Ideas and resources for parent conferences
These reviewed resources offer information so share with parents at conferences or suggested activities to share at conference time. Read "In the Classroom" ideas to display and other creative approaches for parent conferences. Parents will appreciate your sharing of educator-reviewed resources at conferences and on your TeachersFirst public page so you can work as a team in support of their child's learning.
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Lexile - MetaMetrics, Inc.
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Whether or not your school uses the Lexile system to measure reading levels, you will want to become familiar with it as one way to measure the reading level ...more
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Whether or not your school uses the Lexile system to measure reading levels, you will want to become familiar with it as one way to measure the reading level of a book. Lexile level information, along with the student's own participation in the choice, can make book selection a positive experience for any reader. Many publishers are now offering Lexiles to measure the reading levels of their materials. Many schools use Lexile measuring to determine the precise reading level of their students. Explore "About Lexiles" menu for more information on 'how' the measuring is done. On the homepage, click on the Tools menu to find a Lexile Analyzer that allows you to cut and paste text into an entry box to determine its Lexile readability level. (You will need to register for the free use of the Analyzer.) Choose English (or another language) book database to find the Lexile level of your classroom books. The Lexile Calculator lets you figure out the rate of comprehension based upon Lexile scores. Lexile leveling is also available for Spanish text. Explore the variety of tools to help analyze and match books for your students.
Registration is free. An email address is required, as is some other information. Some materials on this site require Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
tag(s): readability (5)
In the Classroom
Make Lexiles one of the tools you use to make reading a positive experience for your students. The more you know about the student and the actual content of the books, the more helpful the Lexiles can be in assisting a match. If your school reports data to parents using Lexile scoring, download the white papers to give to them at conferences to explain Lexile scores in 'parent friendly' language. Include this link on your classroom web page. If your students know their Lexile level, you will want Lexile levels on your classroom library materials so students can match a book to both their reading level and their interests. As an FYI, SOME books listed on Barnes and Noble's online site include Lexile levels in the descriptions (just after age level). Lexile connects to Barnes and Noble directly from this site.
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Physics Facts - Introduction to Physics - Space, Light, Motion - Kidipede
Grades
5 to 10
5 Favorites
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This site, designed especially for middle school students, highlights the basic foundations of physics. Although this site is recommended for middle school students, it is also appropriate...more
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This site, designed especially for middle school students, highlights the basic foundations of physics. Although this site is recommended for middle school students, it is also appropriate for high school students studying the subject areas. It is mainly a "text" site, without interactives. However, this is a great resource for explaining complex topics, researching specific topics in science, and much more. Each general area (i.e. Laws of Motion, Electricity, and more), includes several sub-topics. There are also links to for students for project and activities. There are two caveats: there are some advertisements -- nothing too distracting -- AND some of the suggested activities include "buying" a book from Amazon. You do NOT need to purchase anything to take advantage of this free resource!
tag(s): earth (188), electricity (60), light (56), mass (20), motion (53), newton (23), simple machines (21), sound (73), space (230), time (87), weather (162)
In the Classroom
Use portions of this site as an anticipatory set in your science class. The information is simple to understand and would be useful for students struggling with a topic. Use the site for research about specific topics. Have teams of students explore each of the "sub-topics" within the main topic. Ask them to record their findings in a digital portfolio of resources using bulb, reviewed here. bulb includes free resources for creating and sharing online portfolios that include images, written work, and video making it perfect to use for sharing student work during parent conferences and when submitting college applications. Challenge cooperative learning groups to create informational videos sharing their research using a tool like Adobe Creative Cloud Express Video Maker, reviewed here. Then share them on a site such as TeacherTube, reviewed here. Why not list this link on your class website, so students can access the page both in and out of the classroom.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Every Child Ready to Read - American Library Association
Grades
K to 2
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The resourcea on this site suggests behaviors and activities that can assist parents, preschool teachers, and early elementary teachers in getting children ready to read. Available...more
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The resourcea on this site suggests behaviors and activities that can assist parents, preschool teachers, and early elementary teachers in getting children ready to read. Available in both color and black and white formats, the brochures are also downloadable in Spanish. The brochures encourage people to use books, songs, stories, and word games to reinforce the importance of reading in education.
