TeachersFirst Creating, imagining, innovating (Habit of the Mind) Resources
The Habit of the Mind - Creating, imagining, and innovating is the mindset that keeps learning dynamic and personal, encouraging students to see beyond the "right answer" and explore the many possible paths to understanding. When we foster this habit, we're giving students permission to take risks, to wonder "what if," and to trust their own creative instincts. It's not about being artistic (though it can be); it's about approaching problems with curiosity and confidence, knowing that original thinking is built through practice, not born from talent alone. The resources in this collection are designed to help you create classroom cultures where experimentation is celebrated, where failure is seen as data, and where every student learns that they have something unique to contribute. Some of the resources shared in this collection include videos, mind-mapping tools, open-ended makerspace challenges, remix and mashup platforms, collaborative whiteboards, random idea generators, digital storyboards, and more! Let's help our students discover that innovation isn't reserved for inventors and entrepreneurs—it's a mindset available to anyone willing to try a different way. Let’s help them turn "thinking outside the box" into their new daily routine!
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Habits of Mind Explorer - Habits of Mind Insitute
Grades
K to 12tag(s): critical thinking (163), preK (298), problem solving (262), social and emotional learning (144), thinking routines (29), thinking skills (84)
In the Classroom
Include this resource as part of a project-based learning unit by having students choose one habit to focus on as they work through a complex challenge. For a social studies project exploring historical figures, students can analyze which habits, like Taking Responsible Risks or Striving for Accuracy, were most critical to their subject's success. After conducting research, students can organize their insights and provide examples of these habits in action by creating a collaborative digital board with Lino, reviewed here. To take the reflection deeper, ask students to map out their own growth in that specific habit by creating a visual journey or mind map using MindMup, reviewed here shifting focus from just learning facts to understanding the mental behaviors that drive achievement, helping students become more self-aware and intentional learners.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Hour of Code - Code.org
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), coding (96), critical thinking (163), logic (160), problem solving (262), STEM (340)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this site to use during annual Hour of AI or Code activities and throughout the year as part of computer science instruction. Integrate coding activities into cross-curricular lessons, for example, by incorporating coding exercises that enable students to explore geometry and patterns within their math lessons. Integrate with science lessons to explore the scientific method or use coding activities to create interactive stories that bring student writing projects to life. Extend student learning by including activities and lessons from Hour of AI, reviewed here as part of your computer science curriculum. Share student projects on your class website or on a site such as Milanote, reviewed here to curate and share information.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Meshy AI - Meshy Ai
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), design (77)
In the Classroom
Have students choose a vocabulary word and use Meshy to create a 3D model that represents it. For example, for the word "volcano," they can generate a 3D model of a volcano from a text prompt. Then, they can present their model and explain how it connects to the word's meaning. After reading a story, have students describe a character in detail and use Meshy to turn that description into a 3D model. In social studies or ELA, students can research an artifact from a historical period (ex., a medieval crown or ancient vase) and then generate a 3D model from a text or image prompt. Students can brainstorm and design an invention, describing it in detail via text. They then can use Meshy to model their invention and present it in a "Shark Tank"-style pitch, explaining how it works and its usefulness.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Design Squad Global - PBS Kids
Grades
2 to 8tag(s): crafts (90), design (77), engineering (135), game based learning (284), machines (17), musical instruments (59)
In the Classroom
Students can participate in the site's activities and enter challenges. Students can upload their work to Padlet, reviewed here to share with others. Students can learn more about electricity, farm life, natural disasters, and floods as they play the games on the site.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Online Escape Room Templates - Genially
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): digital escapes (29), game based learning (284), gamification (95), puzzles (158)
In the Classroom
Create an escape room where students solve riddles and match definitions to unlock clues. Use synonyms, antonyms, or context clues to reinforce vocabulary skills in a fun, interactive way. Design an escape room where students "travel" through different historical events, solving primary source analysis puzzles, decoding ciphers, and answering questions to unlock the next time period. Students must solve multi-step word problems or algebraic equations to advance through a mystery-themed escape room. Each correct answer reveals a key to "unlock" the final solution. Simulate a science experiment gone wrong! Students analyze data, interpret graphs, and solve scientific riddles to find the missing formula or save the lab before time runs out. After reading a novel or short story, students could navigate an escape room based on key events, themes, and character motivations. They solve puzzles related to symbolism, figurative language, or plot twists to escape.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Leonardo.ai - Leonardo Labs
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), graphic design (48), Teacher Utilities (199)
In the Classroom
