3880 language-arts results | sort by:
return to subject listing
Text 2 Speech - text2speech.org
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Just as the title implies, this site converts text to speech. Enter any text up to 4000 characters, select a voice and speed, name the file, then choose "Start." After ...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:
Just as the title implies, this site converts text to speech. Enter any text up to 4000 characters, select a voice and speed, name the file, then choose "Start." After processing, click play to listen or choose from download options as an mp3 or wav file.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): listening (117), multilingual (82), pronunciation (33), text to speech (23)
In the Classroom
Type or copy and paste what you'd like to hear into the Text 2 Speech box. Use speed options to slow down speech for ENL/ELL students. Mark this site on your teacher web page for your ENL/ELL students to hear something read or pronounced both in an outside of class. Use Text 2 Speech with students who have difficulty reading, especially when working with more difficult passages and text.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Groovelit - Harvard Innovation Labs
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Groovelit shares several interactive writing and literacy games. Games focus on narrative writing, language use, and persuasive writing. The scoring provides points as students complete...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:
Groovelit shares several interactive writing and literacy games. Games focus on narrative writing, language use, and persuasive writing. The scoring provides points as students complete a writing activity using sensory language, dialogue, and more, while teachers view student scores in real-time. Groovelit uses AI to generate stories based on teacher input on the skill and content focus and suggests ideas for the type of game to create. Choose the customize option to select a game and personalize options for scoring and length of the game. Students join the game by visiting the provided link and using the custom code.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (316), creative writing (124), persuasive writing (50), vocabulary development (102), writing (307)
In the Classroom
Be sure to visit Groovelit's blog to find many ideas for classroom use, such as bell ringers, quick writes, and creative writing prompts. In addition, the blog shares several certificate templates to recognize student achievements, such as inclusion in the "Spicy Vocabulary Word Hall of Fame" and "Greek Roots Mastery Tracker." Use these ideas and others to create your certificates for students to share using the certificate creator found at Tools for Educators, reviewed here. Groovelit can also engage reluctant writers by generating short yet interesting prompts that reward students with points through short writing activities. Differentiate writing activities as needed based on students' needs. For example, quickly generate writing prompts for different topics of interest for your students or assign activities based on students' writing or vocabulary skills.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
ABC Avenue YouTube Channel - ABC Avenue
Grades
K to 2
0 Favorites
0 Comments
ABC Avenue's YouTube Channel offers videos of children's books read aloud for the youngest of readers. Choose the video link to see all uploaded videos or choose playlists to view ...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:
ABC Avenue's YouTube Channel offers videos of children's books read aloud for the youngest of readers. Choose the video link to see all uploaded videos or choose playlists to view by type of book. Playlists include funny books, picture books, and more. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): book lists (161), literature (214), preK (322)
In the Classroom
Share individual videos on classroom computers for students to view during center time. Share a link to this YouTube Channel on your class website or newsletter for viewing at home. Share this site with older students, then ask them to create their own video story read alouds for younger students using a tool like playposit (fromerly eduCanon) reviewed here, then share them using a tool such as SchoolTube, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Summer Reading Journal - Barnes and Noble
Grades
K to 6
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Barnes and Noble provides a summer reading program for students in grades 1-6. The list starts with titles for reading divided into three grade bands. Students complete the journal...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:
Barnes and Noble provides a summer reading program for students in grades 1-6. The list starts with titles for reading divided into three grade bands. Students complete the journal by listing eight books they read from the list, then sharing their favorite portion of the book and a short explanation of why. Upon completion, students bring their record to Barnes and Noble between July 1 and August 31, to receive a free book.
tag(s): book lists (161), seasonal (48), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Depending on the month you check the booklist, you may find last summers books or the current summers books. No matter the list, it provides ideas to add to any summer reading book list shared with students and parents. Create a list using Google Docs or Padlet, reviewed here to share a variety of reading materials to engage students in summer learning. Encourage students to share their summer reading by creating a collaborative topic using Padlet again, but this time use. This is a link to Padlet's Help section for posting video or an image. Ask students to share what they are reading and a short review with a video response. Encourage students to add comments to book reviews sharing their thoughts about the reading materials.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Tough Choices - Bill Chapman
Grades
9 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Tough Choices offers resources for small groups to discuss ethical real world problems, both past and present. Four different simulations present ethical dilemmas such as those facing...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:
Tough Choices offers resources for small groups to discuss ethical real world problems, both past and present. Four different simulations present ethical dilemmas such as those facing juries and a transplant committee. Also, find links to additional lessons and reading material.
