3898 language-arts results | sort by:
return to subject listing
Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab - Randall Davis
Grades
3 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This site offers audible everyday conversations with adult and children's voices for ESL/ELL students. There are three levels of difficulty. Each story (conversation) includes before,...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 site offers audible everyday conversations with adult and children's voices for ESL/ELL students. There are three levels of difficulty. Each story (conversation) includes before, during, and after listening information. Note: some content, such as "Dating Woes," "The Ideal Woman," and "Personal Problems" may not be appropriate for younger students. Preview! There are some small Google ads, but they are not objectionable. This site requires Windows Media Player or Real Media and Acrobat Reader. Get them from the "TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
tag(s): listening (117)
In the Classroom
Consider using some of the listening exercises to help all students learn to become better listeners or to discuss the concept of "main idea." Turn up your speakers (and use a projector to display the "quiz script," if you wish) to share the stories and questions or assign stories for student listening in a center. Use the follow-up questions to assess listening skills. Be sure to follow your school district's guidelines for students posting information online if they will be responding to the blog feature on this site.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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!).
Travel For Kids - Globetracks
Grades
2 to 8
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This website provides easy-to-access information about numerous countries. The information focuses on what would interest travelers to each country: the main cities, sites of interest,...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 website provides easy-to-access information about numerous countries. The information focuses on what would interest travelers to each country: the main cities, sites of interest, geographical features, food, shopping, family activities, and books. There are approximately 40 countries included (such as Austria, Finland, Hong Kong, Israel, Canada, Cuba, Chile, Bali, Kenya, and numerous others). The highlight of this website is the wonderful annotated list of books about each country.
tag(s): countries (70)
In the Classroom
Have students research various countries throughout the world -- maybe one from their famiy heritage. Use your interactive whiteboard (or projector) to have them share the various countries. Have your students read books from the various countries. Then challenge your students to create travel posters or broshures about the country. World language teachers can use the country information for students to learn "plan a trip" to a country where residents speak the language you are studying and create a tour advertisement in the language.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!).
English: Reading Non-fiction Texts - BBC
Grades
9 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Although this page has been archived and is no longer updated, all links are functional. While this site was intended for British students taking a mandatory national exam, the...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:
Although this page has been archived and is no longer updated, all links are functional. While this site was intended for British students taking a mandatory national exam, the methods used to teach students how to extract information from non-fiction texts is quite valuable to any student who has trouble finding the pertinent points. Many U.S. state reading exams include the same skills. The site gives students acronyms as mnemonics to remember key points, such as "mind the GAP." It walks students through purpose, audience, tone, genre, information, style, and language. The site also provides interactive quizzes to test students for recall as they go along. The pages are also printable. Be sure to explain to your students that "revise" in British English means the same as to "review" in the U.S.
tag(s): reading comprehension (146)
In the Classroom
Ready for the test? That's what they say... and with standardized testing on the rise, reading non-fiction text quickly and accurately becomes important. Using this site to quiz students on key elements such as purpose or tone makes it a bit of fun as well as learning. Set up computer stations for each section and have the students work through them at their own pace. Or perhaps use the handouts and play a Jeopardy game as either practice or review. Another idea: project the "tests" on an interactive whiteboard or projector so the entire class can participate together or compete as teams. Special ed or remedial teachers will love these activities for individual students who need re-teaching and extra practice with non-fiction.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!).
English Literature: Pride and Prejudice - BBC
Grades
9 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Although this site is archived the links and videos still work. Introducing a novel by helping the students understand the time period and customs that are so different from their ...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:
Although this site is archived the links and videos still work. Introducing a novel by helping the students understand the time period and customs that are so different from their own can generate interest as well as create a mood for kids about to the read the novel. Marriage and the role of women and class in Austen's novel often make her books inaccessible to many of today's teenagers. However, this site gives enough background to whet the interest. It includes information and interactive questions on plot, characters, themes, as well as a sample essay question and answer. Be aware, this site was created by the BBC; "revise" means the same as "review" to Americans.
tag(s): literature (214)
In the Classroom
Since each section is printable, you might have students review different sections individually or in small groups and then be in charge of reviewing that section with the rest of the class. Using the interactive quizzes included on the site, students could vie as teams. The sample essay is set up in such a manner that several students could write one part of each of the six sections and then the class could put it together and compare it to the model answers.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!).