Students can use Leonardo AI to generate images of characters in narrative stories they have written. Use Leonardo AI to produce an image of a character from a text read in class to enhance a lesson in characterization. Encourage students to collaborate on designing a unique class logo or mascot using Leonardo AI's design tools. In science, students can use Leonardo AI to illustrate complex concepts, like parts of a cell, ecosystems, or weather patterns. Students can generate images related to new vocabulary words or complex concepts as a helpful way to remember difficult words.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Robert H. Hines Young Inventors Program - University of New Hampshire
Grades
K to 8tag(s): inventors and inventions (87), STEM (340)
In the Classroom
Provide students with materials to prototype and test their inventions. After designing their invention, students can build and test it, iterating based on test results. A free resource such as Prototype Zone reviewed here can be used to plan their invention. Students can research famous inventors and their inventions and then present the story behind the invention. Organize an in-class Invention Fair where students present their original inventions. This activity fosters public speaking, presentation skills, and creativity.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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NotebookLM - Google
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), note taking (33), Teacher Utilities (199), timelines (58)
In the Classroom
Use NotebookLM to support and engage students in many different ways. Upload lessons and documents to create and share study guides with students. Create and share an audio podcast at the start of a new unit to engage students in the upcoming lessons. Share the video with students to include when reviewing materials for upcoming assessments. Use NotebookLM to create a study guide, copy it, and paste it into a quiz tool that uses AI, such as Quizlet reviewed here to create flashcards and study materials for your students or Gibbly, reviewed here to create a quiz. Create a short tutorial using Free Online Screen Recorder, reviewed here on the features and how to use NotebookLM to share with parents for use at home to create study guides for classroom lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mootion - HK Mootion Ltd
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), communication (119), digital storytelling (157), multimedia (56)
In the Classroom
Mootion offers many choices for classroom use! Paste students' stories into Mootion to create videos and watch them come to life, autogenerate stories about historical events and characters to engage students in your upcoming lessons, or create a story using vocabulary words when introducing new science units. If you do not share the video during class, download the MP4 file to your device and upload it to YouTube to make it accessible to all students anytime.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Napkin AI - Napkin AI
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), data (199), infographics (67), problem solving (262), timelines (58), visualizations (15)
In the Classroom
Add this handy resource to your teacher toolbox for many classroom uses for you and your students. Paste instructions for lab activities into Napkin AI and add a timeline to accompany step-by-step instructions, create visuals to accompany problem-solving tasks, or add infographics to social studies reports. Share the link to the project built with Napkin AI or save the images to include with slide presentations or other multimedia presentations.Edge Features:
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
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Assemblr EDU - Assemblr
Grades
K to 12tag(s): augmented reality (8), DAT device agnostic tool (125)
In the Classroom
Share 3D models found on Assemblr EDU with students to visualize complex concepts like anatomy, physics, or geography. Share Assemblr EDU with tech-savvy students and ask them to use the editor to create 3D objects to share with the classroom or to create tutorials on how to use the editor to create models. Use Free Screen Recorder Online, reviewed here to record and share tutorials.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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FigJam - Figma
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), charts and graphs (193), collaboration (105), graphic organizers (55), iwb (28), mind map (31), timelines (58), Whiteboard (10)
In the Classroom
Use FigJam in many different ways to engage learners and support classroom instruction such as using sticky notes as a collaborative activity to brainstorm ideas and information as a class. Use the drawing tools and ask students to label places, parts of plants, and more. Use FigJam templates to create all-about-me activities, such as class check-in and exit ticket activities, Frayer Model activities, and much more. Learn more about FigJam's many features and how to get started by viewing this tutorial from FigJam.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Canva Storyboard Templates - Canva
Grades
1 to 12tag(s): digital storytelling (157), graphic design (48), graphic organizers (55), stories and storytelling (71)
In the Classroom
Storyboards don't have to just be for storytelling. Have students pick a historical event or era they have studied or are interested in exploring further and use the templates to create a graphic novel-style storyboard that narrates the event. Have students select a social issue they are passionate about, such as bullying, mental health awareness, or digital citizenship, and have them choose a template to create a comic book. These can be printed and hung around the school. For younger students, customize a template and print it for offline use. It can be used for any sequencing concept, like life cycles or moon phases. Discuss the idea of daily routines with the class, talking about different activities they do from morning to night.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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invideo AI - invideo AI
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), tutorials (49)
In the Classroom
Create videos for many classroom purposes by writing prompts clearly stating your needs. For example, include the topic, age or grade of students, type of voice (male or female) if desired, and specific vocabulary or information to include. Use invideo AI to differentiate content for your students' varying needs by creating videos on similar topics but with different levels of vocabulary and information. Embed your videos into multimedia tools such as Sway, reviewed here and NearPod, reviewed here to include additional elements of any lesson. Share a link to your video with students to view as a schema activator before a lesson or as a flipped learning activity before introducing new content.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MyLens - DataMotto