tag(s): charactered (86), debate (38), persuasive writing (50), problem solving (273)
In the Classroom
Use materials from this site when working with debate groups. Take advantage of the ideas on this site for persuasive writing ideas. Use an online tool such as the Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram, reviewed here, to compare different points of view. If you are beginning the process of integrating technology, have students create blogs sharing their learning and understanding using Telegra.ph, reviewed here. This blog creator requires no registration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Collabify - collabify.app
Grades
4 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Participate in an online meeting using Collabify. Create your free account to begin your session, then share the URL with the other participant. Features include chat, webcam access,...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:
Participate in an online meeting using Collabify. Create your free account to begin your session, then share the URL with the other participant. Features include chat, webcam access, screen sharing, and file sharing. Using this site without registration allows you to participate in one-on-one meetings, register to invite up to four participants.
tag(s): chat (40), collaboration (116), noregistration (74), parent conferences (20), parents (52)
In the Classroom
Use Collabify to set up virtual parent/teacher conferences with participants located anywhere in the world. Collabify is especially useful when multiple teachers are involved or when parents may not reside in the same location. Share your screen as needed to provide information on assessments and student work.Have your students set up collaborative groups for projects, lab data, and more. Anything students can do on a single computer; they can do collaboratively on this tool, accessing their work from any online computer. Be sure to test out this tool before using with your class. It may be a good idea to set up the groups with the teacher as a "member" but have students work from home for group projects. Make sure you are protecting the safety of student work and identity and are within your school's Acceptable Use Policy.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Kleki - Kleki
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Kleki is a free online image editing tool that doesn't require registration. Features include creating multiple layers of images, adding filters, including text and drawing elements,...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:
Kleki is a free online image editing tool that doesn't require registration. Features include creating multiple layers of images, adding filters, including text and drawing elements, and more. Use Kleki's Help feature to locate and use shortcuts and learn about many of the available tools. When finished, download your image to your device in a PNG or PSD format.
In the Classroom
Challenge students to learn about the different options and features included with Kleki, then create and share video tutorials for their peers using a screen recording tool like Free Screen Recorder Online, reviewed here. As your students become familiar with the different features, have them include their edited images in any multimedia projects. Include images when using Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here, to create videos, flyers, or websites. Include images with storytelling projects created with Sway, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
World News Reporter - Passport - NewseumED
Grades
4 to 7
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This lesson for elementary students helps them to understand how reporters choose news stories, how they are shared, and will get students starting to think about asking good 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:
This lesson for elementary students helps them to understand how reporters choose news stories, how they are shared, and will get students starting to think about asking good questions. If you are not in the position of taking a field trip to the News History Gallery at the Newseum, not to worry; they have their Today's Front Pages, reviewed here, online, too! The lesson provides standards and a PDF to download. The PDF contains all instructions, worksheets, the Passport, and a Certificate of Completion. Membership to NewseumEd is free. You need to register to become a member to have full access to this lesson.
tag(s): journalism (74), news (221), newspapers (86)
In the Classroom
This lesson would work well when your class is talking about current world events, current events in science, or for a lesson on media reporting of news events. Once the class has completed World Reporter Passport, challenge small groups of students to extend their new skills by choosing a topic of interest and developing a news article about it. Students can use a site like Model Bank Elements of Language, reviewed here, to see how to write a proper news article. There is always the "traditional" paper and pen way to write the article. If you would like to try integrating technology in your class assignments, ask students to write their final product online using Printing Press, reviewed here. With Printing Press, individual articles will become part of a newspaper.To further extend students' knowledge about their chosen topic and to get a "real world" point of view, they could interview a specialist in the topic using video or a podcast. Have students create podcasts using a site such as Buzzsprout, reviewed here.
