources available to search. Videos are available on designing swimming prosthetics for a dancer, a dancer's career path, Irish jig dancers, Native American dancers, and more. Lesson plans contain a summary, time allotted, learning objectives, preparation, procedure, and standards. Filters are available to sort by grade level, subject, resource type, length of video/audio, language, accessibility, and additional features. Everything in the collection can be shared via Google Classroom, a link to students, and social sharing. Lessons can also be built upon once you log into the site.
In the Classroom
Students can create a dance and record themselves using Free Screen Recorder Online reviewed here. Students can watch different dances and compare and contrast them using Figjam reviewed here. Finally, students can study dance through the ages and create a timeline of dances using Timeline JS reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Jr. NBA At Home - Jr. NBA
Grades
1 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
The Jr. NBA at Home initiative is designed to keep young basketball enthusiasts engaged and active at home. It has a collection of instructional videos and exercises focused on fundamental...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Jr. NBA at Home initiative is designed to keep young basketball enthusiasts engaged and active at home. It has a collection of instructional videos and exercises focused on fundamental basketball skills such as ball handling, shooting, passing, and footwork. Furthermore, there are guided workouts led by NBA and WNBA players and coaches, providing expert tips and motivational support. This content is available for players and coaches, including practice plans, health and safety tips, and coaching guides.
In the Classroom
Incorporating Jr. NBA at Home into the classroom can be a dynamic way to engage students, enhance their learning experience, and extend physical education beyond the traditional gym setting. Use Jr. NBA at Home drills for morning movement sessions or brain breaks. These short, structured activities can energize students and improve focus for the rest of the school day. If you're a Physical Education educator, you can integrate the Jr. NBA's skill development exercises into your P.E. curriculum. These drills, tailored for various skill levels, ensure all students can participate and progress at their own pace. You could even challenge students to do these activities outside the classroom by assigning Jr. NBA at Home challenges as homework. Students can complete these activities with their families and share their experiences with the class; this can help promote healthy habits and family engagement.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
All the World's a Stage: Incorporating Dramatic Arts and Dance into the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
All the World's a Stage is part of the TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series reviewed here sharing book lists and ideas for...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
All the World's a Stage is part of the TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series reviewed here sharing book lists and ideas for incorporating dramatic arts and dance into the classroom. The Background Knowledge section shares information on easing into the dramatic arts beginning with Reader's Theater activities, then extending into additional arts activities such as drama circles and dance. In addition to recommended books about the dramatic arts and artists, numerous classroom activities are available for students. Extension activities are also provided to encourage students to create art that represents various curriculum areas. Information includes correlation to ISTE and AASL standards.
tag(s): book lists (160), dance (41), readers theater (11)
In the Classroom
Include the books and activities this article suggests to engage students through movement and the arts. Have students create and share Reader's Theater productions to demonstrate learning of any content. Use Storyboard That, reviewed here to create storyboards as they plan their productions. After recording your students' Reader's Theater presentations, use Clipchamp, reviewed here to edit and transform your presentations into professional-looking productions.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Swing Your Partner: The Basics of Square Dancing - The Kennedy Center
Grades
3 to 6
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Square Dancing is considered a uniquely American dance form, although it has strong roots in 17th Century English and French dance forms. This lesson for grades 3-5 uses the inquiry...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Square Dancing is considered a uniquely American dance form, although it has strong roots in 17th Century English and French dance forms. This lesson for grades 3-5 uses the inquiry process to introduce students to square dancing and guide them through completing a "Kids Guide to Square Dancing." As a final project, groups of students create an instructional video and perform a square dance for their peers. The lesson includes links to videos, supporting lessons, and suggestions for making the instructional video presentation. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): dance (41), process writing (35)
In the Classroom
Use this lesson as an alternative to typical informational writing prompts. Engage students in learning about square dance as you introduce the first activity that asks students to share what they know about square dancing using an interactive whiteboard tool such as IdeaBoardz, reviewed here. For example, create a board with two sections - use one section for students to share what they know and the second section for sharing what they would like to learn. Use Padlet, reviewed here, to organize resources for students to use when researching the guide to square dancing. Include a column for videos, another for music, and another with tips on how to write an instructional guide. Enhance the video portion of lessons using WeVideo (formerly playposit), reviewed here, to add comments that highlight specific portions of the video such as types of dance steps or choreography.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
GoNoodle - Abby Pecoriello, John Herbold, Scott McQuigg
Grades
K to 5
5 Favorites
2 Comments
Give yourself a brain break using the interactive classroom resources at GoNoodle. These activities promote health, fitness, and mindfulness and are based on cutting edge research....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Give yourself a brain break using the interactive classroom resources at GoNoodle. These activities promote health, fitness, and mindfulness and are based on cutting edge research. These engaging games and activities provide short bursts of movement leading to improved focus and energy within the classroom. Sign-up using your Google account, or create an account with your email. Signing-up with Google, allows you to sign-in with your Google Classroom account. If you have multiple groups of students (or classes) start by naming your class(es), since each class will show progression on this tool. Choose from Channels, Activity and Movement, Curriculum and Learning, or Holidays & Routines on GoNoodle (directions for registering and other features). Each title has multiple sub-categories. Some options are for paid memberships only. None of the games takes longer than five minutes. While most of these are physical tasks, a few are mental/logic activities. Time required for the activity is shown with each option. Registration does require an email address. If your district blocks YouTube, some activities may not be viewable.
