TeachersFirst - What's Popular
This page shares the 25 resources most frequently marked as Favorites by TeachersFirst Members in the past 60 days. See what tops the list of TeachersFirst's database of well over 15,000+ educator-reviewed web resources. Find out what other teachers are excited about. Not a TeachersFirst member yet? See the time saving benefits of free TeachersFirst membership.
Coronavirus Resource Page for Students - New York Times Learning Network
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This New York Times page features a curation of coronavirus-related articles, picture prompts, and opinion pieces suitable for students. Scroll through to find the latest articles sharing...more
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This New York Times page features a curation of coronavirus-related articles, picture prompts, and opinion pieces suitable for students. Scroll through to find the latest articles sharing updates on coronavirus information from the US and around the world. Use the search feature to look for specific keywords or to sort by the newest or oldest articles.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): diseases (66), journalism (71), news (229), newspapers (92)
In the Classroom
Engage students in learning about the coronavirus by sharing this link with students on your class website. Ask them to browse through information on the site, including opinion pieces as a starting point for writing an opinion piece. Guide students toward learning techniques for presenting a persuasive argument by viewing the site ProCon, reviewed here, to demonstrate methods for sharing both sides of an argument. Take advantage of the many picture prompts shared by the New York Times to encourage student creativity. Use Flip, reviewed here, to promote student voice by sharing a picture prompt from this site and asking students to share their ideas. Be sure to turn on and allow commenting to promote student collaboration and discussion.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Spotify for Podcasters - Michael Mignano and Nir Zicherman
Grades
1 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Turn audio into a podcast using any device with Spotify for Podcasters. Add songs from Apple Music or Spotify, upload audio from your computer, or record your voice to create ...more
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Turn audio into a podcast using any device with Spotify for Podcasters. Add songs from Apple Music or Spotify, upload audio from your computer, or record your voice to create your podcast. Choose a name when finished, then upload your content as a finished podcast. For ideas on what to include in your podcast, listen to other podcasts shared on the site by members.
tag(s): communication (134), DAT device agnostic tool (134), digital storytelling (137), podcasts (65)
In the Classroom
Create regular or special podcasts to share on your class web page or wiki. Looking for even more ideas? Record class assignments or directions. Record story time or a reading excerpt for younger ones to listen to at a computer center AND from home, adding a touch of blended learning to your classroom! Have readers (perhaps older buddies) enhance their learning and build fluency by recording selected passages for your non-readers. Launch a service project for your fifth or sixth graders to record stories for the kindergarten to use in their reading and listening center. Challenge students to create "you are there" recordings as "eyewitnesses" to historical or current events. Make a weekly class podcast, with students taking turns writing and sharing the "Class News," encourage and extend learning and have students create radio advertisements for concepts studied in class (Buy Dynamic DNA!). Invite students to write and record their own stories or poetry in dramatic readings. Language students or beginning readers could record their fluency by reading passages. Allow parents to hear their child's progress reading aloud, etc. Compare world language, speech articulation, or reading fluency at two points during the year. Challenge your Shakespeare students to record a soliloquy. Write and record a poem for Father's or Mother's Day (or other special events) and send the URL as a gift to that special person. If you have gifted students who lean toward the dramatic, this tool is simple enough for them to create dramatic mini-casts without needing any additional tools.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Freedom Riders and the Popular Music of the Civil Rights Movement - EDSITEment!
Grades
8 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This fascinating lesson plan includes six teaching activities that focus on how civil rights activists used the power of song to share their message of equal justice under the law ...more
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This fascinating lesson plan includes six teaching activities that focus on how civil rights activists used the power of song to share their message of equal justice under the law for all. The lesson begins with guiding questions and stated learning objectives aligned to Social Studies and Common Core literacy standards. Then, students listen to several songs from the 1960s and analyze the lyrics to understand the civil rights messages during their study of the materials. This lesson includes links to all media and music referenced within the activities.
