TeachersFirst Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations (Habit of the Mind)
This collection of resources is designed to help you and your students cultivate the Habit of Mind of Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations—the strategic practice of accessing prior knowledge and transferring what you've learned beyond the original context to tackle fresh challenges. This connective habit helps students use math concepts to solve real-world problems, apply research skills from one project to another, and draw on previous experiences to navigate unfamiliar territory with confidence. We've all seen students who ace a test but can't apply the same knowledge to a real-world problem. We've gathered a variety of tools to help you bridge that gap, empowering students to "use what they learn" and access prior knowledge in novel contexts. In this collection, you'll find video examples showing how skills transfer across disciplines and contexts, interactive analogy activities and pattern-recognition challenges that strengthen connection-making, KWL charts that help students link new learning to past experiences, lesson plans featuring real-world application projects and cross-curricular problem-solving tasks, and transfer journals where students document how they've repurposed their knowledge. These resources are packed with practical strategies and real examples to help your students tap into what they already know and make those "aha!" connections across everything they're learning and doing.
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Teaching With Habits of the Mind - The Institute for the Arts Integration and STEAM
Grades
K to 12
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Created by The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, this webpage introduces teachers to the Habits of Mind, a set of purposeful thinking behaviors that help students become more...more
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Created by The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, this webpage introduces teachers to the Habits of Mind, a set of purposeful thinking behaviors that help students become more resilient and thoughtful learners. This page explains how these habits apply across grade levels and content areas and encourages teachers to weave them into everyday routines so students can practice them regularly. It also provides practical tools, such as mini-lessons, discussion prompts, and printable habit cards, to facilitate easy classroom integration.
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tag(s): professional development (287), social and emotional learning (129), teaching strategies (59), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Have students create a habit of mind character sketch with Google Drawings, reviewed here. They can choose a character from a book and identify which habits the character uses or lacks. They can write a short explanation and illustrate the character demonstrating the habit in a key scene. Assign students to design a toolkit for a habit of mind. In small groups using Canva for Education, reviewed here, they create posters, bookmark reminders, or short scripts for morning announcements that teach their classmates how to use a specific habit. These tools are shared with the grade level or displayed in the classroom as ongoing reminders. Choose one habit of mind, such as persisting, and give students a quick challenge, such as building a tower from index cards and tape. Pause halfway through and ask students to reflect on how they are using the habit in real time, this helps them experience the habit through action.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Analogy Worksheets - Englishlinx
Grades
K to 12
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Englishlinx has a helpful section on Analogy Worksheets where students can explore word relationships through comparisons that strengthen vocabulary and reasoning. It offers free downloadable...more
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Englishlinx has a helpful section on Analogy Worksheets where students can explore word relationships through comparisons that strengthen vocabulary and reasoning. It offers free downloadable PDF worksheets for a wide range of grade levels. It provides many formats, such as choosing, circling, combining, and matching activities, making it a ready-to-use resource for reinforcing vocabulary skills and building analytical thinking in the classroom or for at-home practice.
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tag(s): vocabulary (247), vocabulary development (98), worksheets (70)
In the Classroom
Ask students to build an analogy puzzle game. They can write analogy pairs on separate cards, mix them up, and challenge classmates to match the correct pairs while explaining the relationship in each one. The activities can also be used as a station activity or shared with younger grades. Have students complete an Analogy Scavenger Hunt around the classroom. Post analogy cards on the walls, each missing the final word. Students can move in pairs to solve each analogy and discuss why their answers make sense. Assign students to create their own analogy "mini posters" using Google Drawings, reviewed here based on characters, settings, or themes from a book they are reading. They can illustrate both sides of the analogy to clarify the relationship.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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PBL Resources - PBLWorks
Grades
3 to 5
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The Resources Overview section of the PBLWorks website offers a rich collection of tools, guides, and supports designed to help teachers plan and implement high-quality project-based...more
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The Resources Overview section of the PBLWorks website offers a rich collection of tools, guides, and supports designed to help teachers plan and implement high-quality project-based learning. It includes a library of standards-aligned project units, rubrics, strategy guides, webinars, and student handouts, searchable by grade level and subject area. Whether you are just beginning with PBL or looking to deepen your practice, these resources provide explicit scaffolding and practical ideas to promote student agency, collaboration, and inquiry in the classroom.
