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Reading Treks: Black Was The Ink - TeachersFirst
Grades
7 to 9
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Black Was the Ink is a literary journey based on Michelle Coles's novel, following Malcolm, a modern-day African-American teen confronting personal struggles and systemic injustice....more
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Black Was the Ink is a literary journey based on Michelle Coles's novel, following Malcolm, a modern-day African-American teen confronting personal struggles and systemic injustice. This Reading Trek includes interactive maps (Google My Map and Google Earth Map) that trace locations tied to the story, along with a downloadable teacher guide (PDF) to support classroom use, making it easy to bring the book's settings and themes to life for students. The teacher guide includes many activity ideas related to the book and the maps.
tag(s): civil war (138), diversity (56), identity (42), Reading Treks (56)
In the Classroom
Pair the interactive maps with the teacher guide to turn Black Was the Ink into an immersive, cross-curricular experience. As students follow Malcolm's journey on the map, they can research the real-world significance of each location, connecting the novel's settings to historical and social context. The teacher guide offers discussion questions, activities, and extension ideas that pair naturally with the map--perfect for small-group stations, independent research projects, or whole-class discussions that deepen comprehension of the book's themes around identity, justice, and resilience.
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Canva GIF Maker - Canva
Grades
3 to 12
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Canva's GIF Maker offers a step-by-step guide to making a GIF. All you need is an image or video, and then apply transitions, animations, filters, and frames to bring your ...more
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Canva's GIF Maker offers a step-by-step guide to making a GIF. All you need is an image or video, and then apply transitions, animations, filters, and frames to bring your GIF to life. Although creating an account allows you to edit your GIF, you do not need to have a Canva account to create one. Canva's GIF possibilities are endless!
tag(s): animation (66), creativity (89)
In the Classroom
Students can create GIFs regarding historical events and post them to Padlet reviewed here. Have students create a GIF to show a character's emotions. Use GIFs for creative writing projects.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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NotebookLM Prompt Generator - Kee Man
Grades
K to 12
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NotebookLM, reviewed here is an amazing resource for curating information and creating study materials; however, making the most of its incredible...more
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NotebookLM, reviewed here is an amazing resource for curating information and creating study materials; however, making the most of its incredible features requires an understanding of how to create the proper prompt to create materials that work best for individual users. This is where NotebookLM Prompt Generator comes to the rescue. NotebookLM Prompt Generator lets users select features such as style preferences, content scope, and other tools to personalize and create a custom prompt for infographics and slide decks. When finished, copy your prompt to your clipboard and paste it into the NotebookLM Studio design prompt of your choosing.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (335), infographics (73), presentations (41), slides (38)
In the Classroom
Use this resource to improve the materials you create with NotebookLM. For student use, share this generator to help students understand the importance of prompt engineering when using AI tools to generate content that matches their desired output. Have students take a screenshot of the completed page, then add that image to a document that includes the generated image or slide deck, and analyze the output. Have students compare and contrast their completed images or slide decks to deepen their understanding of how NotebookLM uses prompts to create different appearances in their work. Because each student's prompt choices will differ, the resulting outputs will vary even when starting from the same source material. This comparison highlights how small changes in phrasing, detail, or intent can significantly shape what AI generates, making prompt engineering feel concrete and consequential rather than abstract.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Journal Prompts for a Coming-of-Age Unit - Facing History and Ourselves
Grades
6 to 12
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The Facing History and Ourselves resource Journal Prompts for a Coming-of-Age Unit offers a thoughtfully curated collection of reflective writing prompts to help students explore identity,...more
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The Facing History and Ourselves resource Journal Prompts for a Coming-of-Age Unit offers a thoughtfully curated collection of reflective writing prompts to help students explore identity, belonging, choices, and personal growth in a coming-of-age literature unit. The prompts encourage students to make personal connections to texts, consider ethical dilemmas, and reflect on how experiences shape who they are becoming, supporting deeper comprehension and social-emotional learning. These journal activities can be used as warm-ups, ongoing reflections, or culminating responses, helping teachers foster meaningful discussion and critical thinking while guiding students through the complexities of adolescence and character development.