tag(s): 1960s (28), black history (109), civil rights (182), martin luther king (41), oral history (15)
In the Classroom
Integrate this lesson into your teaching about civil rights, Freedom Fighters, or the 1960s to engage students in learning about this period through music. Enhance learning by dividing students into groups to analyze different songs, then ask them to share their findings with the class by sharing a presentation created using one of the tools found at Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here. After viewing the presentations, encourage students to look for similarities within each message. Use Answer Garden, reviewed here, to post a question and ask students to post responses to create a word cloud. For example, ask each group to share important words or concepts from their song, then view the word cloud to understand overlapping content. As a final activity, extend learning by asking students to create interactive timelines that include important civil rights events, 1960s music, and highlights of civil rights leaders' activities. Use a timeline creation tool such as Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here, or the timeline feature found in Padlet, reviewed here. Using either option, ask students to include links to videos, recordings, and discussions of the civil rights events.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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Edsitement - EdSitement
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Find lesson ideas and more for literature and language arts, foreign languages, art and culture, history and social studies at the reworked site that was once part of MarcoPolo. Book...more
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Find lesson ideas and more for literature and language arts, foreign languages, art and culture, history and social studies at the reworked site that was once part of MarcoPolo. Book articles, data bases, educational gaming, professional development events, sound, film, video resources, and resource website lists all aid teachers and learners. A calendar keeps you up to date with famous dates in history.
tag(s): art history (79), cultures (123), Juneteenth (12), literacy (98)
In the Classroom
Use Edsitement for lesson ideas in language, history, literature, and cultures. Find multiple sources to give a deeper comprehension on the subject matter. In history classes, keep the ongoing calendar in your favorites to celebrate an important historical day every day. Lesson plans cover multiple grade levels in many different subject areas. Resources can enrich, or even to give further explanation to current topics of study.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: TeachersFirst Tech Tools Smackdown - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Many technology...more
Many technology...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Many technology tools are available for classroom use, but which are teachers' favorites? This session will share and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite resources. Help us decide which tool is this session's winner of our Smackdown! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite technology tools; 2. Evaluate uses for one or more tools for classroom use; and 3. Share ideas for using resources with other participants. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Many technology tools are available for classroom use, but which are teachers' favorites? This session will share and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite resources. Help us decide which tool is this session's winner of our Smackdown! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite technology tools; 2. Evaluate uses for one or more tools for classroom use; and 3. Share ideas for using resources with other participants. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): classroom management (133), professional development (332)
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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Castbox Creator Studio - Castbox
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Castbox provides tools for creating and sharing podcasts. First, create a free account, then begin by entering the Creator Studio. Next, select the upload icon to drag and drop your...more
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Castbox provides tools for creating and sharing podcasts. First, create a free account, then begin by entering the Creator Studio. Next, select the upload icon to drag and drop your media file in a supported format of up to 400M. When the file begins uploading, complete the areas provided to include basic information for your files, such as a title, description, and publication date and time. Castbox also offers an option to upload an image for your cover design. When finished, select Publish to complete the creation of your podcast. Finally, click on your podcast to listen and share using the link or social media links provided.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): communication (134), DAT device agnostic tool (134), digital storytelling (137), podcasts (65)
In the Classroom
Castbox is an excellent podcast-sharing option for simple podcasts or when sharing audio recordings that have already been edited, for example, using editing tools on your computer. Create regular or special podcasts to share on your class web page or wiki. Are you looking for even more ideas? Record class assignments or directions. Record story time or a reading excerpt for younger ones to listen to at a computer center AND from home, adding a touch of blended learning to your classroom! Have readers (perhaps older buddies) enhance their learning and build fluency by recording selected passages for your non-readers. Launch a service project for your fifth or sixth graders to record stories for the kindergarten to use in their reading and listening center. Challenge students to create "you are there" recordings as "eyewitnesses" to historical or current events. Make a weekly class podcast, with students taking turns writing and sharing the "Class News," encourage and extend learning and have students create radio advertisements for concepts studied in class (Buy Dynamic DNA!). Invite students to write and record their own stories or poetry in dramatic readings. World language students or beginning readers could record their fluency by reading passages. Allow parents to hear their child's progress reading aloud, etc. Compare world language, speech articulation, or reading fluency at two points during the year. Challenge your Shakespeare students to record a soliloquy. Write and record a poem for Father's or Mother's Day (or other special events) and send the URL as a gift to that special person. If you have gifted students who lean toward the dramatic, this tool is simple enough for them to create dramatic mini-casts without needing any additional tools. Learn more about using podcasts in the classroom by watching this archive of the OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire: Podcasting in the Classroom available here.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire: Flipped and Blended Learning - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Do you want to...more