Some ideas for finding people to interview would be to contact someone on X (formerly Twitter), at a local nursing home, fire station, or museum to recollect times such as wars, the Great Depression, Civil Rights Movements, and more. To hone students questioning skills Refer to Story Corps, reviewed here. Once at StoryCorps click participate then Questions. You'll find tips on interview questions and an interview check list to use with students.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Desygner - Desygner
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Create visually stunning graphics, presentations, flyers, and more without any graphic design experience using Desygner. Created for non-designers, Desygner uses drag and drop features...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:
Create visually stunning graphics, presentations, flyers, and more without any graphic design experience using Desygner. Created for non-designers, Desygner uses drag and drop features and ready-made templates that make it easy for everyone to build and share content to use for many different needs. Create an account to begin designing using templates, upload a PDF document, or start from scratch. Select items from the dashboard to add and edit text, images, YouTube videos, and more features. When finished, share your project using the provided link, or download in JPEG, PNG, PDF, or MP4 format.
tag(s): graphic design (51), images (268), posters (44)
In the Classroom
This tool is perfect for enhancing, modifying, or transforming classroom technology in the classroom, depending on the requirements of the assignments. Create invitations, flyers, or newsletters for your classroom. Share what you created on your website or blog for students to review or for absent students. Deliver blended or flipped lessons using Desygner by adding links to videos, assessment information, and other learning activities. In the younger grades, teachers would be the ones creating the project. However, older students could easily create their own Desygner presentations. Have students use this online tool as they would any presentation tool or image enhancing site. Use this site for research projects about famous people from the past and present. Have cooperative learning groups create presentations about science or math topics. Have students create presentations to "introduce" themselves to the class during the first week of school. Link or embed the introduction presentations on your class wiki or website and have others guess who they are. Use this tool with your 1:1 art class to practice design principles and techniques. Share student projects with parents and others via URL. Be sure to demonstrate how to use this tool on your interactive whiteboard or projector or create a series of video instructions. Use Free Screen Recorder Online, reviewed here, to create and share video screencast tutorials.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be shared by URL
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Creative Writing Exercises for Children - J G Web Publishing
Grades
K to 2
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Creative Writing Exercises for Children is a wonderful, free resource for creating writing prompts for elementary school-aged children. The site is easy to use and has features such...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:
Creative Writing Exercises for Children is a wonderful, free resource for creating writing prompts for elementary school-aged children. The site is easy to use and has features such as a story title creator, character creator, story starters, random words, and much more! Children (or teachers!) that might be having trouble thinking of writing content will be able to get started on their stories in no time!
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): creative writing (124), digital storytelling (166), short stories (18), writing (307), writing prompts (55)
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
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
OK2Ask: 3 Cool Tools for the Primary Classroom (K-2) - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 2
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from November 2024. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey,...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:
Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from November 2024. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.
Join us for a workshop exploring innovative, free edtech tools you can use to enhance your primary classroom instruction. Discover how ReadWorks, Wriddle, and Padlet can spark creativity, foster critical thinking, and make learning more engaging for young students. Learn practical tips and strategies for integrating these free tools into your daily teaching routine to support literacy, math, and social-emotional development. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Integrate these tools into their existing curriculum and teaching practices. 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of these tools in promoting student learning and engagement. 3. Collaborate with colleagues to share ideas and best practices for using edtech tools. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Join us for a workshop exploring innovative, free edtech tools you can use to enhance your primary classroom instruction. Discover how ReadWorks, Wriddle, and Padlet can spark creativity, foster critical thinking, and make learning more engaging for young students. Learn practical tips and strategies for integrating these free tools into your daily teaching routine to support literacy, math, and social-emotional development. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Integrate these tools into their existing curriculum and teaching practices. 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of these tools in promoting student learning and engagement. 3. Collaborate with colleagues to share ideas and best practices for using edtech tools. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): creativity (87), literacy (124), OK2Askarchive (87), professional development (319), reading comprehension (146), reading strategies (93)
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
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
OK2Ask: AI Templates That Work: Quick & Easy Prompting Solutions - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from October 2025. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey,...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:
Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from October 2025. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.