tag(s): identity (42), journals (23), social and emotional learning (202)
In the Classroom
Start class with a short journal prompt about identity or belonging. Have students write for 5-7 minutes, then optionally share with a partner or small group. After responding to a prompt, have students discuss their ideas with a partner using sentence starters. While reading a coming-of-age text, have students choose prompts that relate to a character's experiences. Students can write from their own perspective, then add a second paragraph explaining how their response connects to the character's choices or growth.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Scroobly - TensorFlow
Grades
3 to 8
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Scroobly is a creative, browser-based tool that allows students to turn simple drawings into animated characters using their device's camera and artificial intelligence. By tracking...more
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Scroobly is a creative, browser-based tool that allows students to turn simple drawings into animated characters using their device's camera and artificial intelligence. By tracking facial expressions and body movements in real time, the platform brings doodles to life, making it easy for users to create short animations without any coding or design experience. Begin by clicking the start button and allowing Scroobly to access your device's camera. Select an animation option from the toolbar below your image, and select record. Scroobly will record your movements within the animation for up to 15 seconds. Options for saving include exporting as a GIF, a PNG sequence, or a Doodle file. This interactive and highly engaging tool is especially useful for encouraging storytelling, speaking practice, and creative expression, as students can design their own characters and record quick animated clips that respond to their movements.
tag(s): animation (66), artificial intelligence (335), digital storytelling (171), drawing (57)
In the Classroom
Have students create a simple drawn character and use Scroobly to introduce themselves or a fictional character. Assign vocabulary words and have students create characters that act out or explain the meaning of each word. Students can animate a character from a different perspective (for example, the antagonist or a side character) and explain events from that viewpoint, strengthening comprehension and critical thinking.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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40 End-of-Year Journaling Prompts to Inspire Reflection - Rosebud
Grades
3 to 12
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This article from Rosebud offers 40 end-of-year writing prompts to help students reflect on their learning, growth, and experiences throughout the school year. The prompts range from...more
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This article from Rosebud offers 40 end-of-year writing prompts to help students reflect on their learning, growth, and experiences throughout the school year. The prompts range from quick bell-ringers to deeper workshop-style activities, making them easy to adapt to different classroom needs and time frames. The site emphasizes the value of reflective writing in helping students retain knowledge, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and set meaningful goals for the future. With open-ended questions that encourage personal insight and classroom discussion, this resource is a practical tool for helping students bring closure to the year while preparing for continued learning.
In the Classroom
Give students 1-2 short prompts (favorite moment, biggest challenge) and have them complete quick 5-minute writes. Post different prompts around the room. Have students rotate, responding to each with a sentence or sketch. Have students choose one big prompt, such as "How did you grow this year?" and write a structured response with a claim, evidence, and reasoning.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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10 Fun Alternatives to Think-Pair-Share - We Are Teachers
Grades
3 to 12
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This article from We Are Teachers offers a collection of creative alternatives to the traditional think-pair-share strategy, providing teachers with engaging ways to increase student...more
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This article from We Are Teachers offers a collection of creative alternatives to the traditional think-pair-share strategy, providing teachers with engaging ways to increase student participation and deepen classroom discussions. It explains that while think-pair-share is effective, structured variations such as movement-based activities, collaborative brainstorming, and role-based discussions can help keep students focused, energized, and actively involved in learning. The site emphasizes that these strategies promote stronger communication skills, encourage all students to contribute, and support deeper understanding by exposing learners to multiple perspectives and repeated opportunities to refine their thinking.