Do you want to...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Do you want to engage your students while still being able to give extra support to those who need it? Then you need to use flipped and/or blended learning! In this session, we will simplify these instructional models and introduce tools that support them. Learn to use free teaching resources to deliver instruction digitally while allowing flexibility for student pacing. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the instructional case for flipped and blended learning and the differences between the two; 2. Explore tech tools that can deliver digital content; and 3. Plan an authentic learning activity using a flipped/blended learning approach. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Do you want to engage your students while still being able to give extra support to those who need it? Then you need to use flipped and/or blended learning! In this session, we will simplify these instructional models and introduce tools that support them. Learn to use free teaching resources to deliver instruction digitally while allowing flexibility for student pacing. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the instructional case for flipped and blended learning and the differences between the two; 2. Explore tech tools that can deliver digital content; and 3. Plan an authentic learning activity using a flipped/blended learning approach. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): blended learning (15), flipped learning (10), Microsoft (75), professional development (332), remote learning (63)
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 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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OK2Ask: Podcasting 101: Using Podcasts in Your Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Looking to change...more
Looking to change...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Looking to change things up in your classroom? Try using podcasts! Improve your students' listening comprehension skills, build academic vocabulary, and strengthen literacy skills with this easy-to-use, research-based instructional strategy. Join us and learn to find appropriate podcasts and use them instructionally. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn ways to use podcasts as an instructional strategy; 2. Explore podcasts series created for students; and 3. Plan for the use of podcasts in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Looking to change things up in your classroom? Try using podcasts! Improve your students' listening comprehension skills, build academic vocabulary, and strengthen literacy skills with this easy-to-use, research-based instructional strategy. Join us and learn to find appropriate podcasts and use them instructionally. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn ways to use podcasts as an instructional strategy; 2. Explore podcasts series created for students; and 3. Plan for the use of podcasts in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): podcasts (65), professional development (332)
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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OK2Ask: More Authentic Learning Activities with Jamboard - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from February 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Keep on jammin'...more
Keep on jammin'...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from February 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Keep on jammin' with Jamboard - Google's power-packed whiteboard app. We're back with more great classroom collaboration and integration ideas! Simple enough for even young learners, Jamboard gives students tools to share what they've learned and demonstrate content mastery. Use Jamboard to facilitate active learning strategies that include individual and group work. Come prepared to learn strategies you can use in traditional and remote classrooms across multiple content areas and grade levels. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Review the basics of using Google Jamboard for remote learning; 2. Explore strategies that foster 21st-century skills; and 3. Share ideas for using Jamboard in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Keep on jammin' with Jamboard - Google's power-packed whiteboard app. We're back with more great classroom collaboration and integration ideas! Simple enough for even young learners, Jamboard gives students tools to share what they've learned and demonstrate content mastery. Use Jamboard to facilitate active learning strategies that include individual and group work. Come prepared to learn strategies you can use in traditional and remote classrooms across multiple content areas and grade levels. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Review the basics of using Google Jamboard for remote learning; 2. Explore strategies that foster 21st-century skills; and 3. Share ideas for using Jamboard in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Google (38), professional development (332), Whiteboard (7)
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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Teaching Central America: Teaching Ideas for Elementary - Teaching for Change
Grades
K to 6
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This resource, Teaching Central America, shares various lessons and guides to support educators in teaching about Central America. Topics include lessons based on Hispanic-themed fiction...more
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This resource, Teaching Central America, shares various lessons and guides to support educators in teaching about Central America. Topics include lessons based on Hispanic-themed fiction and non-fiction picture books, an interactive map, and short biographies of Central American leaders. Use the link below each description to access the included materials; most links lead to a PDF document; however, a couple of lessons require free registration by providing your email to access the materials.