tag(s): classroom management (124), fitness (35), logic (161), preK (303)
In the Classroom
Share these short activities on your projector or interactive whiteboard for your entire class to view together. Bookmark and save GoNoodle as a before class (or before the bell) activity, perfect for those long winter days inside. These would be great activities as you head into high stakes tests. When your class needs to refocus, use GoNoodle as a short brain break. Use GoNoodle to motivate and reward class accomplishments. Share with learning support teachers (or emotional or autistic support) for use in motivating and reinforcing behaviors with their students.Comments
My students and I love using GoNoodle for brain breaks. GoNoodle tracks your minutes for you and your mascot "grows" as you use the site.Paula, LA, Grades: 3 - 5
Paula, LA, Grades: 3 - 5
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Shape America - Physical Education Teacher Toolbox - National Assn for Sports and Physical Education
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Finding fun and varied activities to keep students moving isn't always easy. The Teacher Toolbox on this site is the perfect find for quick and easy daily activities. After finding...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Finding fun and varied activities to keep students moving isn't always easy. The Teacher Toolbox on this site is the perfect find for quick and easy daily activities. After finding the toolbox, scroll down a bit to find the page with the link to calendars. Here is where you will find monthly calendars (in English and Spanish) and divided by age levels - Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary - with a quick and easy physical activity to accomplish for the day. Calendars are also archived back to 2016 so there are several options for each month.
In the Classroom
Plan with the Physical Education teacher to incorporate suggested activities into the curriculum. Use the calendars during math class when teaching calendar skills such as days of the week, elapsed time, and more. Have students graph how many activities they completed each month and challenge students to improve each month. Use on online graphing tool using a site like Statistic - Johnnie's Math Page reviewed here. Practice fractions by comparing activities completed to activities performed each month, compare different students' calendars and fractional representations. Share on your classroom webpage or blog with parents as examples of fun, simple activities to improve student's healthy and decrease obesity.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
PBS Learning Media - Physical Education - PBS
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This PBS site is a reorganized collection of over 16,000+ public media offerings (including radio and photographs), arranged specifically for preK-12 teachers. You can search by subject...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This PBS site is a reorganized collection of over 16,000+ public media offerings (including radio and photographs), arranged specifically for preK-12 teachers. You can search by subject (the landing page subject is physical education) and grade level across many subjects. After viewing three offerings, you must join (for free) to continue. Membership includes the option of saving favorites. Use the search box at the top to find correlations to state standards. The site is still in development, so material is being added frequently.
tag(s): alphabet (45), careers (197), dance (41), data (199), decimals (94), diseases (60), fitness (35), human body (97), mark twain (9), multimedia (56), music theory (47), percent (63), probability (129), problem solving (266), psychology (61)
In the Classroom
Find more details and teacher information under "Customization for States and District" to align the offerings here with your state's standards. Check this site for an introduction to a curriculum topic or unit or when looking for support activities to reinforce concepts. Use this site as the starting point for individual or group projects. Share the interactives as a learning center or on your interactive whiteboard or projector. This is one that you want to save in your favorites.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form