tag(s): collaboration (131), perspective (33), thinking routines (50)
In the Classroom
Have groups create a final answer or slide show using Aha Slides, reviewed here that combines everyone's ideas. They must justify their thinking using evidence, pushing students toward deeper reasoning and synthesis. Assign roles such as explainer and questioner. Have one student explain their thinking while the other asks probing questions to deepen understanding, then they switch roles. After pairing, the two pairs join together to form a group of four and compare ideas. This collaborative discussion helps students refine their thinking by hearing multiple perspectives.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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50 Activities For Developing Critical Thinking Skills - Kapable
Grades
4 to 12
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This article from Kapable provides a comprehensive collection of 50 practical activities designed to help develop and strengthen critical thinking skills through hands-on practice and...more
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This article from Kapable provides a comprehensive collection of 50 practical activities designed to help develop and strengthen critical thinking skills through hands-on practice and collaboration. It explains that critical thinking involves analyzing information, questioning assumptions, and considering multiple perspectives to make well-reasoned decisions. It emphasizes that activities such as debates, role-playing, puzzles, and problem-solving scenarios help learners build these skills in meaningful ways. The site highlights how these activities promote creativity, improve decision-making, and encourage adaptability by exposing learners to real-world challenges and diverse viewpoints, making it a useful resource for teachers looking to incorporate structured, interactive strategies to build students' analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
tag(s): collaboration (131), critical thinking (187), thinking routines (50)
In the Classroom
Set up stations with different types of challenges (logic puzzles, real-world scenarios, ethical dilemmas). Have students rotate through stations, collaborate, and explain their thinking process at each station. Have students identify a real-world problem (at the school, community, or global level) and create a solution plan. They must research, evaluate options, and present their reasoning using CER (claim, evidence, reasoning). Give students a topic connected to your ELA or social studies unit. In small groups, students can take different perspectives and support their claims with evidence.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Comics English - Jonathan Pierrel
Grades
6 to 12
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Comics English is a free educational website that helps English language learners build reading, vocabulary, and language skills through authentic comic strips. The site features a...more
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Comics English is a free educational website that helps English language learners build reading, vocabulary, and language skills through authentic comic strips. The site features a growing collection of comics accompanied by learning supports such as transcripts, vocabulary definitions, cultural and contextual explanations, and language notes that help readers understand idioms, grammar, and everyday English usage. A dedicated Teachers section offers ideas for classroom use, while the Learners section provides resources for independent study. Because the comics cover a variety of topics and humor styles, teachers should preview selections before assigning them to students to ensure they are appropriate for their grade level and learning goals.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (67), multilingual (84)
In the Classroom
Students can create a virtual bulletin board using Lino, reviewed here to display vocabulary. Students can use Google Slides, reviewed here to summarize the comic's meaning. Students can create their own comics using Witty Comics, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Toby - Arthur Camara, Benny Giang, and Guile Lindquist
Grades
8 to 12
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Toby is a browser-based tab and workspace organizer that helps you keep frequently used websites, resources, and projects neatly organized in customizable collections. Instead of leaving...more
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Toby is a browser-based tab and workspace organizer that helps you keep frequently used websites, resources, and projects neatly organized in customizable collections. Instead of leaving dozens of tabs open, you can save them with a single click, organize them into folders, and quickly reopen an entire collection whenever you need it. Toby also supports shared workspaces, making it easy for teachers, students, or colleagues to collaborate by organizing and sharing groups of websites for lessons, research projects, or team planning. Toby is available as a browser extension for Chromium-based browsers, and its free plan includes unlimited collections, shared workspaces, and core organization features for managing everyday browsing tasks.
tag(s): curation (27), organizational skills (91)
In the Classroom
Organize your documents and links using Toby. Create collections for different subject areas (math, science, social studies, and more). Collaborate as a group within collections with others having access to add resources.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Thinking Interdependently - VHS Resource Toolkit
Grades
6 to 12
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This page from the Vista High School Resource Toolkit explains the Habit of Mind: Thinking Interdependently, which focuses on helping students learn to work effectively with others...more
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This page from the Vista High School Resource Toolkit explains the Habit of Mind: Thinking Interdependently, which focuses on helping students learn to work effectively with others to solve problems and make decisions. The site describes thinking interdependently as the ability to communicate ideas, accept feedback, test solutions with others, and build understanding through collaboration. It also includes strategies and activities teachers can use to help students recognize when teamwork is needed and how sharing perspectives leads to stronger learning. Suggested classroom ideas include analyzing examples of collaboration, defining the characteristics of good teamwork, and using cooperative structures, such as jigsaw activities, to help students practice working together. This resource is useful for teachers looking to build social-emotional skills, collaboration, and Habits of Mind through group learning experiences.