tag(s): book lists (143), central america (15), ecosystems (68), hispanic (28), migration (44)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save Teaching Central America as a resource for finding multicultural books and lessons to include in your classroom for Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the year. Organize your saved bookmarks using Padlet, reviewed here. For example, create a column that includes your saved ideas for teaching about Central America, another for the Caribbean, and one for South America. Use Google My Maps, reviewed here, either as a class or with groups of students, to create interactive maps of places students learn about in Central America. Add links to your website or a column to the Padlet for class-created activities, informational articles, and videos that extend learning beyond the resources shared on this site. Some of the teaching materials include correlation to standards.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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Civics Renewal Network - The Annenberg Public Policy Center of the Univ of Pennsylvania
Grades
1 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This site is provided by an alliance of thirty-seven non-profit, non-partisan organizations to offer free online civics resources to classrooms. Curated collections include voting and...more
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This site is provided by an alliance of thirty-seven non-profit, non-partisan organizations to offer free online civics resources to classrooms. Curated collections include voting and elections, media literacy, subjects to learn at home, teaching the 19th Amendment, controversial topics, and a Constitution Day toolkit. In addition to selecting topics, you can view the information by choosing from narrower topics, including citizenship, history, branches of government, and more. Use the dropdown box for Collections at the top of the page to find resources correlated to Common Core, NCSS, and National Standards for Civics and Government. Links to resources include videos, free online courses, classroom presentations, and many other tools for classroom civics lessons. Note: the vast majority of items included are free; however, a few link to resources require payment.
tag(s): branches of government (59), constitution (85), democracy (19), elections (77), electoral college (21), media literacy (93), politics (107), supreme court (26)
In the Classroom
Include the Civics Renewal Network with your other resources for teaching civics content. Include activities on this site as part of self-guided lessons created using Blendspace, reviewed here, or add to classroom lessons created with NearPod, reviewed here. Extend student learning by asking them to become creators using a digital storytelling tool such as Elementari, reviewed here. Elementari includes features that bring students' stories to life, such as animations, font choices, and drag-and-drop text.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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Be MediaWise - Lessons to Teach Media Literacy - PBS Learning Media
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Be MediaWise--Lessons to Teach Media Literacy is a series of media literacy lessons designed to teach students to fact-check information found online. The collection consists of engaging...more
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Be MediaWise--Lessons to Teach Media Literacy is a series of media literacy lessons designed to teach students to fact-check information found online. The collection consists of engaging videos featuring teens evaluating various online sources. The videos are short and give relevant examples of how to evaluate posts on social media, spot satire, and identify content that may be created by artificial intelligence.
tag(s): critical thinking (105), media literacy (93), social media (47)
In the Classroom
Teach your middle and high school students how to critically evaluate information with each video's downloadable lesson plans, handouts, and slide decks. Lessons include evaluating actual posts on social media, video, and news sites. Create deeper understanding and extend learning by having your students create "social media" posts using tools such as Canva for Education, reviewed here, or Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here, then, evaluate classmates' work.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Getting to Know You Ideas from TeachersFirst - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
28 Favorites
1 Comments
TeachersFirst offers tried and true getting-to-know-you lesson plans, some with a creative twist. Get off on the right foot to establish your classroom as a learning community. ...more
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TeachersFirst offers tried and true getting-to-know-you lesson plans, some with a creative twist. Get off on the right foot to establish your classroom as a learning community.
tag(s): firstday (22)
In the Classroom
Try these activities from TeachersFirst to help you and your students get to know each other early in the school year or for a "fresh start" for a new semester or move-in students.Comments
I love the ideas and activities for helping students get to know each other early on in the new school year. In the Headstart program we focus on parent involvement and I like to do activities that involve the parents and help them to get to know each other as well. The classroom and education experience is so much more successful when everyone is working together: children , families, and teachers.Teresa, FL, Grades: 0 - 1
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RumorGuard - News Literacy Project
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
RumorGuard is a fact-checking website that teaches you how to identify online misinformation based on up to five factors - source, evidence, context, reasoning, and authenticity. The...more
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RumorGuard is a fact-checking website that teaches you how to identify online misinformation based on up to five factors - source, evidence, context, reasoning, and authenticity. The home page shares recent fact checks with a summary of the rumor and includes the number of factors used to determine the authenticity of the information. Click to learn more about the story to view complete details on analyzing the topic. Each topic includes a quick look at the facts and the takeaway for readers. Scroll further on the topic page to view a snapshot of information based on the five factors, techniques used to determine authenticity, and featured fact checks. Some fact-checks include links to lessons on RumorGuard's parent site, Checkology, reviewed here, to support learning about misinformation and evaluating online resources.
