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A Little Spot of Flexible Thinking - Moomi Read Alouds
Grades
K to 5
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If you want a simple and engaging way to introduce students to the Habits of Mind, this video is a perfect starting point. A Little Spot of Flexible Thinking uses ...more
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If you want a simple and engaging way to introduce students to the Habits of Mind, this video is a perfect starting point. A Little Spot of Flexible Thinking uses relatable characters to show how our thoughts can become rigid and "stuck," much like an oak tree that refuses to bend. As the story unfolds, students see how shifting to flexible thinking, like a palm tree that moves with the wind, helps them adapt when plans change, solve problems creatively, and stay calm in challenging situations. This approach ties directly to the Habit of Mind Thinking Flexibly and encourages learners to consider new perspectives, adjust their approach, and recognize that their mindset influences how they respond to everyday obstacles. This video helps students learn how to stay calm, adjust, and keep an open mind in the classroom. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): flexibility (9), perspective (33), social and emotional learning (203), thinking skills (131)
In the Classroom
Give students a set of scenario cards (ex, "Your group changes the plan," "A game has new rules," "You make a mistake on a project"). Have students sort them into rigid-thinking responses and flexible-thinking responses, then discuss how the Habit of Mind Thinking Flexibly would affect the outcome. Students can draw themselves as a palm tree thinker and list three times when they adapted, changed a plan, or tried a new strategy. In partners, have students create a short skit that teaches younger students how to think flexibly. They must include a scenario, an example of rigid thinking, and a flexible alternative. Present these to another class or during a morning meeting.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Mother's Day Gift Ideas and Activities for Upper Elementary - Teaching with Jennifer Findley
Grades
3 to 5
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Jennifer Findley's blog post, "Mother's Day Gift Ideas and Activities for Upper Elementary," offers educators a variety of creative and meaningful projects tailored for upper elementary...more
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Jennifer Findley's blog post, "Mother's Day Gift Ideas and Activities for Upper Elementary," offers educators a variety of creative and meaningful projects tailored for upper elementary students to recognize Mother's Day and the mother figures in their lives. The article features activities such as crafting acrostic poems using the letters in "MOTHER," compiling Top 10 lists highlighting reasons students appreciate their mothers, and assembling personalized coupon books offering helpful tasks or special experiences. Additionally, the post provides links to simple craft ideas, including "You Are My Sunshine" noodle cards and pom-pom flower magnets, complete with detailed instructions and printable templates. These activities foster students' creativity and writing skills, resulting in heartfelt gifts that caretakers will cherish.
tag(s): crafts (111), mothers day (29)
In the Classroom
Have students brainstorm and write a fun, thoughtful list about why their mom (or another caregiver) is special. Add hand-drawn borders or type and print the list using a fun font. Students could write an acrostic poem where each line begins with a letter in the word "MOTHER" and describes something positive or personal. For a digital version, have students type and decorate digitally using Canva reviewed here or Google Slides reviewed here. Students can glue dried pasta (dyed yellow or left plain) in a sunburst design and add the phrase "You are my sunshine." Students can add a short paragraph on the back about how their mom "brightens their life."Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Flexible Thinking vs. Stuck Thinking - Whole Child Counseling
Grades
K to 5
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If you want a video that instantly grabs students' attention while teaching a powerful life skill, this one is a great choice. Being a Flexible Thinker, as presented by Whole...more
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If you want a video that instantly grabs students' attention while teaching a powerful life skill, this one is a great choice. Being a Flexible Thinker, as presented by Whole Child Counseling, teaches children how to navigate life's everyday surprises by shifting from rigid to flexible thinking. Through clear, kid-friendly examples, such as canceled plans, changes in routine, or disagreements with friends, the video helps students see how adjusting their thoughts can reduce frustration and open the door to new solutions. It helps them understand that challenges can be handled in many ways and that remaining open and calm helps them work more effectively with others. The video concludes with interactive scenarios that enable students to practice identifying flexible thinking in real time, making it a valuable tool for building problem-solving skills and resilience, and for promoting positive behavior in the classroom. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): flexibility (9), perspective (33), thinking skills (131)