tag(s): literacy (120)
In the Classroom
Make these aticles, videos, etc. available to parents of the very young. The added bonus of having some of the brochures available in Spanish makes the development of good readers a task shared by parents and educators alike. PLace some on the table in your conference waiting area or send them home in backpacks!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ed Pubs - US Department of Education
Grades
K to 12
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This site offers free publications about teaching, literacy, reading instruction, child development, math, and school safety. The offerings include materials for all levels (brochures,...more
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This site offers free publications about teaching, literacy, reading instruction, child development, math, and school safety. The offerings include materials for all levels (brochures, posters, videotapes, newsletters, and more). The intended audiences include students, teachers, parents, and administrators. Many publications and also site information come in Spanish and English.
tag(s): literacy (120)
In the Classroom
Share this site on your class website so parents can learn about this free resource. Include links to specific publications tha fit your class' needs. Or choose helpful information with your particular parents/students and share the pdf files as print-outs at conferences or via email to help parents.
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Kids' Vid - Mike Keating
Grades
3 to 8
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Leap into video production with help from the Kids' Vid site! Kids' Vid steps you and your students through the process with tips on scripting, storyboarding, shooting video, and editing...more
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Leap into video production with help from the Kids' Vid site! Kids' Vid steps you and your students through the process with tips on scripting, storyboarding, shooting video, and editing it into a visual masterpiece. The site has classroom ideas, short exercises for story writing and learning video shots, an online storyboard creator, and lots of useful help from experts and kids on how to make the whole process an exciting educational experience.
tag(s): tutorials (47)
In the Classroom
Start the activity by showing the student-produced videos on the web site. Use the resources on the site for a whole class jig-saw exercise. Assign small groups the task of learning one aspect of the process and then reporting and showing it to the rest of the class. Share the knowledge by creating working groups, which contain an expert from each aspect of the process. Use one of the many class ideas as practice activities for students to learn the finer points of video production before they start their masterpieces.Video is a great tool for authentic assessment - especially for ESL, ELL, and Special Education students. Think about letting each of your students create a short video about what they know for their parent conference meeting or Open House. Explore the realm of possibilities by having students develop and ask peers a "Question of the Week" and document the responses on video. Let students produce a walking tour of the school and key personnel as an introduction for new students. Post this video on the school website, but check the district and students' Acceptable Use Policies before videoing any student faces. You may want to ask your school's funding sources to consider purchasing a few USB plug-in "flip" video cameras that cost about $100 each so students can do these projects with an "indestructible" tool.
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Mem Fox: Teaching, Learning, Living - Mem Fox
Grades
K to 7
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This author page offers plenty of ideas for helping kids enjoy reading and includes many stories. Hear Mem Fox reading her own stories (click Hear Mem Read Aloud). She ...more
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This author page offers plenty of ideas for helping kids enjoy reading and includes many stories. Hear Mem Fox reading her own stories (click Hear Mem Read Aloud). She advises on how to read to children and gives excellent examples. This author page has many good suggestions for promoting literacy and love of reading. There is also a section of advice on writing your own picture book for children.
