TeachersFirst Special Topics Collections
Jump-start your work with TeachersFirst's Special Topics collections. Save time and take advantage of these ready-to-go collections that will help you find what you and your students need, just in time for an upcoming unit, a holiday, focused research, student-directed exploration, or projects on a curriculum topic or event. Each Special Topic page is a curated list of resources related to the stated topic. Each collection includes up to 30 resources, providing enough variety to find sites that define the topic.
You can be comfortable sharing the Special Topic links with students or parents, knowing that TeachersFirst has selected and reviewed each resource.
Find classroom and project suggestions within each review, use the collection to find what you need for your lessons. Some teachers assign these lists as the core resources for a broader student assignment. Editor’s Choice collections offer "the best of the best" for topics of particular interest. TeachersFirst also offers collections on professional special topics to help you meet particular teaching challenges.
213 Results | sort by:
Multilingual Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
As educators, we must prepare our lessons thinking of all learners. Students learning English as a new language (multilingual learners) are no exception. Recognizing that these students...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:
As educators, we must prepare our lessons thinking of all learners. Students learning English as a new language (multilingual learners) are no exception. Recognizing that these students are likely to be fluent in other languages, ENL classes use specific instructional strategies that build on the linguistic strengths that these students have already demonstrated. Any content area teacher may find themselves designing lessons for this population. We share some resources to help you plan lessons that include strategies for your multilingual students in this collection.
tag(s): multilingual (78), spanish (110)
In the Classroom
Find new tools and strategies to use with your multilingual students. Share this list on your class website for families to use at home. This list includes resources for elementary and secondary students.Global Citizenship Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Encourage your students to be global citizens with the resources shared in this collection. Global citizenship helps students to understand both world events and their role within the...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:
Encourage your students to be global citizens with the resources shared in this collection. Global citizenship helps students to understand both world events and their role within the international community. When students begin to become global citizens, they learn to respect universal values such as peace and the human rights of all people. Use this curated list to start your class discussion of global citizenship.
tag(s): collaboration (94), cross cultural understanding (178)
In the Classroom
Help your students to become global citizens using these engaging resources. Find ways to connect with other schools around the country or even around the world. Share these resources with your colleagues and school parents by emailing the page or sharing the link from your school web page and in your school newsletter.Formative Assessment Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Formative assessment is a term that refers to a wide variety of strategies and methods that teachers use to provide ongoing feedback to students. Before the final assessment, a formative...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:
Formative assessment is a term that refers to a wide variety of strategies and methods that teachers use to provide ongoing feedback to students. Before the final assessment, a formative assessment evaluates student comprehension, academic progress during lessons, and learning needs. These assessments help teachers check for understanding, determine skills mastery, and choose topics to review. Peruse the resources shared in this collection to find unique and engaging tools to use as you assess your students throughout your daily lessons.
tag(s): assessment (146), Formative Assessment (73), game based learning (208), polls and surveys (49)
In the Classroom
Find new tools to try in your classroom to create formative assessment activities! This curated list includes professional learning resources, polls, gaming tools, and other strategies to use to gauge a "quick check" of student understanding. Each review includes classroom use ideas. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will work best for your students.Social and Emotional Learning Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Social-emotional Learning (SEL) is the process by which students of all ages develop and use social and emotional skills, knowledge, and attitudes. Using SEL skills, students better...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:
Social-emotional Learning (SEL) is the process by which students of all ages develop and use social and emotional skills, knowledge, and attitudes. Using SEL skills, students better understand emotion, manage their own, and show empathy towards others. SEL skills also help students set and achieve positive goals. Although this is an ongoing process through all grade levels, you can begin to instill these skills and understandings in even your youngest students. We encourage you to find appropriate tools and resources in this collection to use with your students and in your lessons.
tag(s): emotions (53), empathy (37), social and emotional learning (110)
In the Classroom
Find resources to educate yourself and your students about various topics related to social-emotional learning. This collection includes lesson plans, digital check-ins, toolkits, professional resources, and more. Share this curated list with your colleagues and families.Problem-Based Learning Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Problem-based learning is a curriculum design method that offers learners challenging, open-ended problems. The hands-on learning activities offer investigations of real-world problems....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:
Problem-based learning is a curriculum design method that offers learners challenging, open-ended problems. The hands-on learning activities offer investigations of real-world problems. Problem-based learning allows students to develop lifelong learning skills, gain work-place readiness, and improve team-work and cooperative learning strategies. View this collection to begin your journey with problem-based learning in your classroom.
tag(s): Problem Based Learning (12), problem solving (233), STEM (312)
In the Classroom
Help your students to practice problem-solving skills using these engaging resources. Share these resources with your colleagues and school parents by emailing the page or sharing the link from your school web page and in your school newsletter.Project-Based Learning - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Project-based learning is a dynamic teaching method that encourages students to gain knowledge by working to actively explore problems and investigate authentic and complex questions...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:
Project-based learning is a dynamic teaching method that encourages students to gain knowledge by working to actively explore problems and investigate authentic and complex questions or challenges. This curated list includes project-based learning resources for all grades.