Explore AI prompt templates that make artificial intelligence accessible and practical for every K-12 classroom. In this interactive workshop, you'll discover how structured prompting frameworks can transform complex AI interactions into straightforward, reliable tools for creating engaging learning experiences. We'll focus on free AI platforms that can help you turn these prompt templates into differentiated materials, assessment ideas, and creative learning activities--all while maintaining pedagogical best practices. Whether you're completely new to AI or looking to streamline your prompting process, this session will equip you with simple, effective templates you can use immediately to enhance your instruction. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Apply AI prompt templates to create instructional materials for their specific classroom needs. 2. Use structured AI prompts to generate differentiated learning activities that serve diverse student populations. 3. Refine AI-generated content to ensure pedagogical effectiveness and alignment with learning objectives. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Explore AI prompt templates that make artificial intelligence accessible and practical for every K-12 classroom. In this interactive workshop, you'll discover how structured prompting frameworks can transform complex AI interactions into straightforward, reliable tools for creating engaging learning experiences. We'll focus on free AI platforms that can help you turn these prompt templates into differentiated materials, assessment ideas, and creative learning activities--all while maintaining pedagogical best practices. Whether you're completely new to AI or looking to streamline your prompting process, this session will equip you with simple, effective templates you can use immediately to enhance your instruction. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Apply AI prompt templates to create instructional materials for their specific classroom needs. 2. Use structured AI prompts to generate differentiated learning activities that serve diverse student populations. 3. Refine AI-generated content to ensure pedagogical effectiveness and alignment with learning objectives. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (316), OK2Askarchive (87), professional development (319)
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. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Canvas - Free LMS - Instructure, Inc
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Canvas is a free learning management system that provides tools for delivering instruction through course modules. Use the included features to set up your class, add students, add...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:
Canvas is a free learning management system that provides tools for delivering instruction through course modules. Use the included features to set up your class, add students, add assignments, distribute quizzes, and access the online grade book. Use the included calendar to add assignment due dates, upcoming events, and other important information. Canvas also includes ePortfolios for students to share and display their work as part of the learning process. Be sure to visit the tutorials included on the site to learn how to add classes and assignments, and also to understand how to adjust privacy settings to meet your requirements.
tag(s): classroom management (136), Learning Management Systems (20), portfolios (21), remote learning (32), Teacher Utilities (218)
In the Classroom
Use Canvas to deliver remote instruction or as a supplemental tool for in-school instruction. Create courses to differentiate learning opportunities for students. Provide advanced courses for gifted learners, or add additional resources for students that need additional instruction in any content area. As students become familiar with using Canvas, encourage them to use the ePortfolio feature to share their educational accomplishments and reflect upon the learning process.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
The Memory Palace - Nate DiMeo
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
The Memory Palace is a storytelling podcast created by an Artist in Residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Choose any episode to listen online to a real-life story, 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:
The Memory Palace is a storytelling podcast created by an Artist in Residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Choose any episode to listen online to a real-life story, and view some notes about the podcast. There are hundreds of captivating stories, one being Elmer McCurdy Rides Again and Again; he's "an outlaw sent to his maker at barely past 30 but not to his grave..." Use tags to find episodes with similar content. Find other stories categorized by Favorites, History, Places, and Topics. Optionally, subscribe using iTunes or an RSS reader and automatically receive new episodes.