tag(s): Project Based Learning (27), rubrics (38), teaching strategies (59), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Show a short video connected to an upcoming unit, then build a "Wonder Wall" where students post questions. This model shows how PBL begins with curiosity and student-generated inquiry. Teach students to write interview questions and rehearse asking them. Then invite a school staff member (nurse, custodian, counselor) as a guest expert. Have students research their classmates' needs, design a small improvement (e.g., a class jobs system, a reading nook layout, noise-level agreements), and present their ideas. Use the PBLWorks rubrics to guide collaboration and presentation skills.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Connecting Across Disciplines in PBL - Edutopia
Grades
3 to 5
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In the article Connecting Across Disciplines in PBL: Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning, teachers are invited to rethink how students learn by exploring big questions that...more
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In the article Connecting Across Disciplines in PBL: Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning, teachers are invited to rethink how students learn by exploring big questions that cross traditional subject boundaries. The piece explains how interdisciplinary project-based learning helps students make meaningful, real-world connections, deepen their thinking, and stay more engaged. It describes a continuum of ways teachers can blend subjects and shows how projects become stronger when students use skills from science, social studies, literacy, and more to solve authentic problems. The article encourages educators to move beyond isolated lessons and design learning experiences in which students investigate, collaborate, and apply knowledge across multiple disciplines.
tag(s): professional development (287), Project Based Learning (27), teaching strategies (59)
In the Classroom
Have students investigate a simple real-world problem in your school, such as noisy hallways or wasted food in the cafeteria. Let them gather data in math, write observations in ELA, and brainstorm causes in science. Create a mini interdisciplinary inquiry in which students read a nonfiction text in ELA about a science or social studies topic, then design a hands-on model or diagram that explains the problem from another subject's perspective. Launch a small PBL challenge in which students create a proposal to improve something at the school or in the community. They may research in social studies, write persuasive pieces in ELA, measure materials in math, and present solutions digitally using Microsoft PowerPoint Online, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Applying Prior Knowledge to New Situations - University of Vermont Extension Institute
Grades
4 to 12
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The page titled "University of Vermont Extension Institute (UVEI) Wiki: Applying Prior Knowledge to New Situations" explains how this Habit of Mind supports students in using what they...more
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The page titled "University of Vermont Extension Institute (UVEI) Wiki: Applying Prior Knowledge to New Situations" explains how this Habit of Mind supports students in using what they already know to approach new and unfamiliar problems. It describes how learners sometimes treat each task as entirely separate, and emphasizes the importance of prompting them to recall previous experiences and make valuable connections. The website places this habit within a broader set of thinking skills and instructional practices, showing teachers how encouraging students to transfer learning can strengthen understanding and problem-solving.