tag(s): digital citizenship (79), internet safety (110), journalism (71), media literacy (93), news (229), Online Learning (38), Research (72)
In the Classroom
Share RumorGuard with students during digital citizenship and online safety lessons to help students understand how misinformation is shared and provide them with tools for analyzing online information. Engage students in your lessons using RumorGuard by choosing different topics on this page and news stories, then ask students to determine if the information is real or fake. Next, use a simple polling tool such as Poll Maker, reviewed here, to create and share quick true/false polls. Extend and enhance learning by asking students to become fact-checkers of any online information using the model found on Rumor Guard. Create a template on Google Slides, reviewed here, or Microsoft PowerPoint Online, reviewed here, modeling the process used on RumorGuard to determine the authenticity of the information.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Tests Tests Tests - teststeststests.com
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Here is your one stop for FREE training on Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as typing tests and other challenges. Upon completion of Microsoft tutorials, take corresponding...more
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Here is your one stop for FREE training on Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as typing tests and other challenges. Upon completion of Microsoft tutorials, take corresponding tests to evaluate understanding. Other quizzes include career tests, computer programming subjects, and more.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): keyboarding (29), Microsoft (75), spreadsheets (23)
In the Classroom
Make a shortcut to any activity on this site on classroom computers and use it as a center. Be sure to include this site on your class webpage for students to access both in and outside of class for further practice. Train yourself on Microsoft products using these tutorials. Share the typing activities with your students to increase their speed and accuracy.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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boomy - Boomy Corporation
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
boomy uses artificial intelligence to help you personalize and create original music, even if you never created songs before. The more songs you create, the more boomy personalizes...more
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boomy uses artificial intelligence to help you personalize and create original music, even if you never created songs before. The more songs you create, the more boomy personalizes offerings based on your preferences. Begin by selecting the option to create a song then choose a style. Style options include Beats By You, Relaxing Meditation, and Advanced. When ready, create your song. It may take a minute or more, so be patient as boomy works it magic. Once your song is ready, listen to the preview and make additional adjustments. Use the Try Again option to make a different mix or use the edit option to adjust the settings. When finished, save your song to your library. Next time you use boomy, the site uses your preferences and saved music to create new music. Download songs to your computer, choosing from a variety of audio file choices or share using the URL or links to social media sites.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (15), music theory (44), rhythm (19), sounds (44)
In the Classroom
Offer students the option to explore their creative side with boomy. Ask students to make soothing music to play during study and quiet times, have them create audio to accompany their class presentations, or challenge students to make music that sets the mood for dramatic moments in literature. This site is an excellent way to appeal to your musically inclined students. Enhance student learning by asking them to share ideas on how to create different types of music by recording their screen using Free Screen Recorder Online, reviewed here. Have students share tips and advice on how to create different moods by adjusting settings within music created with boomy.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Running for Office--Cartoons of Clifford K. Berryman - The National Archives
Grades
7 to 12
3 Favorites
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Each Presidential election cycle brings with it a new crop of political cartoons and caricatures of politicians. Clifford K. Berryman drew political cartoons at the turn of the 20th...more
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Each Presidential election cycle brings with it a new crop of political cartoons and caricatures of politicians. Clifford K. Berryman drew political cartoons at the turn of the 20th century and US Presidents from Grover Cleveland to Harry Truman. This site profiles both the cartoons themselves, and the issues and personalities behind the cartoons. Visually attractive, the site also permits downloading cartoons so they can be printed and studied.
As an important primary source, political cartoons provide an important insight into the issues and controversies of their time period. More than simply who did what, and what happened where, these drawings show us the emotions and conflict involved in the ugly and messy business of politics.
As an important primary source, political cartoons provide an important insight into the issues and controversies of their time period. More than simply who did what, and what happened where, these drawings show us the emotions and conflict involved in the ugly and messy business of politics.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (48), elections (77), politics (107), presidents (116)
In the Classroom
Students can gain insight into the events of the first half of the 20th century as well as draw parallels between the issues of that time and today. How are Presidential campaigns different and how are they similar? Enhance student learning by challenging them to create their own political comics. Have students create a rough draft of their comic using Canva's Printable Comic Strip Templates, reviewed here. Then, students can create and share their comics online using a tool like ToonyTools, reviewed here, for a single frame comic, or Make Beliefs Comix, reviewed here, for multiple frames.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Baseball-Reference
Grades
6 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This site is perfect to practice math skills using real-time information and statistics from the American and National Leagues. A vast amount of data is available including prices of...more
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This site is perfect to practice math skills using real-time information and statistics from the American and National Leagues. A vast amount of data is available including prices of recent transactions, team and player statistics, streaks, and more. Considerable data is included for All-Star games, postseason stats, and frivolities such as birthdays and birthplaces. Information is also included for minor league teams. Be sure to check out the tutorial videos that help users with the site. Videos include information on box scores and their features, player and team gamelogs, and a 17 minute video reviewing features and layout of the baseball-reference site.