In the Classroom
Create a shortcut to Mem reading aloud on your classroom computer for a center activity for primary grades, and place a copy of Mem's book there for students to follow along. Print Mem's suggestions for reading aloud to give to parents at conferences, or share this site on your teacher home page so parents and students can access it from home. For older students, this site is an excellent resource for planning cross-grade reading activities for Read Across America or other special times, including having middle school students write picture books for young students, then share them at an in-person visit or on a podcast recording using Buzzsprout, reviewed here. Use PowerPoint Online, Microsoft PowerPoint Online, reviewed here since slides are an easy way to "create" and share large-format picture books electronically.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Safe Kids - safekids.com
Grades
1 to 12
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This site offers information to children, teens, and parents about how to stay safe online and keep your computer safe. It contains information sheets for various levels, downloadable...more
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This site offers information to children, teens, and parents about how to stay safe online and keep your computer safe. It contains information sheets for various levels, downloadable parent and child online safety pledges, and slide shows about Internet safety. The slide shows do require the user to register at myspace.com, so this requirement may preclude usage at school. There is even a SafeKids song, but it downloads slowly, even on a fast connection (opt for the dial-up version). Younger children will also enjoy the online safety quiz. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..
tag(s): internet safety (110), resources (80), safety (66)
In the Classroom
Include this site on your teacher web page for students and parents to access as a reference. Share the printables with parents at open house or conferences. As you introduce web-based activities in your classroom, pause to rmind students of these safety rules, even if someone else is supposed to "cover" them in their classroom. Parts of this site require the use of myspace, so be sure to preview it and match the requirements to your school's regulations.
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Helping Children Get Ready to Read - Kent District Library
Grades
K to 2
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Kent District Library features "Helping Children Get Ready to Read." The site contains resources including: Five Practices Your Child Needs to Get Ready to Read, Printable Activities,...more
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Kent District Library features "Helping Children Get Ready to Read." The site contains resources including: Five Practices Your Child Needs to Get Ready to Read, Printable Activities, Early Literacy Calendar (from 2021, but you can use the daily activities), Simple Crafts and Activities for Early Literacy, and Activities to Do Around the House. Some of the printables are also available in Spanish.
In the Classroom
Share the printables and information about the website with parents at open house or conferences and include the link on your teacher web page. Spanish-speaking families will enjoy hearing about this site as well.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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103 Things to Do Before/During/After Reading - Reading Rockets
Grades
K to 8
2 Favorites
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This site has an (almost) endless supply of suggestions for what students, parents, and teachers can do to encourage more and more reading and literary involvement. Students participate...more
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This site has an (almost) endless supply of suggestions for what students, parents, and teachers can do to encourage more and more reading and literary involvement. Students participate in reading, dramatic, discussion, and artistic activities to reinforce their connection to the printed word and build comprehension in a very active way!
In the Classroom
Use this list as an idea generator for book report alternatives or even for lesson ideas. Share the link or some of the ideas on your tecaher web page for students to choose a book report product/project/performance. Print these suggestions out and share all or some of them with parents in a newsletter,at conference times, or before summer vacation. Give credit for your source, of course!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Parents Can Prevent Cyberbullying - PTA
Grades
3 to 12
3 Favorites
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As if traditional bullying were not enough, we now have cyberbullying! This web page offers a great explanation and examples of cyberbullying. It also lists strategies by which to help...more
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As if traditional bullying were not enough, we now have cyberbullying! This web page offers a great explanation and examples of cyberbullying. It also lists strategies by which to help children who are being cyberbullied. Do not forget to visit the link provided that helps to locate cyberbullies and their web pages.
tag(s): internet safety (110), safety (66)
In the Classroom
Include this link on your on classroom web page or share the information at conferences with parents. As an Internet safety activity, teach about the cyberbullying, then have students create pamphlets based on cyberbullying information to send home to parents. Or have them create posters to hang around school about cyberbullying, using terminology you teach from the web site.Students will need you to present the information, since the site is directed toward parents, not students. Use scenarios such as those described in the article to spark discussion.