tag(s): professional development (287), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Have students list anything they already know about a new topic or skill. Give students a challenging problem, then ask them to create a simpler version based on what they already know and solve both. Have students write or draw analogies showing how a new concept is like something they have learned before.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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16 Habits of Mind: Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations - WonderGrove Kids
Grades
3 to 5
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Use this video to introduce students to this Habit of Mind by showing how what they already know can help them solve new and more complex problems. The narrator explains ...more
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Use this video to introduce students to this Habit of Mind by showing how what they already know can help them solve new and more complex problems. The narrator explains that prior knowledge is a powerful resource, especially when students feel stuck or believe a task is too difficult. By reminding children to recall simpler problems they've solved or experiences they've had, the video models how to transfer learning and build confidence. It also emphasizes that using past knowledge is a creative act, helping learners form analogies and apply familiar ideas to unfamiliar situations in meaningful ways. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): problem solving (245), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Present a new math or reading problem and ask students to identify one strategy they used yesterday that might help them today. Have students create an analogy that connects a new concept (like theme, fractions, force, or government roles) to something they've learned earlier in the year. Students can take a problem they solved earlier in the year (ELA, math, or science) and "remix" it into a harder version, showing how their past knowledge helps them solve the new version.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Metacognition: An Important Skill for Modern Times - Brendan Conway-Smith
Grades
4 to 12
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The talk "Metacognition: An Important Skill for Modern Times" by Brendan Conway-Smith explains the idea of metacognition, which means thinking about your own thinking, and shows why...more
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The talk "Metacognition: An Important Skill for Modern Times" by Brendan Conway-Smith explains the idea of metacognition, which means thinking about your own thinking, and shows why it is an important skill in today's busy, technology-filled world. Conway-Smith describes how constant distractions and information overload make it hard for our brains to stay focused, and he explains how greater awareness of our thoughts, attention, and emotions can help us learn better and stay in control. This talk is helpful for teachers because it highlights how guiding students to notice their thinking can build independence, stronger focus, and deeper learning.
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tag(s): brain (56), professional development (287), social and emotional learning (129), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Give students a simple puzzle (a word scramble, a math riddle, or a pattern). Before solving, ask them to write or say, "How do I plan to solve this?" Afterward, they reflect on what worked and what didn't. Set up a short activity, such as a reading passage or drawing task, and pause halfway to let students check in with themselves. They can answer quick prompts like "Is my mind wandering?" and "What can I do to refocus?" Students will begin to see how awareness affects performance. Have students create a set of colorful cards that teach strategies such as "Take a brain break," "Ask yourself questions," "Notice your emotions," and "Check your work." They can decorate, explain, and practice each strategy, then use their cards during class for future learning tasks.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Integrating the 16 Habits of Mind - edutopia
Grades
K to 12
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Edutopia's "Integrating the 16 Habits of Mind" provides a quick summary of Costa and Kallick's work on the 16 Habits of Mind. The article shares the 16 Habits of the ...more
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Edutopia's "Integrating the 16 Habits of Mind" provides a quick summary of Costa and Kallick's work on the 16 Habits of Mind. The article shares the 16 Habits of the Mind, along with a tip, strategy, and/or resource to begin implementation in the classroom.
tag(s): classroom management (107), problem solving (245), social and emotional learning (129)
In the Classroom
Students can share how they are implementing the Habits of the Mind by posting it on Lino, reviewed here. Students can create an infographic using MindMeister, reviewed here to explain one of the habits. Students can create a comic using ToonyTool, reviewed here explaining one of the Habits of the Mind.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The 10 Metacognitive Strategies That Will Empower All Primary And Secondary Students - Third Space Learning
Grades
K to 12
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The article "10 Metacognitive Strategies That Will Empower All Primary And Secondary Students" defines metacognition, outlines metacognitive strategies, covers the planning phase, and...more
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The article "10 Metacognitive Strategies That Will Empower All Primary And Secondary Students" defines metacognition, outlines metacognitive strategies, covers the planning phase, and addresses FAQs. Examples of some strategies are: Break Down the Problem, Goal Setting, Questioning, Improving Self-Regulation, Test Yourself, and more.
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tag(s): thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Students can create goals using Google Drawing, reviewed here and track their progress. Students can use Word Clouds, reviewed here to ask questions while reading a story. Students can use the Timelines Tool by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here to break down problems step by step.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Habits of Mind - Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick
Grades
5 to 12
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The Habits of Mind: A Curriculum for Community High School of Vermont Students is a structured program designed to help learners develop essential thinking and problem-solving skills....more
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The Habits of Mind: A Curriculum for Community High School of Vermont Students is a structured program designed to help learners develop essential thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum includes lessons and activities focused on persistence, flexible thinking, managing impulsivity, and reflective learning. Each module provides clear objectives, guided discussions, and reflection prompts that encourage students to apply these habits in academic and real-life situations. Although designed for older students, users can adapt the content for upper-elementary and middle-school classrooms to build a strong foundation for social-emotional growth and metacognitive awareness.
