Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Quickly and easily convert PDF to Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Create a PDF from almost any file using the converter. To use, select the type of conversion. Locate the PDF file you want to convert on your computer (even if it is only in your download folder). Enter your email address. You will receive an email with a link to your converted file. Be sure to check your "junk filter" on your email in case it does not show up directly in your inbox. Click on the attachment and download your brand new Word file! Maximum file size of an uploaded file is 2MB.
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tag(s): worksheets (69)

Handspeak is an online American Sign Language dictionary and tutorial resource. Find literature in American Sign Language as well as research, kid talk, finger spelling, video clips, and news. Stay current with the ASL word of the Day and the Phrase of the week. Jump into the different leveled lessons to learn manners, greetings, and numbers.
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tag(s): communication (129), sign language (10)

This blog offers ideas and resources to help substitute teachers make the most out of every day. It includes practical ideas such as what to bring to school as a substitute (who would have thought to bring your own "teacher-friendly" pencil sharpener?). There are also free k-5 lesson plans. The best part is all of the tips, support, and stories provided for substitute teachers "in the trenches." Although geared toward elementary teachers, ideas and suggestions are appropriate for any grade level.
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tag(s): classroom management (120), newbies (11), substitutes (25)

Looking for resources to use on your interactive whiteboard? If so, this site is a tremendous resource for all whiteboard users, not just those with a Promethean Board. View, search, and download from over 60,000 resources in all subject areas and grade levels. Use the Resources tab to search by state standard, content, grade level, or resource type. Register on the site to enable download ability as well as many other features such as saving favorites, reviewing resources, asking questions on the technical forum, following specific users, and uploading your own resources. Each resource includes a short description, grade level recommendation, file format, and size. Another great feature is the slide show included with each download for previewing different pages used on each chart.

tag(s): iwb (31), numbers (120), preK (270), resources (83)

Want to learn the basics of flipped classrooms? Join a professional learning community for teachers using screen casting in education. This professional site shows the basics of screen casting and flipped classrooms. Join different groups, which focus on a single topic such as; Slack, AP/IB Chemistry, Secondary English, Writing Virtual textbooks, Chemistry, Middle School, First Time Flippers, and many others. Follow events in screen casting. Ask questions on the leader boards.

tag(s): professional development (385), teaching strategies (50)

Find out how to say a word or phrase in another language: German, French, Portugese, or Spanish. You can also work from these languages to English. This tool translates one or two words but is not a translator of larger passages as Google Translate or Babblefish are. Linguee displays two results. On the left, see example sentences from many sources using your search expression in context; on the right, see results from Linguee's editorial dictionary translating the expression in context. This is a submersion-like experience because it looks at a small amount of text in context in the target language instead of a one-to-one, back-and-forth translation. The tool orks wuite well with short, idiomatic phrases such as "ahead of the game." You can vote thumbs up or down for the various in-context translations offered. The reverse process is also available, translating from any of the European languages into English. Some of the words/phrases provide audio. Plans are to expand the offerings to other languages. The home page is also available in Spanish. You can contribute new meanings to existing entries, similar to a Wiki.
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tag(s): dictionaries (47), french (75), german (49), idioms (30), portuguese (22), spanish (109)

This short article provides some quick tips for using QR (Quick Response) codes in the classroom. Most ideas are easy to use immediately in a classroom setting. For example, use QR codes to link to exemplars to provide examples of quality work for students or use codes to make learning stations that link to online content. If you are interested in using QR codes in your classroom, this article will help you get started. Be sure to read the comments from others for some additional ideas for using QR codes in the classroom.

tag(s): qr codes (18)

Find many resources and ideas for implementation of Common Core Standards at this site. There are several sections for easy viewing. These sections include: "Download the Standards," "Keep an Eye on These," "Assessment," "Helpful Tools," "What are Other States Doing?" and more. Download and use information included in PDF and Excel format such as, progression of standards within grade levels and math cards for supporting instruction. Some other useful features are district plans for transitioning to Common Core Standards and "gaps" found when transitioning to Common Core.

tag(s): commoncore (73), professional development (385)

This short article contains all the information you need to get started using QR codes in the classroom. The blog post begins with reasons to use QR codes and moves on to three parts: getting ready to use QR codes, teaching students to use the codes, and ideas for using codes in the classroom. One notable section explains common problems encountered using QR codes; this is an excellent resource to look through if you have difficulty at any time. Be sure to read the comments at the bottom of the post for some additional ideas for using QR codes in the classroom.
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tag(s): qr codes (18)

WeTransfer is an easy way to move or share up to 2 GB of files. Simply add files, enter the receiver's and sender's email addresses, and add an optional message. Then click Transfer. Files are available for two weeks. This is a public site, and the backgrounds change each time you log in. You should preview the backgrounds before suggesting students use this site. Our reviewers saw nothing objectionable.