tag(s): collaboration (131), perspective (33), social and emotional learning (202), thinking routines (50)
In the Classroom
Divide a lesson into sections and assign each student in a group a different part to become an expert on. Have students teach their section to their group members. Provide complex tasks (STEM challenges, reading discussions, or real-world problems) that require multiple perspectives. Assign roles (facilitator, recorder, reporter) so each student contributes and the group relies on everyone's input. Have students share writing, projects, or ideas with peers for feedback. Teach them how to offer constructive suggestions and ask clarifying questions, reinforcing that improvement often happens through collaboration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Thinking Interdependently as a Mental Health Skill for Grades 4-6 - Habits of Minds Kids
Grades
4 to 6
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This page from the Habits of Mind Kids website explains how educators can teach the habit of Thinking Interdependently as a mental health skill for elementary students. The article...more
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This page from the Habits of Mind Kids website explains how educators can teach the habit of Thinking Interdependently as a mental health skill for elementary students. The article describes how learning to work cooperatively with others helps children develop empathy, communication skills, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging within a group. It connects teamwork, perspective-taking, and collaborative problem-solving to overall well-being, showing that students who learn to value others' ideas and work together are better able to handle challenges, build relationships, and feel supported in social situations. The site is designed for upper-elementary students and provides background information that teachers can use when teaching social-emotional learning, Habits of Mind, or classroom community skills.
tag(s): collaboration (131), communication (126), emotions (73), empathy (69), problem solving (279), social and emotional learning (202), thinking routines (50)
In the Classroom
Give small groups a challenge that requires more than one person to complete, such as building the tallest structure with limited materials, solving a logic puzzle, or completing a scavenger hunt. Afterward, students can discuss how they relied on one another, how they shared ideas, and what made the group successful. Present a social or academic problem (for example, a conflict between friends or a difficult math task). Have students work in pairs or small groups to develop solutions together. Each group should explain how listening, cooperation, and respecting ideas helped them reach an answer.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Habits of Mind Animations: Thinking Interdependently - ASCD
Grades
2 to 8
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This short animated YouTube video, "Habits of Mind Animations: Thinking Interdependently," uses a simple and engaging story to show how working together can lead to better ideas and...more
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This short animated YouTube video, "Habits of Mind Animations: Thinking Interdependently," uses a simple and engaging story to show how working together can lead to better ideas and stronger problem-solving. The animation explains that thinking interdependently means listening to others, sharing ideas, and cooperating to reach solutions that would be harder to achieve alone. This video is useful for introducing collaboration skills, setting expectations for group work, and reinforcing social-emotional learning as students practice respectful discussion, teamwork, and helping one another succeed. If your district blocks YouTube, the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): collaboration (131), listening (119), problem solving (279), social and emotional learning (202), teaching strategies (77), thinking routines (50), thinking skills (130)
In the Classroom
Give students brief situations that require teamwork (for example, building something together, solving a problem, or working on a group project). Have students discuss with a partner how thinking interdependently would help in that situation. Have students sit in a circle and give a compliment to the person next to them about something they do well when working with others. Students can create a poster that shows what interdependent thinking looks, sounds, and feels like in the classroom. Posters can include examples such as listening, taking turns, helping others, and sharing ideas.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Peer-to-Peer Education: What It Is, Benefits & How It Works - 21K School
Grades
K to 12
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This article from 21K School, "Peer-to-Peer Education: A Collaborative Learning Approach," explains how students can learn more effectively by teaching and collaborating rather than...more
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This article from 21K School, "Peer-to-Peer Education: A Collaborative Learning Approach," explains how students can learn more effectively by teaching and collaborating rather than relying solely on teacher-led instruction. The post describes peer-to-peer education as a collaborative learning method where students share ideas, discuss topics, and help one another understand concepts through activities such as debates, group discussions, feedback, and teamwork. The article highlights benefits such as improved confidence, stronger communication skills, better social interaction, and a deeper understanding, and offers suggestions on how teachers can create a positive classroom environment that encourages cooperation and shared learning.