In the Classroom
Have students rewrite short "stuck thinking" statements to show a flexible response. Have students become "thinking detectives" and look for clues that show how someone in a story, video, or real-life classroom situation can use flexible thinking. They can write a short "detective report" describing the problem, the stuck reaction, and a flexible alternative. In small groups, students can create a kid-friendly way to teach flexible thinking to younger students. Options include a skit, comic strip using Free Comic Strip Maker by Adobe, reviewed here, poster, slide deck using Google Slides, reviewed here, or mini-story.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mother's Day Card and Gift Ideas - 5 Minute Crafts
Grades
3 to 5
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This YouTube video Mother's Day Card and Gift Ideas showcases a variety of creative and beautiful craft projects that students can make to celebrate mom and other loved ones....more
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This YouTube video Mother's Day Card and Gift Ideas showcases a variety of creative and beautiful craft projects that students can make to celebrate mom and other loved ones. It begins with an adorable multi-folded card that opens uniquely and surprisingly, followed by several one-of-a-kind card designs students can customize with personal messages. The video also includes a simple message that students can write inside their cards to express their love and appreciation. Additional projects include a 3D heart-shaped card, a swirly origami rose tutorial, and a hands-on guide to creating fabric roses from scratch--perfect for upper elementary students ready for a creative challenge. The video wraps up with a cute gift-wrapping decoration idea that can be added to any handmade gift (to any friend or loved one), making these projects meaningful and memorable. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): crafts (111), mothers day (29)
In the Classroom
Watch the first part of the video as a class, then guide students in folding and decorating a surprise-opening card. Have students create the 3D heart card featured in the video and write a short paragraph titled "My Mom's Superpower." Teach students to fold swirly paper roses by replaying and pausing the tutorial. Discuss how flowers can symbolize love and gratitude. Show the final segment on decorating presents with flair. Then have students wrap their handmade crafts and decorate with their own paper bows or tags.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Pangram - Pangram.
Grades
4 to 12
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Pangram is a simple tool that helps teachers check student writing for plagiarism or signs that AI may have created it. It provides a dashboard where you can paste text, ...more
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Pangram is a simple tool that helps teachers check student writing for plagiarism or signs that AI may have created it. It provides a dashboard where you can paste text, and it returns a score indicating how likely the writing is to come from a human or an AI program. Pangram works with various learning platforms designed to be fair to students who write in different styles or languages. For teachers, it can be helpful when reviewing essays or other written assignments and can support conversations about what kinds of help are allowed when using AI. It is most effective when paired with clear guidelines and open communication, so students understand expectations and feel supported in developing their own writing voice.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (336), editing (95), writing (308)
In the Classroom
Provide short, teacher-created examples of writing and a few AI-generated samples. Have students work in groups to sort them and explain their reasoning. Have students work together to create a simple class pledge about honest writing, including using their own words, giving credit to sources, and asking for help in appropriate ways. Give students a short prompt and two minutes to write. Then, have them exchange papers and guess whose writing they are evaluating on the basis of voice and style. This exercise helps them recognize what makes their writing unique.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Activities and Crafts to Honor Juneteenth - Mom.com
Grades
K to 8
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Discover meaningful ways to help children learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth through crafts, books, music, food, and community activities. The article includes hands-on...more
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Discover meaningful ways to help children learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth through crafts, books, music, food, and community activities. The article includes hands-on projects such as creating Juneteenth and Pan-African flags, making African-inspired drums, exploring picture books, visiting museums, and attending local celebrations. The resource encourages age-appropriate conversations about freedom, culture, resilience, and African American history while offering engaging ideas to incorporate into social studies, art, literacy, and family or classroom celebrations.