tag(s): critical thinking (152), problem solving (245), thinking routines (24), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Introduce one habit, such as Thinking Flexibly, and give students a quick scenario in which they choose among different ways to solve a problem. Have them vote and explain their choices. Give students cards with prompts like "A time I persisted today..." or "A moment I listened with understanding..." to build awareness of habits in real time. Set up stations tied to different habits, such as puzzles for persisting partner tasks for listening with understanding or creative challenges for thinking flexibly. Have students rotate and practice each habit as part of your ongoing classroom routines.
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Educational Resources: Technology - U.S. National Science Foundation
Grades
K to 12
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The National Science Foundation's Technology Education Resources page offers a collection of lessons, videos, and web resources designed for K-12 teachers, students, and families to...more
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The National Science Foundation's Technology Education Resources page offers a collection of lessons, videos, and web resources designed for K-12 teachers, students, and families to explore foundational and innovative technology concepts. Educational videos explain cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, soft robotics, and nuclear fusion, while high-resolution images showcase advanced technological research in materials science and computing. These NSF-supported resources aim to make technology education accessible and engaging while developing students' problem-solving skills, computational thinking, and real-world STEM connections across all grade levels.
In the Classroom
Students can use Scratch reviewed here. Have students create a simple interactive story or game using Scratch, allowing them to showcase basic coding concepts such as loops, events, and variables. Students can participate in an Hour of Code on Code.org.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Harvard Project Zero Thinking Routines 7 Think Pair Share - Madame Sensei
Grades
K to 12
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Watch this video, which introduces teachers to practical strategies that help students observe carefully, think critically, and ask meaningful questions. It demonstrates how routines...more
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Watch this video, which introduces teachers to practical strategies that help students observe carefully, think critically, and ask meaningful questions. It demonstrates how routines such as See, Think, Wonder and Think, Puzzle, Explore can spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and promote reflection across different subjects. The classroom examples highlight how these routines support inquiry-based learning and foster a culture of thoughtful discussion. If your district blocks YouTube, the video may not be viewable on school networks.
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tag(s): brain (56), teaching strategies (59), thinking routines (24), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Begin a new unit by showing students an image, a short video clip, or an artifact related to the topic. Have them record what they see, what they think it means, and what they wonder about. As a class, brainstorm what students think they know, what puzzles or questions they have, and how they could explore further. Have them post ideas on a shared chart or Padlet, reviewed here to revisit and update throughout the unit. Use the Compass Points Routine (N = Needs, E = Excitements, S = Suggestions, W = Worries) before a group project or discussion. It helps students clarify their thoughts, consider multiple perspectives, and make balanced decisions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Simulation Games- Math Games - Coolmath.com
Grades
4 to 10
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Coolmath Games-Simulation Games offers interactive, strategy-based games that challenge students to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions in real-world scenarios. These...more
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Coolmath Games-Simulation Games offers interactive, strategy-based games that challenge students to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions in real-world scenarios. These games cover topics like resource management, logic, and planning, making them a great tool for reinforcing math, economics, and problem-solving skills in an engaging way. Teachers can use these games as a fun classroom activity, a reward for early finishers, or a way to develop strategic thinking through play.