tag(s): charts and graphs (165), data (141), probability (93), statistics (110)
In the Classroom
Watch the information video on the website on your interactive whiteboard (or projector) as an introduction to the site. Allow students time to explore the site on their own or with a partner. This site is perfect for students to practice working with statistics and graphing. Have students choose a player or team and graph statistics, then compare these statistics with other students' data. Challenge students to research statistics on the site to find unusual information and research what may have happened. Have students create a multimedia presentation to share with the class such as a simple online posters using PicLits (reviewed here). Or compare data from students' favorite teams and create a class graph.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Word Clouds for Kids - ABCya.com
Grades
K to 7
10 Favorites
0 Comments
This word cloud generator is made specifically for children. This site takes any text and creates a "word cloud" (graphical display) of the words in a passage of text. The ...more
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This word cloud generator is made specifically for children. This site takes any text and creates a "word cloud" (graphical display) of the words in a passage of text. The most frequent words appear larger. Paste in any passage or grouping of text to create a word cloud of the text. Students can choose their own colors, type of display, font, and the final cloud can be printed or saved.
tag(s): speech (67), vocabulary (231), word choice (14), word clouds (12)
In the Classroom
This is a great visual tool to use. Take a poll and have your students type their answers into the word cloud builder. Then display on an interactive whiteboard or projector and see which answer was the most popular. Use this site as a way to help students see and memorize text, especially visual learners. Use it also when writing poetry or to "see" themes of repeated words and images. Have students paste in their own writing to spot repeated (and monotonous) language when teaching lessons on word choice. Students will be surprised to see what words appear to be dominant. Have students work in groups to create word posters of vocabulary words with related meanings, such as different ways to say "walk" or "said" and decorate your classroom with these visual reminders of the richness of language.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Podcasting 201: Creating Podcasts in Your Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from April 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
If you are looking...more
If you are looking...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from April 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
If you are looking for an easy way to increase engagement in the classroom, look no further. In this second part of our podcasting series, you'll learn how students can create podcasts (audio recordings delivered via the internet) to demonstrate what they've learned. Join us to explore how podcasting fosters deep learning as an authentic activity and learn to plan, produce and publish podcasts for free with your students. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the instructional strategies behind podcasting with students; Explore a free podcasting tool; and 3. Plan to create a podcast with students. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
If you are looking for an easy way to increase engagement in the classroom, look no further. In this second part of our podcasting series, you'll learn how students can create podcasts (audio recordings delivered via the internet) to demonstrate what they've learned. Join us to explore how podcasting fosters deep learning as an authentic activity and learn to plan, produce and publish podcasts for free with your students. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the instructional strategies behind podcasting with students; Explore a free podcasting tool; and 3. Plan to create a podcast with students. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): podcasts (65), professional development (332)
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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Toy Theater - Toy Theater
Grades
K to 5
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Memory puzzles, comic stories, action alphabet and math flashcards are just a few features at this site. Art, music, reading, math, puzzles and more are accessed through easy dropdown...more
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Memory puzzles, comic stories, action alphabet and math flashcards are just a few features at this site. Art, music, reading, math, puzzles and more are accessed through easy dropdown links. The difficulty ranges from simple primary skills to more challenging puzzles. Use these great interactives to teach music composition, practice with numbers, letters, and colors, do paper cut-outs like Henri Matisse, or practice math and reading skills. ESL or elementary spelling teachers will like the simple "crossword" vocabulary interactive.
tag(s): alphabet (48), animation (59), counting (58), numbers (120), spelling (93)
In the Classroom
Use these activities as a center, with partners, or on an interactive whiteboard. Turn up the speakers for sound on the music portions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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All About the Holidays - PBS Learning Media
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Learn about the history and significance behind many holidays through this video collection from PBS Learning Media. Begin browsing by choosing from fall, winter, spring, or summer...more
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Learn about the history and significance behind many holidays through this video collection from PBS Learning Media. Begin browsing by choosing from fall, winter, spring, or summer holidays. Each section includes short videos explaining the history of the holiday. Learn about holidays such as Yom Kippur, Oktoberfest, Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), Kwanzaa, Juneteenth, Father's Day, and many others! Each selection also includes links to standards along with additional links to supporting materials such as lesson plans or printable items. Not seeing a holiday you want such as 100 days of school? Use the search bar at the top!