tag(s): problem solving (233), Project Based Learning (23)
In the Classroom
Find new tools to try in your classroom to create project-based learning! Each review includes classroom use ideas. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will work best for your students.Social Media Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Social media in education offers students the ability to connect with learning groups and easily find useful information. As educators, it is pivotal to teach students the benefits...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:
Social media in education offers students the ability to connect with learning groups and easily find useful information. As educators, it is pivotal to teach students the benefits of using social media, as well as the proper (and safe) way to use these types of tools. This collection provides professional learning for educators using social media in the classroom, tools to organize and share social media, plus some social media favorites (such as Pinterest).
tag(s): social media (50)
In the Classroom
Explore this collection to find tools for yourself (and your students) to use to connect with others and find information using social media.Resources to Develop a Positive Self-Identity - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Encourage your students to develop positive self-identities based on their membership in various groups in society. Help your students to feel confident to express pride and healthy...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:
Encourage your students to develop positive self-identities based on their membership in various groups in society. Help your students to feel confident to express pride and healthy self-esteem about their own self-identity, without devaluing the dignity of those that may be different than they are. The resources shared in this section help teachers to enable students to recognize that people have multiple identities and are members of multiple groups within our society, creating complex and unique individuals.
tag(s): bias (28), difficult conversations (57), identity (37)
In the Classroom
Find resources to educate yourself and your students about various topics related to self-identity. This collection includes lesson plans, blogs, book suggestions, and interactives too. Share these resources with your colleagues and families.Resources Related to Difficult Conversations - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12As teachers, we frequently tackle uncomfortable subjects in the classroom, but polarizing public conversations or events in the news can sometimes make these subjects downright difficult...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:
As teachers, we frequently tackle uncomfortable subjects in the classroom, but polarizing public conversations or events in the news can sometimes make these subjects downright difficult to discuss with students. The resources in this collection will give you ideas on how to start and facilitate tough conversations about topics like inequality, injustice, and politics sensitively while still accomplishing learning goals. You'll also find lessons and activities to encourage respectful conversation, inclusivity, empathy, and understanding.
tag(s): difficult conversations (57), empathy (37), racism (83)
In the Classroom
Explore this collection to use to engage in difficult conversations in your classroom. Learn more about difficult conversations and empathy for others in some of the informational readings.Resources Related to Empathy - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Empathy is our desire and ability to understand and share another person's feelings and use that information to guide our actions. It's the foundation of respect and inclusivity 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:
Empathy is our desire and ability to understand and share another person's feelings and use that information to guide our actions. It's the foundation of respect and inclusivity and is an essential component of relationship building, resolving interpersonal conflicts, and understanding cause and effect. In this collection, we share resources that will help you create lessons and experiences that cultivate empathy in your students and informational websites about this important topic.
tag(s): empathy (37), perspective (20), racism (83)
In the Classroom
Help your students to develop empathy for others. Share these resources with your colleagues and school parents by emailing the page or sharing the link from your school web page or on your school's LMS.Resources on Racism and Discrimination - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12As educators, it's our duty to teach our students to respect people of all races, genders, orientations, and cultures, both in our classroom and in the outside world. Racism, sexism,...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:
As educators, it's our duty to teach our students to respect people of all races, genders, orientations, and cultures, both in our classroom and in the outside world. Racism, sexism, and orientation discrimination can be difficult topics to broach in the classroom but are essential to discuss as students find their voices and form their understanding of the world. In this collection, we share resources about combatting racism, lesson plans about the human cost of discrimination, and additional activities to spark meaningful discussion and encourage students at all grade levels to treat all people with respect.
tag(s): black history (138), empathy (37), racism (83)
In the Classroom
Find resources to educate yourself and your students about various topics related to racism and discrimination. This collection includes lesson plans and interactives too. Share these resources with your colleagues and families.Understanding Public Health Crises - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12The potential of a pandemic spread in our schools and among young people is a major concern. TeachersFirst's editors have collected this helpful information for teachers, students,...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 potential of a pandemic spread in our schools and among young people is a major concern. TeachersFirst's editors have collected this helpful information for teachers, students, and parents to better understand pandemics, how they spread, and what you can do to stay healthy. We have also included numerous resources sharing ways that teachers are available to help through remote teaching, disseminating correct information, teaching students media literacy, and promoting proper hygiene. Share these resources with your colleagues and families to keep them informed during public health crises.
tag(s): h1n1 (6), hygiene (9), media literacy (113)
In the Classroom
Help your students to stay healthy and avoid fear by sharing the facts and prevention tips in these resources. Share these resources with your colleagues and school parents by emailing the page or sharing the link from your school web page and in your school newsletter.Resources for Storage - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12From storing photos to videos to other content, we've got you covered with this collection of resources for storage. Storage isn't something that we often think about when planning...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:
From storing photos to videos to other content, we've got you covered with this collection of resources for storage. Storage isn't something that we often think about when planning our lessons and activities, yet sometimes finding ways to store information online can present a challenge. Don't forget our "In the Classroom" suggestions to read ideas about how to use the tools with your students.