English literature: Lord of the Flies - BBC
Grades
9 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Though this site is archived, the links still work. This site gives us context, plot, characters, themes, and a model essay question and answer for the novel Lord of the ...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:
Though this site is archived, the links still work. This site gives us context, plot, characters, themes, and a model essay question and answer for the novel Lord of the Flies. While the context is quite short (Golding's biography is all of 4 sentences!), it gives insight into some of the meaning that Golding himself took from war and his own time as a teacher. The brief plot summaries are just enough to remind students of what each chapter is about-- all the detail is in the novel. Characters and themes are presented with interactive questions and self-quizzes that students can use to review or quiz themselves. One language note: to "revise" material in the UK is the same as to "review" it in the U.S. One "revises" before a test.
tag(s): literature (214)
In the Classroom
This is a great supplementary site for pre-reading or for reviewing. An especially nice extra is the inclusion of a sample essay question and answer. It sets up the question to be answered in a five-paragraph theme and offers possible topic sentences as an outline for writing that theme. Using the sample on a projector or interactive whiteboard is a good way to help students learn how to structure their own essay answers. Have students share and critique essays on the projector or interactive whiteboard.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!).
English Literature: Jane Eyre - BBC
Grades
10 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Though this site is archived, the links still work. This site excels at giving background to the novel, as well as reviewing plot, characters, and themes of Jane Eyre. It ...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:
Though this site is archived, the links still work. This site excels at giving background to the novel, as well as reviewing plot, characters, and themes of Jane Eyre. It discusses the time period, the Gothic novel genre, and the background to the novel itself. Each section offers review for students then interactive quizzes to test themselves. Since this is a British site, the word "revise" is used in place of what Americans call "review."
tag(s): literature (214)
In the Classroom
A great review before a test, this site is also good for pre-reading activities to build understanding of 18th century times and novels, particularly the views of women. The sample question takes students through a step-by-step writing of an outline for an essay. On a projector or interactive whiteboard, students might write their own collaborative answers to the sample outline and then compare it with the finished model given.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!).
English Literature: Great Expectations - BBC
Grades
8 to 11
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Though this website is archived the links still work. This website provides background information about Charles Dickens and the writing of Great Expectations. The website 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:
Though this website is archived the links still work. This website provides background information about Charles Dickens and the writing of Great Expectations. The website features very brief overviews of the chapters, a timeline, definitions of various literary elements, information about Victorian times, and more. There is also a section on characters, theme, and sample essay questions. The information on the Victorian times is very useful for students unfamiliar with Dickens and the writing style of the 19th century. Please note that the word REVISE in Great Britain means the same as REVIEW in the U.S.
tag(s): dickens (8), literature (214)
In the Classroom
Why not use an interactive whiteboard (or projection screen) to review for a test. Project the sample essay question on the screen and have students write independently at their seats. Then compare the students' writing to the model (answer) provided. The self-quizzes are also ideal for projection screens(or independent review).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!).
CuePrompter.com: The Online Teleprompter - Hannu Multanen
Grades
2 to 12
0 Favorites
1 Comments
This handy online tool (Windows only--sorry) makes any computer screen into a "teleprompter" (scrolling screen with the text YOU paste in). No membership or log in is required. Just...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 handy online tool (Windows only--sorry) makes any computer screen into a "teleprompter" (scrolling screen with the text YOU paste in). No membership or log in is required. Just open the site and copy/paste in the text from a word doc (or type it in, but there is no way to SAVE it on the site). We recommend keeping your text ready-to-copy/paste and saved in another program. Set the font size and screen size to large or small. When you are ready to "speak," click the "start prompter" button. The speed controls are at the top of the screen. Remember that F11 will make any web page full screen without menus and toolbars. If you are fortunate enough to have a rear projection screen, the text can even be reversed. Anyone who wants scrolling text can just paste and go. The maximum text length is 2000 characters, but you could always have a second window ready and switch mid-speech. See System Requirements if you cannot get it to work.
In the Classroom
Why bother with this one? Lots of reasons! Once they see it, your students are sure to come up with more, but here is a start: Try making a sample dialog for students to follow out loud as your project it in a foreign language or ESL/ELL class. Be sure to write in script format so they know who is speaking! Or share this tool with students who need help getting their nose out of their notes in presenting speeches. They can run it on a laptop only they can see and look out at the audience past the prompter. The comfort of having their text right there will ease many butterflies.An alternate use: build reading fluency by having students read aloud from this tech-tool. They will be FAR more motivated to read up to speed! Speech clinicians may want to try it for articulation practice, as well.