tag(s): game based learning (257), logic (154), problem solving (245), simulations (43)
In the Classroom
Have your students select a simulation game and compete to develop the best strategy. After playing, they can write a reflection explaining their approach, challenges faced, and adjustments they made to improve their performance. Use business or city-building simulation games to teach budgeting and resource allocation. Students can track their decisions and explain how they manage money, supplies, or time effectively. They can compare different strategies and discuss real-world applications. After playing a few simulation games, students can brainstorm and design their own simulation concept. They can create rules, objectives, and potential challenges. Have students play a simulation game and keep a journal documenting their choices, the outcomes, and any patterns they notice. At the end of the activity, they can analyze their decision-making process and propose improvements, reinforcing logical reasoning. They can work on a digital journal using Book Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Canva Docs - Canva
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
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Create and share colorful and eye-catching documents that include images, videos, graphics, and more using Canva Docs. Begin with a blank document or choose from the many templates...more
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Create and share colorful and eye-catching documents that include images, videos, graphics, and more using Canva Docs. Begin with a blank document or choose from the many templates offered and drag and drop elements from the options shared on the dashboard. Canva Docs also offers Magic Write, an artificial intelligence-driven tool that automatically generates content based on your provided prompt. Finally, change any Doc to a Deck (presentation) using the link to convert or use the share link to assign a document to Teams, Google Classroom, or add collaborators.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (233), graphic design (49), images (256), presentations (23), slides (38)
In the Classroom
Ask groups of students to use Canva Docs to create and share visual notes as a study tool alternative to paper and pencil notes. Demonstrate how to use Magic Write to ask questions to learn more about any subject or content area. For example, show students how to add a question in Magic Write, such as, "Tell me more about Abraham Lincoln's childhood." Extend student learning by having students use Canva Docs to create a learning portfolio throughout a unit, then share the portfolio as a final document for assessment. Ask students to include videos, maps, or written documents created as part of their learning experience.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Wordwall - wordwall.net
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
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Create and customize interactive games and activities with Wordwall's easy-to-use tools. Choose from many options, including quizzes, matching games, drag-and-drop activities, and more....more
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Create and customize interactive games and activities with Wordwall's easy-to-use tools. Choose from many options, including quizzes, matching games, drag-and-drop activities, and more. After creating an account, choose from shared activities, modify them to fit your needs, and then share them with your students as an assignment or link. Create a new activity by selecting a template and following the directions to add information and images if desired. At the time of this review, free plans offer access to 3 activities and 12 standard templates.
tag(s): assessment (130), game based learning (257), quiz (62), quizzes (86)
In the Classroom
Use the interactive games found at Wordwall to use at computer stations or home to practice skills or prepare for upcoming quizzes and tests. Use the embed code to add your games onto your class website for easy student access. Instead of asking students to memorize dates or events, help them by organizing the information into common features. For example, during a Civil War unit, group together events taking place in different cities to help provide context for students. Include a link to your quizzes on your class webpage or blog for students to practice at any time using the URL or embed code. Enhance technology use and learning by having students create their own Z-A quizzes to share with peers when studying for tests or use as an introduction with class presentations. This quiz generator is also a great resource to use during professional development sessions with your peers. Create a quiz to increase your viewers' interest in your topic as you begin your discussions or as a final activity to review the information shared. Find many more ideas and examples for using WordWall on this curated list.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Big6 - Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz
Grades
K to 12
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The Big6 provides training and resources based on the Big6 model for problem-solving and decision making. This site also includes information for incorporating the Super3 model into...more
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The Big6 provides training and resources based on the Big6 model for problem-solving and decision making. This site also includes information for incorporating the Super3 model into the decision making process for younger students. Follow the Big6 blog as a means to stay current on the latest ideas and information related to using the Big6 model in and away from the classroom. The Big6 Resources link shares detailed information on the Big6 model along with an overview of incorporating the model as a structured month by month program. The included instructional materials include handouts, presentations, videos, and additional support materials for you to learn about and teach the Big6 model strategies.
