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Open Culture- Free eBooks - Open Culture, LLC
Grades
4 to 12
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The Free eBooks section of Open Culture provides teachers and students with access to hundreds of free digital books in multiple formats, including ePub, Kindle, and PDF. The collection...more
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The Free eBooks section of Open Culture provides teachers and students with access to hundreds of free digital books in multiple formats, including ePub, Kindle, and PDF. The collection features classic literature, historical texts, and modern works suitable for classroom use. Popular titles include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Frankestein by Mary Shelley, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, The Odyssey by Homer, and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This resource is ideal for supporting literature studies, independent reading, and cross-curricular projects. It is user-friendly, though teachers should preview selections to ensure appropriate reading levels and content before assigning them to students.
In the Classroom
Assign small groups different eBooks such as Frankenstein, Pride and Prejudice, or The Odyssey. Have each group discuss themes, character development, and the author's purpose, then share insights with the class. Students research the life and times of an author featured on the site, such as Mary Shelley or Homer, and present how their background influenced their writing with Genially, reviewed here. After reading a short story or chapter, have students write an alternate ending, a diary entry, or a scene from another character's perspective to deepen their understanding of voice and tone.
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Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - Pearson
Grades
3 to 12
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The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English supports vocabulary growth and language comprehension by providing definitions that rely on a limited core vocabulary, along with helpful...more
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The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English supports vocabulary growth and language comprehension by providing definitions that rely on a limited core vocabulary, along with helpful example sentences, audio recordings of pronunciation, and themed word lists, so that students can understand words in authentic contexts. Because the language is simplified and easy to follow, this resource is especially ideal for multilingual learners and useful both during classroom instruction and for independent practice in reading and writing.
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tag(s): dictionaries (49)
In the Classroom
Have students identify 3-5 academic vocabulary words related to a social studies or science unit and explain how they connect to the topic. Have students select a word and explore how the dictionary presents it for Multilingual Learners, including audio for pronunciation and bilingual support. They can create a vocabulary card that includes the definition in English, a translation in a language they know or are interested in, and a sentence using the word in context. Have students choose a simple sentence from their writing and, using the dictionary and example sentences, replace one common word with a more precise or powerful synonym.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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AI Trust You - Laguna Beach USD Innovators
Grades
K to 12
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AI Trust You is an add-on for Google Docs that helps teachers and students navigate AI use by creating a shared script and promoting integrity. Before installing this add-on, visit...more
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AI Trust You is an add-on for Google Docs that helps teachers and students navigate AI use by creating a shared script and promoting integrity. Before installing this add-on, visit AI Trust You's information page located here to learn more about the features and how to use this tool. Using the add-on, teachers select from four AI categories to specify how students can use AI during the assignment. The categories are content creation, content understanding, research assistance, and audio-visual generation. Students then select the name of their AI tool, the techniques used, and the percentage of AI-assisted work, and the AI Trust You add-on generates a citation to document the use of AI.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (322), digital citizenship (109)
In the Classroom
As you try to navigate using AI in your classroom, this site provides some helpful guidelines and ideas, even if you don't use the add-on. If you use Google products, use the add-on to guide students on how to use AI ethically and with documentation. When not using the add-on, incorporate the guidelines for categories to use AI to help students understand the appropriate use of AI. Supplement information available from AI Trust You with ideas for incorporating AI in the classroom using information from the AI Guidance for Schools Toolkit, reviewed here. The toolkit includes information for educators on using AI in the classroom and suggestions for when and when not to allow students to use AI in assignments.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Celebrating Kwanzaa - National Geographic Kids
Grades
2 to 5
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The article from National Geographic Kids provides a clear and engaging introduction to the holiday of Kwanzaa, explaining how it is celebrated through rituals such as lighting a seven-candled...more
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The article from National Geographic Kids provides a clear and engaging introduction to the holiday of Kwanzaa, explaining how it is celebrated through rituals such as lighting a seven-candled kinara, a feast called karamu, and meaningful symbols in an African-influenced style. It describes the colors, traditions, daily candle-lighting purpose, and social meaning of unity, cultural heritage, and hope for the future. The language is kid-friendly yet informative, making it a ready-to-use background piece for classrooms.