tag(s): african american (131), crafts (111), holidays (283), Juneteenth (33)
In the Classroom
Students can create Juneteenth or Pan-African flags while learning about the colors, symbols, and history connected to the celebration. After creating their flags, students can write a short explanation describing the meaning behind the designs and colors they used. Students can design and decorate African-inspired drums or other rhythm instruments, then explore how music and celebration have played important roles in African American culture and traditions throughout history. Create a classroom Juneteenth museum walk where students research important people, events, foods, music, or traditions connected to Juneteenth and present their findings through posters, artifacts, or digital slideshows using Canva Edu, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Flexi - CK-12
Grades
K to 12
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Flexi is a free science and math chatbot and test prep tool for students and teachers that integrates with content from CK-12, reviewed here. Students...more
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Flexi is a free science and math chatbot and test prep tool for students and teachers that integrates with content from CK-12, reviewed here. Students interact with Flexi by asking their questions or choosing from suggestions, such as "Do nucleic acids provide energy?" Use the shortcuts to learn a concept, get homework help, or find step-by-step solutions for complex problems. Use My Lessons to find and complete lessons on any topic in the CK-12 lesson base. Select the teacher version to find Flexi's helpful assistant, which includes several tools for creating assessments, report card writing help, and much more. Each tool includes an example to help you understand the type of response provided.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (336), chat (41), professional development (296), Teacher Utilities (223)
In the Classroom
Share Flexi with students to use as a homework helper and tutor, allowing them to practice and reinforce skills at home. Utilize Flexi as a professional helper when writing IEPs, planning lessons, and communicating with parents and your community.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Thinking and Communicating with Clarity Discussion Guide - WonderGroveLearn
Grades
K to 3
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The Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision Discussion Guide is a resource designed to help students develop stronger communication and thinking skills through the Habits...more
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The Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision Discussion Guide is a resource designed to help students develop stronger communication and thinking skills through the Habits of Mind framework created by Arthur Costa and Bena Kallick. The discussion prompts and reflection questions encourage students to explain ideas, analyze language, and participate in structured conversations. The guide focuses on helping students organize their thinking, avoid vague language, and communicate ideas clearly in both speaking and writing. By emphasizing clarity and precision, the resource supports critical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative discussion in the classroom.
tag(s): thinking routines (50), thinking skills (131)
In the Classroom
Provide students with several sample statements that include vague language (for example, "The story was really good and had a lot of stuff happening"). In small groups, have students rewrite the sentences to make them clearer and more precise. Provide a short paragraph that includes unclear wording or unnecessary details. Students can work individually or in pairs to revise the paragraph so it communicates the message clearly and precisely. Ask students to reflect on a time when they had difficulty explaining an idea clearly. Students can write or discuss how using clearer language or more specific details could have improved the situation.
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Branching Scenario 3 - Genially
Grades
6 to 12
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Genially's Branching Scenario 3 template is a powerful tool for educators aiming to simulate real-life situations and enhance decision-making skills in the classroom. This interactive...more
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Genially's Branching Scenario 3 template is a powerful tool for educators aiming to simulate real-life situations and enhance decision-making skills in the classroom. This interactive template lets you create immersive learning experiences by adding questions, videos, and audio, enabling students to explore different outcomes based on their choices. Ideal for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, it offers a customizable platform for designing engaging e-learning resources that mirror real-world challenges. Whether you're focusing on ethical dilemmas, historical events, or scientific processes, this template provides a dynamic way to bring content to life and foster active learning.
tag(s): concept mapping (15), critical thinking (186), game based learning (316), gamification (89), problem solving (279)
In the Classroom
Begin a unit by presenting a branching scenario that introduces a real-world dilemma related to your subject (e.g., a historical decision, scientific ethical issue, or peer conflict). Let students vote on choices and discuss outcomes as a class. In small groups, have students map out possible decision paths and consequences before playing a branching scenario, predicting outcomes, and practicing critical thinking. Assign students to design their own branching scenarios using Genially, applying their knowledge to simulate historical events, scientific experiments, or literature-based moral choices.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Language: Revising for Concision and Clarity - Purdue University College of Liberal Arts
Grades
5 to 12
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The Purdue OWL Revising for Clarity page explains how writers can improve their work by making their messages clearer, more direct, and easier for readers to understand. The guide focuses...more
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The Purdue OWL Revising for Clarity page explains how writers can improve their work by making their messages clearer, more direct, and easier for readers to understand. The guide focuses on revising writing with the audience in mind and checking language, tone, word choice, and organization so the message is simple and effective. It encourages writers to remove unnecessary words, avoid jargon or cliches, and use precise vocabulary so readers can quickly understand the purpose. The site is part of Purdue University's OWL writing resources, which provide step-by-step strategies to help students revise drafts and produce stronger, more professional writing.