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tag(s): problem solving (245), teaching strategies (59)
In the Classroom
Share ideas from this site with peers as part of your professional development sessions. Consider creating a monthly building-wide schedule using the suggestions provided on the site. Include your ideas with parents through your website to teach them along with you and your students on methods for working through any type of decision. Use technology resources to reinforce and reflect upon the Big6 and Super3 decision-making processes. For example, use Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here to create digital posters for each of the strategies. Include suggestions on ways for students to be successful within each strategy. Provide resources for students to match strategies such as planning. Read Write Think, reviewed here, has a large number of student interactives including a Cube Creator, reviewed here, Book Cover Creator, reviewed here, and an Essay Map, reviewed here, that provides students assistance in planning writing assignments. As students learn about and become familiar with the Big6 and Super3 process, ask them to share their ideas and reflect upon learning using blogs created with Edublog, reviewed here. Have students share their knowledge with others using a video explainer tool like Google Slides, reviewed here. Be sure to share student reflections and explainers on your class website for parents and others to view!
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Expii Solve - Expii, Inc.
Grades
8 to 12
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Solve interactive math and science puzzles based on current events with Expii Solve. Choose from over 70 sets of questions with topics including the Super Bowl, Star Wars, fashion,...more
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Solve interactive math and science puzzles based on current events with Expii Solve. Choose from over 70 sets of questions with topics including the Super Bowl, Star Wars, fashion, holidays, and more. Each topic includes a set of five problems with each question increasing in difficulty. If you need help, use links to tutorials at the bottom of each question. Registration isn't required; however, registering allows you to track progress in completing puzzles.
tag(s): cultures (259), holidays (246), logic (154), problem solving (245)
In the Classroom
Be sure to save these puzzles for use throughout the school year. Use these problems as a substitute for your typical homework assignments. Include questions as part of math or science centers. Replace pencil and paper journals or notebooks by having students blog about their learning and understanding using Tumblr, reviewed here. Ask groups of students to work on topics together then share their results with the class. To enhance student learning and understanding, consider instituting a recurring podcast for students to share problems and discuss problem-solving strategies. Use a site such as podOmatic, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Book Creator - Red Jumper Limited
Grades
K to 12
15 Favorites
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Create beautiful multimedia digital books with Book Creator. Scroll down the landing page to the bottom menu, and click the "Help" or "Getting Started" title. Note: This points out...more
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Create beautiful multimedia digital books with Book Creator. Scroll down the landing page to the bottom menu, and click the "Help" or "Getting Started" title. Note: This points out how you need to change to the "teacher sign in" (if the default is for students). This is a wonderful tool with many features. Reading the short Getting Started Overview first and watching the beginning videos would be best. Then, you can go to the Resources tab from the top menu (on the right), where each grade level has a video, and you'll find example books created by students. Under Resources, you can also search by subject to find suggested ideas and books designed for a specific subject. Next, click Resources from the top menu to find the "Teach your first lesson toolkit" with lesson plans, remixable student templates for different age ranges, and a teacher guide. You can also choose Remixable Books to get you and your class started. When finished, publish and share your book using the site's web-based reader for access on any device. Once you have mastered the basics, click on Features to see the magic of using the pen and discover all the features of the graphic organizers, comics, and more. By clicking the "more" you will can embed documents on your page(s). These documents can be narrated and interactive! The free plan offers one library with up to 40 books storage. Book Creator presents a variety of levels for technology use depending on teacher requirements for the project or even student ability; it allows for adding narration, videos, text, using your webcam, and adding links to help explain the artwork. When creating your book, click on the big + in the upper right corner to add text, audio, images, your camera, and the pen; you will also see The lowercase "i" (for inspector), which offers colors, comics, paper type, and more. There are other apps, but you must have a premium account. You can use Book Creator on iPads, Macs, Android devices, PCs, and on these browsers: Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Chrome. Teachers need to provide an email to create an account. However, students do not need emails to make their books. Once ready, follow the site's prompts to add video, text, images, audio, and more to your book.