tag(s): 1800s (86), 1900s (85), art history (105), artists (100), digital storytelling (166), listening (117), museums (55), new york (23), podcasts (166), presidents (151)
In the Classroom
You may want to consider choosing the link Where Do I Start? to begin your journey with this podcast. This section contains the author's personal favorites. Listen to weekly podcasts together in class to stimulate discussion and interest in art and history topics and the art of storytelling. Assign the weekly podcast as listening homework. Some of the comments may suggest songs and other stories that are similar. After you've invetigated those, share them with your students. Have students create a series of questions to ask each other about issues discussed on the podcast. Have cooperative learning groups create podcasts demonstrating their understanding of one of the concepts. Use a site such as Buzzsprout, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Nest Watch - Cornell University
Grades
2 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Join a nationwide monitoring program designed to track the status and trends of bird biology in nesting and reproduction. Receive instructions to become a certified nest watcher, 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:
Join a nationwide monitoring program designed to track the status and trends of bird biology in nesting and reproduction. Receive instructions to become a certified nest watcher, and report findings on a nest every 3-4 days. Enter findings in a growing database that is used to research and study birds. Receive training on how to track data and what the data could mean. Find different birds with their most recent data. Learn about various birds found in your area. Explore an interactive map of nest size, species, and area by year. Review the different nest watch chapters. There are also webcams watching nests. Some of these are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): birds (47), environment (252), scientific method (49)
In the Classroom
Want to involve students in a country wide scientific investigation? With Nestwatch, students participate in a genuine scientific study with a prestigious university. All background information for participating is provided, along with detailed instructions for procedural steps. Look at the trends in bird nesting over the years and have students discuss causes for the results. In cooperative learning groups, have students defend a logical reason for the results of your study in a multimedia presentation. Find a tool to create a multimedia presentation using one of many TeachersFirst Edge tools, reviewed here. Use this research style as a model for studying endangered species in your area. Read excerpts from literature to gain further background information including literature such as, Silent Spring by Rachel Carsen. In your schoolyard, choose an area to landscape for birds. Watch for other wildlife in your nest spot.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Bell Ringers for Improved Retention and Engagement - Bell Ringers for Improved Retention and Engagement
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Bell Ringers for Improved Retention and Engagement shares the value of Bell Ringers. Bell Ringers engage students in short assignments and/or assessments, review key concepts that were...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:
Bell Ringers for Improved Retention and Engagement shares the value of Bell Ringers. Bell Ringers engage students in short assignments and/or assessments, review key concepts that were previously taught, spark classroom discussion, and identify misconceptions and misunderstandings. Bell Ringers should help the information sink in; therefore, activities should engage students in new, unusual, or unexpected ways. The webpage also shares an infographic with more information, examples of Bell Ringer activities, and a YouTube video about entry tickets.
tag(s): assessment (143), firstday (25), Formative Assessment (47)
In the Classroom
Students can engage in Bell Ringer activities such as digital escape room clues, the 3-word game; a would you rather, and a number of the day. Bell Ringers can use digital tools such as Padlet or Canva or be paper/pencil activities.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Bensound Royalty Free Music - Benjamin Tissot
Grades
3 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Choose from a large selection of royalty free music to use with multimedia projects and online videos at Bensound. Music is free to use with attribution to Bensound.com in its ...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:
Choose from a large selection of royalty free music to use with multimedia projects and online videos at Bensound. Music is free to use with attribution to Bensound.com in its original format without remixing. Sort music options by genre or browse by popular and newest additions. Download your selection to your computer as an MP3 file.
In the Classroom
Play musical selections for students to talk about musical elements and styles in music class. Have partners explore the site to find examples of different rhythms or styles they prefer. Use Bensound Music for soft background music during quiet work times in your classroom. Share with students for use in multimedia presentations (with proper attribution, of course). Try sharing this resource with students when they are creating podcasts, slideshows, and other media projects. This site would also be great for performance groups such as drama clubs or musicals that need background music. Use background music for poetry readings during poetry month. Make sure students realize that "royalty-free" does not dismiss the need to give proper credit for their source!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
ProCon - Procon.org
Grades
7 to 12
7 Favorites
2 Comments
Procon presents controversial issues in a non-partisan manner. Find current issues with balanced information to promote critical thinking without bias. Categories include Education,...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:
Procon presents controversial issues in a non-partisan manner. Find current issues with balanced information to promote critical thinking without bias. Categories include Education, Entertainment & Sports, Elections & Presidents, Science & Technology, and New Topics among others. Issues can include Abortion, Euthanasia, Climate Change, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Health Care Reform, Obesity, and the Death Penalty, just to name a few. Read the information on each issue in a Pro and Con format along with background information, and discussion questions. Some included video clips. Some topics are controversial, so adults using this site with young people may want to go directly to a single issue rather than having them browse openly.