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Tips for Parents of Third Graders - Reading Rockets
Grades
3 to 3
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Read the tips on this web page or download a single sheet of suggestions to make reading together fun and funny for parents and kids together, while encouraging the skills ...more
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Read the tips on this web page or download a single sheet of suggestions to make reading together fun and funny for parents and kids together, while encouraging the skills to make a lifelong reader. Teachers can download the tips for third grade in NINE languages in addition to English to print out and send home with your ESL/ELL students. Their parents will appreciate the opportunity to participate in their learning, and everyone wins. Printables require Acrobat Reader.
tag(s): literacy (120)
In the Classroom
As students approach their first high-stakes testing, every little bit helps. Give these tips out at conferences, in backpacks, or as a link on your teacher web page.
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Tips for Parents of Second Graders - Reading Rockets
Grades
2 to 2
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Read this web page or download a single sheet of suggestions to make reading together fun and funny for parents and kids together, while encouraging the skills to make a ...more
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Read this web page or download a single sheet of suggestions to make reading together fun and funny for parents and kids together, while encouraging the skills to make a lifelong reader. Teachers can download the tips for th in NINE languages in addition to English to print out and send home with your ESL/ELL students. Their parents will appreciate the opportunity to participate in their learning, and everyone wins. Printables require Acrobat Reader.
In the Classroom
Bring in the parents to help prepare children for third grade reading testing by getting them involved. Send home the printable, give it out at conferences, and/or include the link on your teacher web page. Everyone will win!
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On-Lion for Kids! - NY Public Library
Grades
1 to 8
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The New York Public Library offers this just-for-kids portal featuring links to sites by subject (science and technology, arts, games, sports, people and places), reading and book lists,...more
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The New York Public Library offers this just-for-kids portal featuring links to sites by subject (science and technology, arts, games, sports, people and places), reading and book lists, book reviews written by kids, and helpful resources for parents and teachers.
tag(s): book lists (153), reading lists (74)
In the Classroom
Post a link for this site on your teacher webpage or in your newsletter. Talk about it with parents at back-to-school night or at parent conferences. Share with your middle school reluctant readers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Characteristics of Giftedness - Memphis Public Schools
Grades
1 to 12
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Is this child gifted? This page includes an easy to understand chart compares attributes of bright children to those who are truly gifted. ...more
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Is this child gifted? This page includes an easy to understand chart compares attributes of bright children to those who are truly gifted.
tag(s): gifted (64)
In the Classroom
Keep this handy reference to use when you have questions about one of your students or to share with parents at conferences. FInd out how gifted referrals are handled in your school, and use this as a reference as part of the process.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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National Association for Gifted Children - National Association for Gifted Children
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Support the needs of high potential learners through information and resources available at the National Association for Gifted Children. Explore the Educators part of the site to find...more
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Support the needs of high potential learners through information and resources available at the National Association for Gifted Children. Explore the Educators part of the site to find Gifted Programming Standards, Content Connection resources by subject area, and Teacher's Corner articles (including archives dating back to 2008). The Parents section of the site offers tools for parents, articles, and information on summer camps and programs. Although labeled for Administrators, this section of the site has important information for anyone working with gifted students. Here you will find many videos, fact sheets, and other important information and statistics that relate to gifted education.
tag(s): gifted (64), professional development (273)
In the Classroom
Bookmark the National Association for Gifted Children site to use as a resource throughout the year for information on meeting the needs of your gifted population. Share this site with administrators, staff members, and parents of gifted students. Print and use brochures and fact sheets during parent teacher conferences as a resource for guiding gifted instruction and informing parents on best practice when teaching gifted students.
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Auditory-Verbal International, Inc.
Grades
1 to 12
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0 Comments
AVI is a nonprofit international membership organization that promotes listening and speaking as a way of life for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The auditory-verbal approach...more
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AVI is a nonprofit international membership organization that promotes listening and speaking as a way of life for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The auditory-verbal approach helps these children learn in regular classrooms and living environments and to become independent, participating citizens in mainstream society. They offer a newsletter, information on conferences and events, and a chat room. This site is more for parents interested in this approach for their child.
tag(s): disabilities (36), hearing impaired (8)
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