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tag(s): thinking routines (50), thinking skills (131)
In the Classroom
Students can revise unclear or wordy sentences by rewriting them with shorter, more precise language and comparing their revisions with classmates to see which version is easiest to understand. They can also improve a paragraph by highlighting confusing or repetitive parts, rewriting it with better organization and word choice, and then editing a partner's work using a checklist that looks for long sentences, unnecessary words, and unclear ideas. To extend the lesson, students can rotate through revision stations to practice shortening sentences, replacing weak words, and adjusting their writing for different audiences so the message is clear to every reader. Another option is a peer-editing activity using a checklist based on the website ideas.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Work it Out Wombat - PBS Kids
Grades
K to 2
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PBS Kids Work it Out Wombats contains games, videos, activities, and podcasts. One game featured, titled Road Repair, is an interactive game in which you repair a road with shapes....more
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PBS Kids Work it Out Wombats contains games, videos, activities, and podcasts. One game featured, titled Road Repair, is an interactive game in which you repair a road with shapes. The other game, Story Emporium, allows you to create a story to read. The story asks you to select a who, what, and where. The Toy Maker enables the creation of a toy. The site also features the Wombats video series, printable activities, and podcasts. The podcasts run about eleven minutes long and include topics like campout playdates, detective playdates, snout party playdates, and cloud ship playdates. English and Spanish are available for both the games and activities.
tag(s): game based learning (316), interactive stories (22), podcasts (170)
In the Classroom
Students can play the games on the site and watch the podcasts. After watching a podcast, students can write a story by dictating it in Book Creator, reviewed here and then finding pictures to add to it. Students can also make their toy come to life by creating a 3D version of it.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Empathy - ClassDojo
Grades
K to 4
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The ClassDojo Big Ideas: Empathy page is a free social-emotional learning resource designed to help teachers build students' empathy skills through engaging videos and classroom activities....more
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The ClassDojo Big Ideas: Empathy page is a free social-emotional learning resource designed to help teachers build students' empathy skills through engaging videos and classroom activities. Created in collaboration with Harvard University's Making Caring Common Project, the page features a three-part video series starring the ClassDojo characters (like Mojo) that explores why empathy matters and how students can understand others' feelings and perspectives. Each video is paired with discussion guides and follow-up activities that encourage reflection, kindness, and positive classroom relationships, making it a ready-to-use tool for fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom community.
tag(s): empathy (70), listening (119), social and emotional learning (203)
In the Classroom
Students can watch the videos and participate in the discussion guide questions. Students can create a podcast interviewing people who show empathy using Adobe Podcast, reviewed here. Students can create a book cover using Book Cover Creator reviewed here featuring character traits of empathy.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Smithsonian Learning Lab - Smithsonian Learning Lab
Grades
K to 12
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The Smithsonian Learning Lab is a free online platform created by the Smithsonian that gives teachers and students access to millions of authentic digital resources, including images,...more
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The Smithsonian Learning Lab is a free online platform created by the Smithsonian that gives teachers and students access to millions of authentic digital resources, including images, videos, historical documents, artwork, and scientific materials from museums, archives, and research centers. The site allows educators to discover ready-made collections, create their own lessons using primary sources, and share interactive activities with students using built-in tools such as annotations, questions, and quizzes. Because the resources come directly from Smithsonian collections, the website is especially useful for inquiry-based learning, research projects, and cross-curricular lessons in subjects such as social studies, science, language arts, and the arts.
tag(s): inquiry (38), museums (55), primary sources (137), quiz (64), Teacher Utilities (223), thinking routines (50), thinking skills (131)
In the Classroom
Choose an image, artifact, or document from the Smithsonian Learning Lab and display it to the class. Have students use an observation routine such as See, Think, Wonder to describe what they notice, what they think it means, and what questions they have. Have students explore the Learning Lab and select 3-5 items that connect to a current unit (for example, the American Revolution, ecosystems, or famous artists). Students can create their own small collection and write a short explanation of why each item belongs in the group. Assign a document, photo, or piece of artwork from the site and have students add notes explaining important details, vocabulary, or clues. Students can identify what the source shows, who created it, and why it is important.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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7 Engaging Listening Activities for Small Groups - eSpark
Grades
K to 5
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In the article "7 Engaging Listening Activities for Small Groups," eSpark Learning shares seven playful, easy-to-use activities to help students strengthen listening and speaking skills...more
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In the article "7 Engaging Listening Activities for Small Groups," eSpark Learning shares seven playful, easy-to-use activities to help students strengthen listening and speaking skills in small instructional groups. The ideas include interactive games such as Draw This, Telephone, Simon Says, Popcorn Storytelling, and My Favorite Toss, all designed to build active listening, memory, verbal communication, and collaboration. The article highlights the importance of treating listening as a mindful skill and offers suggestions for adapting activities to different ages and needs. Teachers can use these activities during centers, small-group rotations, or language arts lessons to support engagement, communication, and social learning.