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In the Classroom
After reading the article, students can work in pairs to create a short list of the "top five facts" about Kwanzaa and share it with the class to build a collective understanding. Have students design a colorful kinara using paper, digital tools, or clay. They can label each candle's meaning and write a brief explanation of how the principles help build strong communities. Have students match each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa with real-world examples from their own lives or community. They can record their ideas on sticky notes and place them under principle posters around the room.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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SquadCast.fm - descript
Grades
4 to 12
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SquadCast.fm is an online cloud-based recording platform that makes it easy to create high-quality remote audio and video content, especially for podcasts, interviews, and collaborative...more
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SquadCast.fm is an online cloud-based recording platform that makes it easy to create high-quality remote audio and video content, especially for podcasts, interviews, and collaborative projects. The site offers a browser-based virtual studio where hosts and guests can record from anywhere, with each participant's audio and video captured locally and backed up to the cloud to prevent file loss and improve reliability. SquadCast's technology helps eliminate syncing issues and delivers studio-quality recordings, with intuitive features like automatic backups and guest Green Rooms for setup.
tag(s): digital storytelling (167), multimedia (63), podcasts (168)
In the Classroom
Have students work in small groups to plan, script, and record short podcast episodes about class topics such as book reviews, historical events, or current issues. Have students write and record original stories, personal narratives, or poetry performances using SquadCast. Students can create a weekly or monthly class news broadcast featuring school events, weather reports, or announcements.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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10 Free Printable Goal-Setting Worksheets to Stay Organized - Parade
Grades
5 to 12
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The Parade.com article by Maryn Liles offers a curated list of 10 free printable goal-setting worksheets and guides to help people clearly define, plan, and track their goals. It explains...more
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The Parade.com article by Maryn Liles offers a curated list of 10 free printable goal-setting worksheets and guides to help people clearly define, plan, and track their goals. It explains that successful goal-setting requires not just intentions but also a strategy and accountability, and highlights a variety of worksheets focused on priorities, motivation, breaking goals into steps, habit tracking, and using the SMART framework to make goals specific and achievable. This resource is useful for anyone who wants a range of ready-to-use tools to support short- and long-term goal planning, both personally and in classroom or life-skills contexts.
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tag(s): organizational skills (91), thinking skills (125)
In the Classroom
Set up stations with different types of worksheets (SMART goals, habit trackers, reflection sheets). Students can rotate through the formats, sample each, and choose the one that best fits their personal or academic goals. Have students complete a worksheet at the start of the week and revisit it on Friday. They can reflect on progress, challenges, and next steps to build accountability and self-management skills. Students can create a short presentation with Aha Slides, reviewed here showing their goal, action steps, obstacles, and outcomes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Goal Setting Worksheets - Easy Teacher Worksheets
Grades
3 to 8
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The Goal Setting Worksheets page on EasyTeacherWorksheets.com offers a variety of free, printable goal-setting tools designed to help students plan and achieve their personal, academic,...more
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The Goal Setting Worksheets page on EasyTeacherWorksheets.com offers a variety of free, printable goal-setting tools designed to help students plan and achieve their personal, academic, health, and wellness goals. The site explains how setting goals with a strategic process, especially using the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound), helps students think through steps, resources, and timelines. The page includes multiple worksheet options, such as SMART checklists, reflection prompts, academic and wellness goal planners, big-step and small-step templates, and guides to help students clearly define and follow through on their goals. These resources are easy to print and use for classroom lessons or individual student goal work.