Comments
While this is a great tool. I found http://www.freeteleprompter.org/ much easier to use. Cueprompter looks rather cluttered and dated. Just my 2 cents as you guys would say.Dave, , Grades: 6 - 12
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!).
English literature: Of Mice and Men - BBC
Grades
8 to 10
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Although, this site is archived, the links still work. This is a good site to introduce the Of Mice and Men or to review and quiz student knowledge as they ...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:
Although, this site is archived, the links still work. This is a good site to introduce the Of Mice and Men or to review and quiz student knowledge as they read. It offers very general, but valuable information on context, including a brief Steinbeck biography, background on the depression, information on migrant workers (complete with Woody Guthrie song accompaniment), and a picture of housing. Print these brief sources or use the menus for plot, character, or theme to locate some explanations and interactive quizzes. Note to American students: "Revise" in the U.K. is the same as "Review" in the U.S. Check out the section called "Sample Question." This section helps students think about answering thoughtful questions about this novel. It provides "preparation," a sample question, and a model answer -- complete with commentary on that answer.
tag(s): novels (34)
In the Classroom
The "sample question" is a great lesson to go over with on an interactive whiteboard or projector in class or have students work through individually or include in student blogs.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!).
Dream Snow Hangman - Amanda Madden on Quia
Grades
K to 4
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Everyone loves Eric Carle's Dream Snow book. Now, quiz your students on the book's details through a simple, interactive hangman exercise. Students must answer 10 questions about...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:
Everyone loves Eric Carle's Dream Snow book. Now, quiz your students on the book's details through a simple, interactive hangman exercise. Students must answer 10 questions about the book by guessing the letters. It's edgy and fun to avoid being hanged.
tag(s): assessment (143), game based learning (311), reading comprehension (146), snow (24)
In the Classroom
This is definitely a winter book, so plan on sharing it on an interactive whiteboard (or projector) during your winter unit. Or quiz your students' understanding of the book by having each take the Hangman quiz. Have them print out their scores or raise a hand to share it with you for a token grade.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!).
Wolf Quest - Minnesota Zoo
Grades
4 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This fabulous website about wolves and habitats in Yellowstone allows participants to "live" as a wolf, raise their young, explore the wilderness, go hunting, and survive. Students...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 fabulous website about wolves and habitats in Yellowstone allows participants to "live" as a wolf, raise their young, explore the wilderness, go hunting, and survive. Students can work alone or with partners, as they learn about wolves in the wild. Students can consult biologists, write original stories, create drawings, and more. This is the first episode; future installments are expected in late 2008. Students and/or teachers must register (free)to use the program. We recommend using a single class/teacher registration or parent/student written agreements for student registrations in order to prevent inappropriate postings "clever" students might make on the community discussion boards. There are also detailed lesson plans (click on Wolf Info > classroom activities). The lesson plans include national science standards.
tag(s): animal homes (54), animals (279), zoology (18)
In the Classroom
Introduce this free resource on interactive whiteboard or projector. The lesson plans and interactive activity are both perfect tools to drum up enthusiasm in biology class. The Game Info provides excellent descriptors and instructions for using this program. Be sure to check back for updated episodes. Include this website on your teacher web site (and the activities) as one of a set of activities on animals and their habitats to be done in class or outside. Then challenge your students to work together in documenting local animals and habitats in a class wiki or group science fair project.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!).
CRAM - Flashcard DB (Database) - Cram.com
Grades
K to 12
7 Favorites
0 Comments
Check out this easy-to-use flashcard site useful for any subject area. The Leitner System of efficiently learning facts through flashcards makes learning a breeze. This online version...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:
Check out this easy-to-use flashcard site useful for any subject area. The Leitner System of efficiently learning facts through flashcards makes learning a breeze. This online version actually graphs the results of a study session so you can see progress. The sign-up for this free tool is ultra-quick and requires no email address. The set-up is quite user friendly. Within a few minutes of accessing this site, you have personalized flashcards to help with learning. Another cool feature: when you give your card sets the same 'tag,' you automatically have the ability to study those multiple sets together. After the study session, you will see the study stats for just those card sets. Flashcards couldn't be easier!
tag(s): word study (58)
In the Classroom
Facts, spelling words, vocabulary, definitions, you name it --- all can easily be typed into this flashcard format for any subject. Plan to tag sets for related material so they can be grouped. For example: tag all geography terms "geography" and all words from the same science chapter using the chapter number or topic. You can use multiple tags, too! In the computer lab, using a projector or interactive whiteboard, walk your students through making their own sets of flashcards. Students or parents can then access their electronic cards at home or anywhere. No email address is needed to sign-up for this free service. Include the link to your sets on your web page for students to study before tests.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!).