tag(s): blogs (82), game based learning (316), listening (119)
In the Classroom
Have students take turns adding one sentence at a time to create a shared story. Each student must listen closely to maintain the plot and characters. Add a challenge by having them incorporate a vocabulary word or literary device. Play Simon Says with added complexity, such as multi-step directions or academic vocabulary. Have students practice following sequential instructions and staying focused under pressure. After listening to a short passage or poem, students can take turns retelling only what they remember. Each partner adds new details until the whole idea is restored.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Google Fonts - Google
Grades
K to 12
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Google Fonts is a free online library that allows teachers and students to browse, preview, and download hundreds of open-source fonts for use in documents, presentations, websites,...more
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Google Fonts is a free online library that allows teachers and students to browse, preview, and download hundreds of open-source fonts for use in documents, presentations, websites, and creative projects. The site makes it easy to search for fonts by style, language, or popularity, and users can use all fonts for free for school projects, print materials, or digital work. Because the fonts are free and easy to use, the site helps improve the design of slides, posters, reports, and multimedia projects while also introducing students to basic ideas about typography and visual communication.
tag(s): multilingual (82), presentations (43), Teacher Utilities (223)
In the Classroom
Give students words such as scary, funny, serious, or exciting. Students can choose fonts that match each mood and create a title using that font. Discuss how the look of the letters changes how the message feels, connecting to tone and the author's purpose. Have students take an old slide presentation or report and improve it by selecting better fonts for titles, headings, and body text. Teach students that font style can change meaning just like word choice. Have students create the same sentence in different fonts to convey different feelings or purposes, then share and discuss how the design affects understanding.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Manager, Facilitator, Motivator, Advocate: Setting Up Group Roles That Really Work - edutopia
Grades
6 to 12
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Edutopia's Manager, Facilitator, Motivator, Advocate: Setting Up Group Roles That Really Work is an article for middle and high school teachers looking to use collaborative learning...more
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Edutopia's Manager, Facilitator, Motivator, Advocate: Setting Up Group Roles That Really Work is an article for middle and high school teachers looking to use collaborative learning in their classroom. The article begins by explaining how the roles of Project Manager, Facilitator, Motivator, and Advocate will prepare students for the work world. Each of these roles empowers students to take responsibility, practice skills, and contribute to a positive, collaborative culture. Collectively, the roles increase team autonomy and decrease student reliance on the teacher. The article continues by defining each of the roles and setting up these roles in the classroom.
tag(s): collaboration (132), professional development (296), teaching strategies (78), thinking routines (50)
In the Classroom
Use this article to implement collaborative learning activities in your classroom. Students can use Adobe Express for Education, reviewed here to create visuals explaining each of the four roles or use Comic Strip Templates by Canva, reviewed here to create a short comic outlining each of the roles. After working in collaborative groups, students can complete a self-reflection using Google Forms, reviewed here as to their feelings/preferences about each of the roles.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Iditarod Education Portal - Iditarod Trail Committee
Grades
3 to 12
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This section of the official Iditarod site offers free educational resources focused on the famous Alaskan sled dog race for students in grades 3-12. Explore a variety of lesson plans...more
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This section of the official Iditarod site offers free educational resources focused on the famous Alaskan sled dog race for students in grades 3-12. Explore a variety of lesson plans and activities that cover core subjects like math, science, social studies, and language arts through the lens of the Last Great Race on Earth. Additional features include a virtual museum, engaging articles written by K9 journalists, and a dedicated section for Teacher on the Trail updates that bring real-time race events into the classroom. Also available are printable worksheets, reading lists, and interactive tracking tools that allow students to follow individual mushers and their dog teams across the tundra. Make sure to check out the IditaRead program, which encourages students to reach their own reading goals by moving an avatar along checkpoints in the race.