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tag(s): organizational skills (91), thinking skills (125)
In the Classroom
Introduce the SMART goal format and have students complete a worksheet to set a personal or academic goal. Discuss examples as a class so students understand how to set clear, realistic goals. Have students revisit their worksheets each week to reflect on what steps they completed, what challenges they faced, and what they will try next. This builds accountability and self-management skills. Have students set goals connected to a specific subject, such as improving reading stamina, mastering multiplication facts, or strengthening writing skills. If students are working on long-term subject goals, such as mastering multiplication or improving reading stamina, they can create a visual representation of their journey using Canva Infographic Creator reviewed here to show milestones reached over several weeks.
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Fake news debunker - InVID & WeVerify
Grades
6 to 12
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The Fake News Debunker is a free Chrome browser extension designed as a versatile verification tool that helps users examine and challenge potentially misleading content they...more
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The Fake News Debunker is a free Chrome browser extension designed as a versatile verification tool that helps users examine and challenge potentially misleading content they find online, especially on social media. Originally created for journalists and fact-checkers, it serves as a "Swiss Army knife" for verifying the authenticity of videos and images, offering features such as reverse image searches, video keyframe analysis, metadata inspection, and access to a database of known fakes. It also includes enhanced forensic tools and an assistant that guides users to the right tool for each task, making it useful for teaching digital literacy and critical thinking in your classroom.
tag(s): evaluating sources (52), media literacy (130)
In the Classroom
Use the tool during a lesson on misinformation, bias, and digital citizenship. Model how to analyze online content step by step, then let students practice with curated examples. Have students compare how the same story appears across different sources. They can use the extension to check images and videos for accuracy, then discuss how visuals can influence opinions. Have students work in teams to investigate viral claims and create a short report, slideshow, or video using Adobe Express for Education, reviewed here explaining what they found and how they verified it.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mentor Texts for Teaching Perseverance - The Teacher Next Store
Grades
2 to 5
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Mentor Texts for Teaching Perseverance offers suggestions for books for teaching perseverance. Each featured book includes a short blurb, instructions for use, and a link to purchase...more
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Mentor Texts for Teaching Perseverance offers suggestions for books for teaching perseverance. Each featured book includes a short blurb, instructions for use, and a link to purchase on Amazon. Some of the mentor texts include: Songbird, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, Cloudette, Jabari Jumps, The Most Magnificent Thing, Flight School, Stuck, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, and A Chair for My Mother.
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tag(s): social and emotional learning (197), thinking routines (42), thinking skills (125)
In the Classroom
Students can use Trading Card Creator reviewed here to digitally create how they showcase perseverance. Students can use Venn Diagram Creator by Canva, reviewed here to compare and contrast mentor texts. Students can use Mentimeter, reviewed here to create a word cloud for words associated with perseverance.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum - PBS Kids
Grades
K to 4
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PBS Kids Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum brings history to life by letting students learn alongside Xavier, Yadina, and Brad as they travel through time to meet real heroes ...more
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PBS Kids Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum brings history to life by letting students learn alongside Xavier, Yadina, and Brad as they travel through time to meet real heroes from the past. Kids can dive into the Secret Museum for exciting missions, watch animated adventures, and even practice beginner-friendly coding activities that boost problem-solving and creativity. With each visit, students discover how ordinary people grew up to do extraordinary things, making this site a great way to spark curiosity about literacy, social studies, and STEM.
tag(s): coding (109), game based learning (311), problem solving (275), STEM (372)
In the Classroom
Have students complete one of the site's coding-inspired activities, then apply those skills to create a simple animated timeline or interactive hero card using a beginner coding tool like Scratch, reviewed here. Before exploring the site, give students a few clues about a historical figure featured in Xavier Riddle. Students can make predictions about who the person might be, then watch a related episode to confirm their guesses. After exploring a hero's story, students create a digital or paper exhibit that includes key facts, an important object from the person's life, and a short caption explaining why the person is a hero. Google Slides, reviewed here, can be used to create a collection of the classes' exhibits.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Pinkalicious & Peterrific - PBS Kids
Grades
K to 3
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The Pinkalicious & Peterrific website features the "Pinkcredible Story Maker," where students build their own creative stories by choosing characters, settings, and props for...more
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The Pinkalicious & Peterrific website features the "Pinkcredible Story Maker," where students build their own creative stories by choosing characters, settings, and props for Pinkalicious, Peter, and friends. Kids can explore art and music through hands-on activities like painting, designing, and musical play. Movement games, such as "PinkaDance," offer energetic brain breaks throughout the day. This resource is perfect for supporting literacy, creativity, and physical activity in an elementary classroom.