PBS Arthur - PBS
Grades
K to 3
3 Favorites
0 Comments
If Arthur and his friends sit on your bookshelf, bookmark this interactive and safe PBS website. The site offers numerous activities, polls, information about your favorite Arthur characters,...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:
If Arthur and his friends sit on your bookshelf, bookmark this interactive and safe PBS website. The site offers numerous activities, polls, information about your favorite Arthur characters, and many other educational activities. Some examples include Moonlight Mazes, Arthur's Park, and numerous others.
tag(s): letter writing (18), nutrition (137), writing (308)
In the Classroom
Make sure you click the 'Parents and Teachers' link at the bottom left column of the homepage to find lesson plans, activities, book lists, and more. Nearly all of these activities are ideal for an interactive whiteboard or projector. When reading Arthur books in your classroom, extend the learning through these activities. From healthy eating tips to Arthur Trivia, the possibilities at this website are endless.
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!).
Online Stopwatch - online-stopwatch.com
Grades
K to 12
10 Favorites
1 Comments
What a wonderful tool to use in any classroom. This website provides an online stop watch (as the name suggests). On the home page, you have your choice of a ...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:
What a wonderful tool to use in any classroom. This website provides an online stop watch (as the name suggests). On the home page, you have your choice of a stop watch (counting up from 0) or a countdown (for the number of minutes or seconds you choose). There is even a "large stop watch" link that makes the counting a full-screen adventure (perfect if you are using your desktop computer at a distance -- easier for students to see).
tag(s): counting (66)
In the Classroom
There are many uses for this practical online tool. Get out your interactive whiteboard or projection screen (or even the classroom desktop computer) and make sure the speakers are turned up. Use this tool for students to practice speeches, or to limit time for a quiz or spelling test. Shrink the stopwatch window in the corner of your interactive whiteboard as you time different teams completing a drag-and-drop challenge. The countdown feature could also be used for timing the rotations from center to center. You can even use the timer for reading fluency exercises or physical education warm-ups! A clever classroom management tool would be to start the visible count-down on your computer screen when you want the class to settle down for directions or to transition to the next subject. Kindergarten students can practice counting along with the watch!Comments
This is truly a wonderful tool, it uses flash though so it won't work on the iPad, in that case I suggest using http://ipadstopwatch.com it does the same thing but also has it's own unique features.Luis, , Grades: 0 - 12
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!).
Time Line Maker - Teachnology
Grades
1 to 5
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This site provides a quick and easy way to create a time line. Clear, step-by-step directions explain the process in language that even younger students can follow. Time lines cannot...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 site provides a quick and easy way to create a time line. Clear, step-by-step directions explain the process in language that even younger students can follow. Time lines cannot be saved, but can be printed horizontally (6 events) or vertically (9 events).
In the Classroom
Sign up to use the computer lab or laptops for students to complete a time line of their life or other topic, such as an animal life cycle or a biorgaphy of a famous person.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!).
100 Free Short Stories for ESL - Rong-Chang Li & Bill Bailey
Grades
6 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This website provides a large collection of short stories selected for beginning and advanced beginning ESL students. The subject matter of many stories is not appropriate for younger...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 website provides a large collection of short stories selected for beginning and advanced beginning ESL students. The subject matter of many stories is not appropriate for younger students. Some include topics you would find in newspaper articles, and some deal with dating. Preview! Some stories on the website allow you to read the story yourself or click on the speaker icon to hear the story read aloud. The site could also be used to provide extra reading and reading/listening for struggling readers. There are also an online dictionary, great follow-up activities to check comprehension, and crossword puzzles. The questions and other review activities provide immediate feedback. There are numerous advertisements. Be sure to show your student how to use the site and not click the ads.
tag(s): puzzles (166), reading comprehension (146), vocabulary (254), vocabulary development (103)
In the Classroom
Share these activities with individual students as an assignment or independent practice on your classroom computer and as a link from your web site. The reading and activities are easy to work on independently because of the listening feature and the available dictionary. Don't forget to provide headphones. Provide this link for the families of ESL/ELL students to read (or listen) to the stories together.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!).