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), mind map (31), multilingual (74), timelines (58)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of this visual resource creator to create and share timelines in advance and on the fly that engage students for many classroom uses and content. For example, create a timeline of events in a novel or historical event, use a timeline to show steps in a progression of events such as turning a bill into law, or create a timeline that shows historic events in your hometown. Ask students to create a timeline using this generator and include a link or the image in a multimedia presentation created with Genially, reviewed here or Canva Edu, reviewed here. Use the quadrant tool to support student understanding of complex issues or generate mindmaps to break content down into smaller, more manageable information.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Designer - Microsoft Designer
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), images (262), Microsoft (55)
In the Classroom
AI-generated images are an excellent tool for use with many classroom purposes. The image creator supports over 100 languages, so it is accessible for use by almost all students. Teach students how to write descriptive sentences by creating AI-generated images; students quickly learn how to add specific details to create a desired output. Use Designer to engage students in creative writing projects by generating images based on anything their imaginations share. Include AI-generated images in your classroom newsletter, website, or worksheets as an easy resource for adding pictures without spending much time searching for the right photograph. Share this site with students to include images in multimedia projects, such as those created using Sway, reviewed here or Google Sites, reviewed here. When using any AI resource, be sure to provide guidance on using AI tools ethically, creatively, and responsiblyAdd your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Adobe Firefly - Adobe
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), creativity (82), editing (88), graphic design (48), images (262)
In the Classroom
Use Firefly to create images for many different classroom uses to engage students and extend learning. Use the text effects feature to create text to teach letters or words. An example would be making the word "apple" and filling it with apples to teach beginning letter sounds to students using imagery. Use the text-to-image feature to create images for students to use with creative writing projects or to visualize a scene in a story. Edit images using the Generative Fill option to remove unwanted items or add new items. Edit an image to demonstrate different art styles when teaching students about artists. Download your edited images for students to use when making ebooks with Book Creator, reviewed here or to use when publishing writing using a simple website creator such as Telegra.ph, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Random Art Prompt Generators for Kids - Magatsu.net
Grades
K to 12tag(s): creative writing (126), drawing (55), painting (48), writing (306)
In the Classroom
Use this generator to create and print ideas for projects to include in an art center. Use the generator for more than art project ideas, select statements that correspond to stories you are reading, science topics, or social studies events. Include ideas in your makerspace for students to create items based on the opinions provided by the generator. Include the ideas generated for students to use with creative writing projects. Ask them to share their writing project using tools found at Adobe Creative Cloud Express, reviewed here, to create videos, graphic designs, or presentations. Instead of relying on a generator, use this as an example, then ask students to develop a bank of story ideas for classroom use. Include ideas on a collaborative Google Document shared on classroom and student devices.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Creative Writing Exercises for Children - J G Web Publishing
Grades
K to 2This site includes advertising.
tag(s): creative writing (126), digital storytelling (157), short stories (18), writing (306), writing prompts (57)
In the Classroom
There are many ways elementary school teachers could use this resource in the classroom. The Story Title Ideas page creates a title using "the" and chooses an adjective and noun for you. Teachers could also use this feature to teach parts of speech by creating simple sentences where students can label the parts of speech. A second Story Title 2 page generates a story title. Students can press the orange "press here" button until they find a topic that sparks their interest. A fun way to practice writing sentences can be found on the 'Make Up a Sentence' page. Three words are generated, challenging students to write a sentence using all three words. 'Make Up a Sentence' would be an engaging way to begin a writing lesson. Replace paper and pen writing journals, and enhance learning by asking students to write their prompts and ideas in an online blog making it a writing journal. Use a tool like Seesaw, reviewed here. Using an online writing journal, students can finish up at home, and parents can view their writing. Seesaw offers tools for creating portfolios.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Miro - Miro
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): collaboration (105), graphic organizers (55), iwb (28)
In the Classroom
Ask older students to use Miro as a collaborative tool for projects. Have students use Miro to develop storylines that include links and images to tell the story of events in history or retell novels. Ask students to use Miro to create mood boards to share the different works of artists or demonstrate different architecture types. Miro is also an excellent choice for use as a collaborative tool for large projects to brainstorm ideas, assign tasks, and document progress. Use Miro with students as part of your science experiments to share the steps of the experiment, document hypotheses, and add images and reflections upon the outcomes of the experiment. Miro is an excellent resource for remote learning situations to engage students through interactive content and chat.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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