tag(s): digital storytelling (167), game based learning (311)
In the Classroom
After exploring a game or reading a Pinkalicious story, have students discuss what makes Pinkalicious a unique character. They create a quick character trading card using Trading Card Creator reviewed here that includes her traits, interests, and motivations. Students can choose an object from the show (like a microphone or a fairy wand) and then design a new version with special powers or creative features. Then have them write a short description explaining how their prop supports a character's goal in a story. Have students use the story maker activity as a planning tool, then revise and expand their stories into a complete narrative with dialogue, paragraphs, and illustrations. Students can share stories in a digital class library or read aloud for younger buddies.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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20 Festive Cinco de Mayo Activities for Your Classroom - We Are Teachers
Grades
K to 8
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Discover a collection of creative, classroom-ready ideas to help students explore Cinco de Mayo in meaningful and engaging ways. The page features a wide variety of activities, ranging...more
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Discover a collection of creative, classroom-ready ideas to help students explore Cinco de Mayo in meaningful and engaging ways. The page features a wide variety of activities, ranging from reading stories, learning historical facts, and exploring Mexican culture to hands-on projects like making flags, crafting musical instruments, and designing pinatas, allowing teachers to integrate the holiday across subjects such as ELA, social studies, art, and music. It also emphasizes the importance of teaching the true history of Cinco de Mayo, including the Battle of Puebla, while promoting cultural awareness and appreciation beyond common misconceptions. Overall, it serves as a practical and flexible resource for planning culturally responsive and interactive lessons. Some activities include embedded YouTube videos; if your district blocks YouTube, these videos may not be viewable.
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tag(s): cinco de mayo (27), crafts (110), cultures (290), holidays (280), mexico (67)
In the Classroom
Students can explore the history of Cinco de Mayo by reading a short article or watching a video, then create a simple timeline or storyboard with MyLens, reviewed here explaining the key events and why the victory was significant. Have students create colorful papel picado banners while learning about their cultural significance in Mexican celebrations. Have students compare Cinco de Mayo with another holiday using a Venn diagram using the Interactive 2 Circle Venn Diagram by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Cinco de Mayo Word Search - 24/7 Games LLC
Grades
2 to 6
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24/7 Word Search offers an interactive Cinco de Mayo word search with four difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, Hard, and Expert, each containing multiple sub-levels for added challenge....more
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24/7 Word Search offers an interactive Cinco de Mayo word search with four difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, Hard, and Expert, each containing multiple sub-levels for added challenge. When students select a level, they see a list of words displayed on both sides of the puzzle grid and can click and drag to highlight each word, which disappears once found. A built-in timer tracks progress, making it a fun and engaging way to build vocabulary and focus skills.