tag(s): Storage (6)
In the Classroom
Use these resources to find tools for your storage needs. Share this list on your class website for students to find tools for storage.Classroom Management Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Classroom management covers a wide range of tasks or routines: collecting assignments, designing seating charts, promoting positive behaviors, creating cooperative learning groups,...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:
Classroom management covers a wide range of tasks or routines: collecting assignments, designing seating charts, promoting positive behaviors, creating cooperative learning groups, and so much more. If you are looking for some new tools to ensure that your classroom lessons run smoothly and disruptive behaviors are kept to a minimum, check out this collection to maximize your management. Classroom management matters at all grade levels and we have tools for all ages and for all subjects.
tag(s): classroom management (118), Teacher Utilities (201)
In the Classroom
Find management tips and tools to make your class run smoother. Share this collection with your colleagues.Tools to Create Media - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Media comes in all shapes and sizes: videos, podcasts, posters, digital stories, and much more. This curated list includes some of our best tools for creating media in the K-12 ...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:
Media comes in all shapes and sizes: videos, podcasts, posters, digital stories, and much more. This curated list includes some of our best tools for creating media in the K-12 classroom. Remember our, "In the Classroom," suggestions give you ideas about how to use these tools in your classroom -- interested in more? See our complete list of tools related to many types of media: videos, digital design, presentations, and digital storytelling.
tag(s): creating media (18), digital storytelling (156), podcasts (118), posters (43), video (267)
In the Classroom
Find new tools to try in your classroom to create some cool media! Each review includes classroom use ideas. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will make your tasks easier to manage and engage your students.Open Educational Resources (OER) - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Open educational resources (OER) are tools/resources that are available to use freely, with open licenses to media, images, text, and more. OER could include readings, videos, audio...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:
Open educational resources (OER) are tools/resources that are available to use freely, with open licenses to media, images, text, and more. OER could include readings, videos, audio clips, textbooks, exams, online courses, lesson plans, and more that are openly licensed. An open license means that you can use these tools at no-cost and access, use, adapt or redistribute to others. These tools are useful for research, learning, teaching, and assessing. View our collection to find a tool for your classroom.
tag(s): images (263), OER (43), Online Learning (36)
In the Classroom
Use these tools to help students to find and use open educational resources.Tools - No Student Registration Required - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Peruse this collection to save time during instruction with these resources that require no student registration. Some of these tools require teacher registration. Students may need...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:
Peruse this collection to save time during instruction with these resources that require no student registration. Some of these tools require teacher registration. Students may need a code to join, given by the teacher, or no additional information at all before using the site. This list includes resources for all grades.
tag(s): classroom management (118)
In the Classroom
Find new tools to try to save time with easy registration. Each review includes classroom use ideas. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will make your activities easier to manage.Primary Sources Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12This curated list includes resources for all grades, compares primary to secondary sources, and countless other topics. Primary sources offer direct (firsthand) accounts about events,...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 curated list includes resources for all grades, compares primary to secondary sources, and countless other topics. Primary sources offer direct (firsthand) accounts about events, people, works of art, and more. Remember our "In the Classroom" suggestions give you ideas about how to use these tools in your classroom.
tag(s): primary sources (119), Research (88)
In the Classroom
Use these tools to help students to understand primary sources, research, and more. Find tools for students to use to research when doing projects or studying for an exam.Teacher Utilities Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Technology offers teachers many management tools for classroom procedures, communication, design of the classroom, and more. This collection highlights what we call "Teacher Utilities."...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:
Technology offers teachers many management tools for classroom procedures, communication, design of the classroom, and more. This collection highlights what we call "Teacher Utilities." These are any tools that make the job of the teacher slightly easier to manage. Some examples of tools in this collection include timers, learning management systems, lesson plan builders, classroom design tools, and many more. Remember our "In the Classroom" suggestions give you ideas about how to use these tools in your classroom.
tag(s): Teacher Utilities (201)
In the Classroom
Find new tools to try in your classroom, for communication with families and more. Each review includes classroom use ideas. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will make your tasks easier to manage.Learning Management Systems Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Peruse this collection of learning management system resources. The list includes tools for all grades. Find tools to use to organize your communication, documentation, grading, 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:
Peruse this collection of learning management system resources. The list includes tools for all grades. Find tools to use to organize your communication, documentation, grading, and more. Whatever your needs may be, you may find the perfect tool in this collection. Be sure to read the "In the Classroom" suggestions for examples of ways to use the LMS (learning management system) tools with your students.
tag(s): assessment (146), Learning Management Systems (20), Teacher Utilities (201)