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tag(s): collaboration (92), DAT device agnostic tool (125), digital storytelling (151), ebooks (47), literacy (121), preK (291), reading comprehension (143), writing (305)
In the Classroom
Create books together, as a class, as you move through a unit or topic. Enhance student learning by adding images and ideas your students suggest. Use in a flipped classroom to deliver course information. Assign several student groups a different topic and redefine their learning by having each group create their own multimedia versions as they learn more about the topic. Students can combine their books later as a class book. Make a digital bookshelf of all the versions for all to use. Challenge gifted students to modify the "standard" class text with the additional material they discover, by going deeper and learning about related topics. In lower grades, create teacher-made e-books for your young readers, perhaps adding audio - your own voice reading the text. Find much more information and ideas for using Book Creator in any classroom by exploring the Book Creator Toolkit for Schools and Districts available here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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WriteReader - WriteReader
Grades
K to 5
4 Favorites
0 Comments
The scientific research behind WriterReader is that one develops and improves reading skills by writing. With WriteReader, kids create their books, including text, pictures, and voice...more
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The scientific research behind WriterReader is that one develops and improves reading skills by writing. With WriteReader, kids create their books, including text, pictures, and voice recordings. Adults/Teachers have space on the page to write comments and make corrections. The interface is so simple that even a young child can use it successfully after some adult guidance. Open the Features tab on the top menu to see an index to all features categorized by Literacy Development, Easy Book Creation, Publishing and Sharing, and Teacher & Student Management, all with several links to explore. Click the Resources Center tab on the top menu to select Lesson Plans, Templates, Writing Prompts, Videos, and more. The basic plan offers 40 books and all the essential features. Register by email or your Google account. After logging in, use the menu bars in the upper right corner and find Guides, which has a Parent Letter, a Quick Start Guide, a Template, and a few other get-started items.
For creating student accounts, you can enter students manually, or students can join the class with a class code. WriteReader has upgraded its page templates to support older students. US English, UK English, Dansk (Danish), and Svenska (Swedish) are available. There is also an introductory video on the landing page that will help everyone get started. This video resides on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the video may not be viewable. WriteReader has added new premium features such as Read Aloud, Voice Search, Book Templates, and several others. For these, you must pay.
tag(s): digital storytelling (151), literacy (121), multilingual (73), reading strategies (92), science of reading (36), writing (305)
In the Classroom
WriteReader is so simple that very young students can use it successfully after a whiteboard or projector demonstration. While creating their books, students will be able to add images, multiple pages and delete pages, include voice-over, use color on the pages, view one page at a time or the entire book, and toggle between letters' names/sounds or no audio. Use this tool to design simple projects using student drawings to tell the story. Have students draw and annotate stories about their summer at the beginning of the year and share them with classmates. Students of any age love to draw, so why not have them draw their impression of what the message to the reader was after hearing a story and then explain it in writing? Nonreaders and ENL/ESL students especially will benefit from hearing the letter sounds as they begin writing in their new language.Edge Features:
Includes an education-only area for teachers and students
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes social features, such as "friends," comments, ratings by others
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
Includes teacher tools for registering and/or monitoring students
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Which One Doesn't Belong? - Mary Bourassa
Grades
5 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Which One Doesn't Belong provides stimulating and challenging math puzzles. Select a category to find puzzles related to numbers, shapes, graphs, expressions, photos, incomplete sets,...more
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Which One Doesn't Belong provides stimulating and challenging math puzzles. Select a category to find puzzles related to numbers, shapes, graphs, expressions, photos, incomplete sets, and miscellaneous. The site does not provide a "correct" answer. Each puzzle has multiple (possible) answers providing opportunities for all to choose and justify their response.
tag(s): critical thinking (152), logic (154), problem solving (245), puzzles (154)
In the Classroom
These puzzles are perfect for use with an interactive whiteboard or projector. Use the puzzles as a warm up for any math class or use for journal writing prompts. The photos are perfect to use with younger students. Use this site for discussion and debate with your gifted students. Challenge students to create puzzles and have classmates solve. Have cooperative learning groups create online books of their puzzles using a tool such as Bookemon, reviewed here. Have students create an annotated image including text boxes and related links using a tool such as Google Drawings, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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