tag(s): 100thday (9), back to school (63), chinese new year (5), christmas (38), cinco de mayo (10), easter (9), elections (77), fathers day (8), fire prevention (16), flag day (6), halloween (31), hanukkah (12), hispanic (28), holidays (143), july 4th (10), Juneteenth (12), kwanzaa (13), labor day (6), martin luther king (41), mothers day (9), new years (5), pi (25), presidents (116), rosh hashanah (8), st patricks day (11), thanksgiving (24), valentines day (11), veterans (20), womens suffrage (36), yom kippur (9)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site to use as a resource for teaching material during holidays throughout the year. For each holiday use a bookmarking site such as Wakelet, reviewed here, to organize and share lesson materials, videos, and game sites for your students. Instead of worksheets or written reports, enhance student learning by asking them to create infographics sharing information about any holiday. Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here, is a very easy to use tool that includes pre-made templates. Don't keep student learning to yourself, share their knowledge through holiday podcasts for your entire school and community to hear. Anchor, reviewed here, features many kid-friendly tools to get you started with creating and sharing podcasts.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Twitter Chat: Media Literacy in the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
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This archived Twitter chat is from August 2022 and will open in Wakelet. The title of this chat is: Media Literacy in the Classroom. During this chat, participants: 1. Discussed ...more
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This archived Twitter chat is from August 2022 and will open in Wakelet. The title of this chat is: Media Literacy in the Classroom. During this chat, participants: 1. Discussed the importance of teaching media literacy in the classroom, 2. Explored media literacy resources, and 3. Collaborated on ideas for integrating media literacy across your curriculum.
tag(s): media literacy (93), twitterchatarchive (156)
In the Classroom
Find resources and information about media literacy. Share this chat with your colleagues looking for strategies and resources on media literacy.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Bitmoji - Bitstrips Inc
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Build an emoji with Bitmoji. Bitmoji is an Android and Apple app, also available as a Chrome extension. Use email to create an account then follow prompts to create an ...more
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Build an emoji with Bitmoji. Bitmoji is an Android and Apple app, also available as a Chrome extension. Use email to create an account then follow prompts to create an emoji with your likeness; save it as a PNG to your computer, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive. The fun starts after creating your emoji! Choose from countless options to share your Bitmoji in emails, messages, as an avatar (even inserting it into your favorite games), or anywhere you communicate online.
tag(s): creativity (91), DAT device agnostic tool (134), emotions (45), faces (5), images (252)
In the Classroom
Create a Bitmoji to use as your avatar on your class website or blog. Update your avatar to reflect current lessons, holidays, or events. Use emojis to appeal to students and draw their attention to important information. For example, choose the bitmoji with praying hands and "please" as a reminder to read all of the directions before beginning work. Choose a Bitmoji with an interesting background or phrase to use as a writing prompt. Insert a bitmoji into a Google form as feedback for student responses. Have older students (13+) take a picture of a portion of text and add a Bitmoji to share a connection or response to the text (also known as BookSnaps).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Fostering Accountability: Media Literacy in the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
As digital media increasingly...more
As digital media increasingly...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
As digital media increasingly replaces traditional media, students must have the skills to think critically about these new types of texts. Media literacy - the ability to skillfully read and write in a wide range of message forms - allows students to identify themes and issues emerging from popular culture and has related standards that have been incorporated across content areas and grade levels nationwide. Join us to learn more about this information age survival skill. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the importance of teaching media literacy in the classroom; 2. Explore media literacy resources; and 3. Learn to use the five key questions of media literacy when planning lessons. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
As digital media increasingly replaces traditional media, students must have the skills to think critically about these new types of texts. Media literacy - the ability to skillfully read and write in a wide range of message forms - allows students to identify themes and issues emerging from popular culture and has related standards that have been incorporated across content areas and grade levels nationwide. Join us to learn more about this information age survival skill. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the importance of teaching media literacy in the classroom; 2. Explore media literacy resources; and 3. Learn to use the five key questions of media literacy when planning lessons. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): media literacy (93), professional development (332)
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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