Circus Theme Unit - abcteach
Grades
K to 3
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This website provides numerous activities (mainly printable pages) all about the circus. Subject areas include math, language arts, writing, poetry, and other areas. Some of the pages...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 website provides numerous activities (mainly printable pages) all about the circus. Subject areas include math, language arts, writing, poetry, and other areas. Some of the pages include coloring pages, literature themes, alliteration, word searches, writing prompts, and more. Be aware, although most of this website is free - a few of the printable pages require a membership.
tag(s): counting (66), handwriting (15), poetry (195), writing (308)
In the Classroom
Use these free pages to help your students learn writing, counting, and other skills while enjoying the "circus" theme.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!).
Eclectic English - eclecticenglish.com
Grades
2 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This site offers grammar practice, exams and quizzes, worksheets, and more for learning ESL. Spellings and vocabulary are British. Drag the words to match a picture in the vocabulary...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 site offers grammar practice, exams and quizzes, worksheets, and more for learning ESL. Spellings and vocabulary are British. Drag the words to match a picture in the vocabulary exercises. Submit a request for new ESL exercises on the Wish List. NOTE: the ESL forums provide an opportunity for students to use new English knowledge, but they may not include topics you wish to make available in the classroom. PREVIEW first. Requires JAVA: Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..
tag(s): grammar (141), vocabulary (254)
In the Classroom
Use the listings on this site to find review and extra practice for your ESL students. Make the specific activities available on your classroom computer.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!).
On-Line Stories and Resources - Babbooks
Grades
1 to 3
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Children will enjoy these short interactive stories on a variety of high-interest subjects such as animals, magic, holidays, princesses etc. Some stories rhyme and some have lovely,...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:
Children will enjoy these short interactive stories on a variety of high-interest subjects such as animals, magic, holidays, princesses etc. Some stories rhyme and some have lovely, hand-made illustrations. To encourage children to write, a story tool called Adlib is available with hints about what the required parts of speech mean. Children who write using Adlib can see their stories instantly appear on the computer! Ignore the repeated mentions of "Kids Voyager" unless you want to pay for this read-aloud service. Unfortunately, the stories do not include reading levels. If you cannot tell, check them by simply copying the pasting the URL for the first page into this online reading level checker.
tag(s): digital reading (18), writing (308)
In the Classroom
ESL students and emergent readers will enjoy seeing the words of the stories as they hear the words read by a big buddy or other helper. Beginning readers would benefit from hearing slightly more advanced readers voice the stories; try a collaborative project with another grade. Try recording students as they read, as well. Make this story site a classroom center or computer cluster option for reluctant readers. Another option: share a story on an interactive whiteboard so students can highlight words with certain consonant clusters, etc.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!).
Thoughtful Learning - Write Source: Writing Topics - Houghton Mifflin Co.
Grades
K to 12
7 Favorites
0 Comments
The authors of Write Source have moved their materials to Thoughtful Learning. Explore this great site to find free minilessons, student writing topics, and models of good writing....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 authors of Write Source have moved their materials to Thoughtful Learning. Explore this great site to find free minilessons, student writing topics, and models of good writing. The writing topics are divided by grade level in elementary and intermediate, then grouped as 9-12 for high school. Each section includes many writing prompts --enough to whet the appetite of almost any student. The minilessons are a treasure! Many have a short video explanation and some have templates to print! The student models are shown by type (creative writing, persuasive, research, response to literature, business, etc.) and level. As for writing assessments see the elementary and middle school models in all of the major modes of writing, and rubrics that assess each example as "Strong," "Good," "Okay," or "Poor." Download blank rubrics to use with your students. The upper levels of this site, such as persuasive writing or literary analysis, open the door to higher level thinking. There are free curricula Teaching Guides for K-3, however, the other levels of curricula books have a cost. Though the videos display on this site, they reside on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): blogs (82), essays (18), writing (308), writing prompts (55)
In the Classroom
Have the students choose their own prompt from the list and then share their writing within a small group, with the class, or on their own blogs. Replace paper and pencil and have your younger students create a blog using Seesaw, reviewed here., while older students can use Telegra.ph, reviewed here. With Telegra.ph you just click on an icon to upload images from your computer, add a YouTube or Vimeo, or X (formerly Twitter) links. This blog creator requires no registration. Use the models and anonymous sharing on an interactive whiteboard to create a "safe" way for students to share writing as process and hear how others do it. Take this a step further and enhance student learning by having them use a collaborative writing tool like Google Docs. There is also the option of altering student learning and PUBLISHING student models with Book Creator, reviewed here, or Ourboox, reviewed here, as a motivator. Be sure to get parent permission!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