YPulse is the authority to consult when you want to know more about tweens, teens, and the young adults of today. This is where you can learn more about the tech savvy youth culture who will soon shape our world. There are several categories to choose from: age, education, style, culture and trends, movies, music, gaming, and media and entertainment. There are also main pages across the top. At the time of this review, the Point of View page was full of informative articles about what the millennial citizen does and does not consider risky behavior. The Millennial Voices page has the latest blog posts from some of their Youth Advisory Members. These members are from all around the world and their ages vary from 13 to 23. YPulse's primary audience is media and marketing professionals; however, there is much to glean for parents, teachers, and counselors. Stay informed by signing up for their daily insight newsletter on the Point of View Page.

tag(s): careers (156), media literacy (109)

Find lesson ideas and more for literature and language arts, foreign languages, art and culture, history and social studies at the reworked site that was once part of MarcoPolo. Lesson Plans, Teacher Guides, book articles, data bases, educational gaming, professional development events, sound, film, video resources, and resource website lists all aid teachers and learners. A calendar keeps you up to date with famous dates in history.

tag(s): art history (102), cultures (180), Juneteenth (22), literacy (122)

Looking for project ideas to use with Scratch? Take a look at this generous community where teachers are sharing great ideas, handouts, videos, and more about using Scratch. Only the introductory video requires Flash.

tag(s): coding (85), creativity (86), interactive stories (22), video (266)

Why reinvent the wheel when you can learn from the technology work that other schools are doing? Alberta education shares reports and recommendations about the latest technology initiatives in their schools. Download PDF reports and how-to's on implementing iPads, One to One devices in the classroom, managing Bring Your Own Device initiatives, and many "geekier" topics that go beyond what classroom teachers need to know but will be helpful for instructional technology coaches or teachers serving on school technology committees. This site is definitely for the tech evangelists in your school. As schools face constant changes in technology, Alberta is sharing how their schools manage such changes.

tag(s): digital citizenship (85)

Learn about the endangered languages of the world. See samples of the languages, research about the language and culture spotlighted, or even record the language. A world map provides an overview of the location and status of each language under examination. The status criteria vary: at risk, endangered, severely endangered, vitality unknown. Each section of the map includes a figure indicating the number of threatened languages in the area. Find other names for the language, number and names of dialects, the number of its speakers alive today, and the location of the language. Information is available for professional linguists about how to prepare a language documentation project and about that field's research methods.

tag(s): cross cultural understanding (173), word study (59)

Easily create and download a colorful pie chart with PieColor. Enter the number of slices you want, the percent for each slice, and a label (example - 48% girls, 52% boys). Adjust colors as you like by clicking on the color wheel for each slice. Options include a title, background color, and size of text. Download or embed in your blog using links at the bottom of your pie chart.
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tag(s): charts and graphs (171), data (151), percent (59)

Get started with Skype in the classroom or enhance current lessons with this remarkably informative site that includes lesson ideas, flyers, videos, and much more all about Skyping for educational purposes. The focus in this site is on making Skype calls truly educational and meaningful learning experiences. View explicit directions about student roles when Skyping and how to plan, prepare, and assess activities. Be sure to learn all about The Mystery Skype Call by doing a key word search for mystery; results provide an informative video explaining how to get started and complete a successful call. Another highlight of the site is the page on Skype Jobs for students - find this by searching on the right hand tool bar or doing a key word search for jobs. You are sure to find a great deal of information to begin effective and interesting Skyping in your classroom!

tag(s): professional development (385), tutorials (52), virtual field trips (128), webcams (19)

This tool generates passwords with a random assortment of letters and numbers. Do you need a specific number of letters, numbers, or characters? No problem! Click on the Options tab to check off the options needed from the drop down menu.

tag(s): internet safety (114)

Promote yourself for college or future jobs by creating your own "me portfolio" website. No matter your age or stage in life, in today's world you are what Google shows about you. Take control of your online presence to show your chosen audience what YOU want them to know. You are more than your FaceBook persona or Linked In profile. about.me allows you to create a "hub" with links to your online projects you want visitors to see. Upload a photo, write a short piece about your interests, then link to your online content and social networks. There is also an Assets page where you can download the about.me logo and colors to add to other pages and projects you have on the web so visitors will link back to the hub and discover your other projects. The Terms of Use for About.Me prohibits creating fictitious personas.

tag(s): college (45), communication (129), internet safety (114), portfolios (23), social networking (61)

This free site makes classroom management more accessible by allowing you to create a seating chart easily. There is also a Random Name Generator and a Classroom Group Maker. You can create many groups with up to 100 students in each group. Under the Help/F.A.Q. on the top menu bar, discover a 1 page PDF for quickly getting started. Once you have set up your seating chart, click SuperTeacherTools on the top right menu bar to find games and activities you can create.

tag(s): classroom management (120), Teacher Utilities (198)