tag(s): climate change (111), critical thinking (180), debate (38), difficult conversations (52), persuasive writing (50), politics (123)
In the Classroom
Using controversial topics that have more than one side is a great way to develop critical thinking and problem solving. Find issues on this site that relate to your curriculum and use them as an entry point for a new unit. Use the teaching resources found on the top menu under the Teacher's Corner. Use this site to teach how to distinguish facts from opinions, using information to write essays or create speeches, or hold a class debate. You may want to facilitate student persuasive writing by using an outline such as Persuasion Map, reviewed here, to help them organize their thinking. Help students develop flexibility in their thinking by having them take part in a difficult conversation and argue a side they do NOT agree with. This will also help students think about how to refute a point the opposition will make. Focus on critical thinking with your students to develop skills needed for life. Use as a whole class activity or for individual students to find an issue of interest to them. Gifted students often think deeply on such issues at an early age and will find these topics of great interest. Use this site to guide a deliberate discussion or debate.Comments
I also love this site, but I don't see any advertising on there at all. The site is free. Not sure how they stay afloat but I'm glad they do. For me, it is better than Opposing Viewpoints database for its depth, ease of use, and lack of registration/passwords. I use it for student debates on current events, and my wife (an English teacher) uses it for persuasive essays and role play debates.ProCon, , Grades: 0 - 12
I've used this and it's great! Balanced, has good resources. Helps students see both sides of an issue.Frances, CT, Grades: 6 - 8
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
The Big Fib Podcast - Benjamin Strouse, Chris Tarry & David Kreizman
Grades
K to 8
0 Favorites
0 Comments
The Big Fib Podcast encourages kids to separate accurate information from falsehood by listening to an interview with two participants in a game show format. The participants are known...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 Big Fib Podcast encourages kids to separate accurate information from falsehood by listening to an interview with two participants in a game show format. The participants are known experts and liars. Recent podcasts include kid-friendly topics such as whales, bicycles, and laughter. Several educational guides are available for download, including a Listening Guide for prelistening, an Explore Board for use before and while listening, and a Choice Board for after listening activities. An additional document includes correlations between reading and literature standards and speaking and listening standards.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): game based learning (308), media literacy (123), podcasts (166)
In the Classroom
Share this podcast as a flipped learning experience or include it as part of a listening center during station rotation activities on evaluating information shared by different sources. Take advantage of free teaching materials such as the Listening Guide to provide students with focus while listening and as a resource for documenting their evaluation process. After listening to and evaluating several episodes of the podcast, encourage students to write and produce a podcast in a similar style. After creating storyboards and writing their script, use a podcast creation tool such as Castbox Creator Studio, reviewed here to record and share your podcasts.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
The Hunger Games Challenge - Educurious - Educurious
Grades
8 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Would you like to use The Hunger Games to provoke your students into thinking about real world issues? Educurious has just the mini unit for you! Download the free PDF ...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:
Would you like to use The Hunger Games to provoke your students into thinking about real world issues? Educurious has just the mini unit for you! Download the free PDF titled "Avoiding the Path to Panem" and be on your way to creating the thinking citizens of tomorrow. In this one-to-two week project based unit, students will use primary sources, contact experts, and write a final informative essay about sustainability, poverty, racism, economics, or war. In the essay students are to recommend specific ways our country can avoid the post-apocalyptic world of The Hunger Games. The essay will be part of a "Glog" or another form of a public post, to represent their findings and recommendations visually. The unit includes three short videos about directing The Hunger Games movie, surviving high school, and writing. Not only does this unit support the Common Core State Standards, but also the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS-S).
tag(s): essays (18), expository writing (29), novels (34), persuasive writing (50), politics (123), posters (44), reading strategies (93), social networking (56)
In the Classroom
You could use this unit with the entire class reading The Hunger Games, or, with some fine tuning of ideas and materials, possibly use it with other dystopian novels in literature circles. A couple that come to mind are The Giver and The Maze Runner. This unit suggests Glogster, but you can also use a program like Webnode, reviewed here, or Sway, reviewed here. They will do just about everything Glogster will do, and they have more free features.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form