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tag(s): cinco de mayo (27), game based learning (311), holidays (280), mexico (67)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the word search online. Students can use Kiddle, reviewed here to learn the definitions of the words that they are searching for. Students can create a Cinco de Mayo book with the words that they have learned using Book Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Hume - Hume AI
Grades
6 to 12
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Hume AI is a New York-based research lab and technology company that develops emotionally intelligent artificial intelligence capable of understanding and responding to human emotional...more
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Hume AI is a New York-based research lab and technology company that develops emotionally intelligent artificial intelligence capable of understanding and responding to human emotional cues across voice, text, image, and video. Its key tools include Octave, a context-aware, expressive text-to-speech engine; EVI, an empathic voice interface that interprets tone and timing; and Expression Measurement, which analyzes emotional signals across various media. While the platform offers a free tier for experimentation, more advanced features, such as higher-volume text-to-speech, custom voices, and full access to EVI and expression Application Programming Interfaces, are available through paid plans. This makes Hume AI a valuable option for educators interested in exploring emotion-aware technology in digital storytelling, SEL instruction, or interactive learning environments.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (322), social and emotional learning (197), text to speech (23)
In the Classroom
Have students use Hume AI's expressive text-to-speech tool (Octave) to bring their creative writing to life, experimenting with tone and emotion to match their characters' moods and intentions. Ask students to analyze emotional tone in speeches, commercials, or video clips using expression measurement tools. Let students record and analyze their own speeches to identify how effectively they convey emotion, then revise and re-record to improve delivery and emotional impact.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Google A to Z: Tools, Extensions, Programs & Courses - Monica Isabel Martinez
Grades
3 to 12
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This Google document is a curated A-Z collection of Google tools, extensions, programs, and professional learning resources designed to support teaching and learning. It highlights...more
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This Google document is a curated A-Z collection of Google tools, extensions, programs, and professional learning resources designed to support teaching and learning. It highlights Google Workspace for Education as a free foundation for collaboration and communication, along with additional classroom-ready Google tools and Chrome extensions that enhance browser functionality. The document also directs educators to Google Educator Programs and Courses for professional growth and provides links to stay connected with Google for Education resources. Overall, it serves as a practical reference for teachers looking to integrate Google tools into instruction and streamline digital workflows.
tag(s): collaboration (118), communication (123), organizational skills (91), professional development (321), Teacher Utilities (219)
In the Classroom
Have students work together in Google Docs or Slides to co-author stories, research reports, or presentations, using comments and suggestions to give peer feedback and revise their work. Pair Google Search tools and Chrome extensions with structured research tasks to help students learn to find reliable sources, organize notes, and cite information correctly. Offer optional challenges using advanced tools or extensions, such as building tutorials, designing templates for classmates, or completing Google Educator mini-courses to deepen technology skills.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Semrush - Semrush
Grades
8 to 12
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Semrush offers a free AI Text Generator that lets users create original content up to 3 times per day in various formats, including blog posts, ads, emails, and social media ...more
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Semrush offers a free AI Text Generator that lets users create original content up to 3 times per day in various formats, including blog posts, ads, emails, and social media captions. Additional free tools include a Paragraph Rewriter, Paraphrasing Tool, Sentence Rewriter, Title Generator, Summary Generator, Proofreading Tool, and Word Counter. These tools help improve clarity, tone, grammar, and structure, with most offering three free uses per day. All are part of the Semrush Content Toolkit.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (322), blogs (81), paragraph writing (18), plagiarism (34), writing (308)
In the Classroom
Have students draft a paragraph and use the Paragraph Rewriter or Proofreading Tool to improve clarity, tone, and grammar, then reflect on the changes made. Use the Sentence Rewriter to demonstrate how tone shifts (formal, casual, simplified) affect meaning. Students can compare different versions and choose the most effective for their audience. Let students use the Title Generator to craft attention-grabbing titles for their essays, blog posts, or presentations, helping them understand the importance of engaging their audience. Assign students to paraphrase a paragraph using the Paraphrasing Tool, then discuss how to reword content while preserving meaning properly.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Hidden Brain - Shankar Vedantam
Grades
9 to 12
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Hidden Brain is a popular science and storytelling website and podcast hosted by journalist Shankar Vedantam that explores the unconscious patterns and psychological forces shaping...more
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Hidden Brain is a popular science and storytelling website and podcast hosted by journalist Shankar Vedantam that explores the unconscious patterns and psychological forces shaping human behavior, decision-making, and relationships. The site (and related podcast) blends research with real-world stories to help listeners better understand why people think and act as they do, covering topics ranging from social dynamics and identity to motivation, learning, and emotion. Educators may find episodes useful as discussion starters or extensions for classes in psychology, social studies, or literature, and Hidden Brain has previously offered study guides to support classroom use of selected episodes.