In the Classroom
Bring the excitement of the Iditarod to life by having students participate in a cross-curricular simulation where they adopt a musher and track their progress using the site's live GPS maps. Enhance the experience by having students use Google Sheets, reviewed here, to record daily statistics such as miles traveled, weather conditions at checkpoints, and average speeds to create comparison graphs. For a language arts connection, ask students to write daily journal entries from the perspective of their musher or a sled dog, then compile these narratives into a digital book using Book Creator, reviewed here. Students can even record audio reflections or trail reports to embed within their digital books, allowing them to share their understanding of the physical and mental challenges faced during the race.
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Evaluating Credibility of Sources - Creator Unknown
Grades
4 to 8
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This Google Doc titled "Beginner & Intermediate 5: Evaluating Credibility of Sources" is a student activity guide focused on helping learners understand how to decide whether information...more
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This Google Doc titled "Beginner & Intermediate 5: Evaluating Credibility of Sources" is a student activity guide focused on helping learners understand how to decide whether information is trustworthy and useful for research. The document centers on the guiding question "How do I evaluate the credibility of sources and determine which ones to use for a specific task?" It encourages students to examine authorship, accuracy, purpose, and relevance when selecting sources. This document supports information literacy instruction by giving students practice in analyzing different sources and thinking critically about reliability before using information in a project or assignment.
tag(s): digital literacy (37), evaluating sources (53), media literacy (130), Research (90)
In the Classroom
Give students two sources about the same topic, one strong and one weak. Students can use the lesson questions to compare the sources and decide which one is more credible. Have students design a poster using DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here showing rules for choosing good sources. Have students use the lesson's evaluation criteria to create or complete a checklist for evaluating sources. They can apply the checklist to a new article or website to determine if it is reliable and appropriate for research.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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TTS Reader Player - WellSource Ltd.
Grades
3 to 12
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The TTSReader Player is a free, web-based text-to-speech tool that lets users paste or load text, documents, or even webpages to be read aloud. One helpful feature is the option ...more
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The TTSReader Player is a free, web-based text-to-speech tool that lets users paste or load text, documents, or even webpages to be read aloud. One helpful feature is the option to switch to a free voice (non-premium). You can click on the voice selector, choose a free voice, and it will continue to work across different URLs without needing to be reset each time. When premium voices are selected, the site may prompt you to sign in with Google to unlock them, but the free voices remain usable without signing in.
tag(s): Accessibility (12), text to speech (24)
In the Classroom
Upload a short story, article, or poem into TTSReader and play it aloud for the class. Have students follow along with the text to build fluency and listening comprehension. Provide students with complex texts (like historical documents or scientific articles) and let them use TTSReader independently. They can pause, replay, and annotate, making it easier to engage with challenging content. Have students paste their own essays or reports into TTSReader. Hearing their writing read back helps them catch errors, improve sentence flow, and strengthen revisions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Resources for Teaching Students to Fact-Check - TCEA
Grades
4 to 12
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This blog post explains why teaching students to fact-check online content is essential in a world where misinformation, altered images and videos, and misleading news spread quickly....more
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This blog post explains why teaching students to fact-check online content is essential in a world where misinformation, altered images and videos, and misleading news spread quickly. It defines fact-checking as the process of evaluating the credibility, accuracy, and validity of information and sources so students can determine what is true, what is questionable, and which sources can be trusted. The article highlights several educator-friendly tools to support this work, including the Civic Online Reasoning curriculum, resources from the News Literacy Project such as Checkology, PBS's Be MediaWise initiative, and a selection of established fact-checking websites. For teachers, this post provides a practical starting point for helping students build strong critical-thinking and digital-citizenship skills.
tag(s): evaluating sources (53), media literacy (130)
In the Classroom
Show students three short statements (one true, one misleading, one unclear). Students can sort them into categories and explain why they think each belongs where it does. Place simple kid-friendly articles or headlines at different stations. In small groups, have students rotate through stations to check for clues of credibility (author, date, purpose, source type). They should record quick notes on a "credibility checklist." Give students a short paragraph or infographic and have them underline facts vs. opinions. Then they identify the evidence needed to confirm the facts.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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