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tag(s): behavior (49), emotions (71), identity (39), podcasts (168), social and emotional learning (197)
In the Classroom
Play a short clip and pause at key moments. Have students jot down what surprised them, then discuss how the idea connects to their own experiences or a current class text or topic. Have students pull one strong quote or idea from the episode and write a paragraph explaining how it supports the main message, practicing evidence-based reasoning. Before listening, share the episode's guiding question (for example, about bias or motivation). Students can predict the outcome or conclusion and then compare their thinking with the research presented.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Story Pirates - Striking Viking Story Pirates, LLC
Grades
K to 5
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Story Pirates is a creative and entertaining podcast that brings children's original stories to life by turning them into comedy sketches, songs, and performances. Each episode highlights...more
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Story Pirates is a creative and entertaining podcast that brings children's original stories to life by turning them into comedy sketches, songs, and performances. Each episode highlights real stories written by kids and adapts them with humor and imagination, celebrating student voice and creativity. The show supports classroom instruction in narrative writing, listening skills, and storytelling by modeling how ideas can be developed, revised, and transformed into different formats. Teachers can use episodes as inspiration for creative writing activities, discussions about story elements, and lessons on how stories change when adapted for performance or audio.
tag(s): listening (117), podcasts (168), social and emotional learning (197), stories and storytelling (77)
In the Classroom
Play a short segment and have students draw what they visualize as they listen. Afterward, have students explain how the descriptions of characters, setting, and action sound and what words the podcast actors use. After an episode, have students identify the characters, setting, problem, and solution. Students can write short, imaginative stories inspired by the episode style. They should emphasize strong characters and a clear problem and solution. Volunteers can share aloud, just like the podcast.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems! - The Kennedy Center
Grades
K to 5
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This introductory video from the Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems series invites students into a fun, informal drawing session led by the popular children's author and illustrator....more
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This introductory video from the Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems series invites students into a fun, informal drawing session led by the popular children's author and illustrator. In the video, Willems models using simple shapes and creativity to begin sketching, while encouraging viewers to experiment, take risks, and enjoy the process of making art. The tone is relaxed and interactive, making it ideal for younger learners as a creative warm-up or brain break, while also promoting artistic confidence, storytelling, and imaginative thinking. This video is hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the video may not be viewable.
tag(s): artists (101), authors (114), crafts (110), drawing (57), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Watch a portion of the video and have students follow along to create their own doodle. Pause as needed so students can keep up, then allow time for them to add personal details or backgrounds to their drawings. After drawing a character, have students write a short paragraph or story about it. Display student doodles around the room. Students can walk around, leave positive comments, or identify creative elements they notice in others' work. Share this link with students (and families) to explore during the summer break or on a snow day.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Grandpa's Drum - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
K to 8
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The "Grandpa's Drum" resource from the "Molly of Denali" collection on PBS Learning Media is an engaging tool for teaching students about cultural traditions, history, and emotional...more
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The "Grandpa's Drum" resource from the "Molly of Denali" collection on PBS Learning Media is an engaging tool for teaching students about cultural traditions, history, and emotional expression through storytelling. This resource features a video clip where Molly helps her Grandpa reconnect with his lost drumming tradition, which he gave up due to past hardships. Accompanying materials include discussion prompts and activities to explore themes like cultural resilience, personal identity, and the importance of preserving traditions. Ideal for grades K-2, this resource fosters empathy, cultural awareness, and meaningful classroom discussions.
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tag(s): alaska (22), cultures (290), empathy (68), identity (39), musical instruments (60), native americans (127), stories and storytelling (77)
In the Classroom
Have students create a short podcast or video where they tell a story about a family tradition or meaningful object in their lives. Digital tools such as Buzzsprout, reviewed here or Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here can be used to create the podcasts. Students can build simple drums using household items like cans, balloons, or paper after discussing the importance of Grandpa's drum. Learn to play the virtual drums (or piano, flute, and many others) at Virtual Instruments reviewed here Use online resources or apps to explore different types of drums and drumming styles worldwide.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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