tag(s): classroom management (143), collaboration (131), communication (126), feedback (16), listening (119), teaching strategies (77), thinking routines (50)
In the Classroom
After a mini-lesson, have students turn to a partner and explain the concept in their own words. Each partner listens and adds anything their partner missed. Set up stations where students work in pairs or small groups to practice skills such as reading, math problems, vocabulary, or science concepts. Have students take turns being the teacher and the learner. Give each group a task that requires teamwork, such as solving a complex question, completing a research activity, or creating a project. Students should discuss ideas and agree on a solution together, strengthening collaboration and critical thinking.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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16 Variations on Think-Pair-Share to Keep Students Engaged - Edutopia
Grades
K to 12
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This Edutopia article, "16 Variations on Think-Pair-Share to Keep Students Engaged," shares creative ways to update the classic Think-Pair-Share strategy to keep students engaged and...more
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This Edutopia article, "16 Variations on Think-Pair-Share to Keep Students Engaged," shares creative ways to update the classic Think-Pair-Share strategy to keep students engaged and actively involved in learning. The article explains how educators can expand the simple routine of thinking individually, discussing with a partner, and sharing with the class by incorporating variations such as drawing, rotating partners, collaborative writing, and small-group sharing. These strategies help increase participation, strengthen communication skills, deepen understanding, and give all students a chance to express their ideas across subject areas and grade levels.
tag(s): collaboration (131), communication (126), teaching strategies (77), thinking routines (50)
In the Classroom
Ask students a question about the lesson and have them first draw their idea rather than write it. Students can then explain their drawing to a partner before sharing with the class. Have students stand up, find a partner, and discuss a question or problem. After sharing, they find a new partner for the next question. Have students first talk with a partner, then join another pair to form a group of four, and finally share with the whole class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Big and Small Strategies to Harness the Power of Peer-to-Peer Teaching - Edutopia
Grades
3 to 12
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This Edutopia article, "Big and Small Strategies to Harness the Power of Peer-to-Peer Teaching," explains how students can improve their understanding and retention by teaching one...more
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This Edutopia article, "Big and Small Strategies to Harness the Power of Peer-to-Peer Teaching," explains how students can improve their understanding and retention by teaching one another. The article describes simple and structured strategies such as Think-Pair-Share, jigsaw groups, and peer tutoring, all based on the idea that students learn more deeply when they explain ideas to classmates. It offers practical classroom ideas for use in any subject and grade level to increase participation, collaboration, and confidence while building a supportive learning community.
tag(s): collaboration (131), professional development (322), teaching strategies (77), thinking routines (50)
In the Classroom
Ask a question about the current lesson, have students think quietly, discuss with a partner, and finally share with the class. After a short mini-lesson, have students turn to a partner and explain the concept in their own words. The partner listens and then adds anything missed. Divide a topic into sections and assign each group one part to learn. Students become experts on their section and then teach it to a new group.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Laugh Out Loud- Funny Books for Teens - Sno-Isle Libraries
Grades
7 to 12
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This Sno-Isle Libraries staff book list titled "Laugh Out Loud - Funny Books for Teens" features a collection of humorous novels and graphic novels recommended for middle school and...more
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This Sno-Isle Libraries staff book list titled "Laugh Out Loud - Funny Books for Teens" features a collection of humorous novels and graphic novels recommended for middle school and high school readers. Each title includes a short description to help students choose books based on their interests, with stories that range from lighthearted school situations to satire, adventure, and quirky characters. Teachers can use this list to find engaging independent reading choices, build classroom library selections, or recommend books that motivate reluctant readers by using humor to make reading more enjoyable.
tag(s): graphic novels (5), humor (20), independent reading (84)
In the Classroom
Have students choose a book from the list (or another funny book they know) and write a short review explaining why other students should read it. Compile the reviews into a class slideshow using Genially, reviewed here to share with other classes or the school library. Have students read a selection from one of the books and look for techniques authors use to make readers laugh, such as exaggeration, wordplay, awkward situations, or unexpected events.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Funny Books for Middle Grades - Palo Alto City Library
Grades
4 to 6
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This page from the Palo Alto City Library features a staff-created book list titled "Funny Books for Middle Grades," highlighting humorous fiction and graphic novels recommended for...more
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This page from the Palo Alto City Library features a staff-created book list titled "Funny Books for Middle Grades," highlighting humorous fiction and graphic novels recommended for students in grades 4-6. The list includes a wide variety of titles featuring comedy, adventure, school stories, fantasy, and lighthearted realistic fiction, along with short descriptions to help readers choose books that match their interests. Teachers can use this curated list to find engaging independent reading options, literature circle selections, or read-aloud ideas that motivate reluctant readers and encourage a love of reading through humor.
tag(s): graphic novels (5), humor (20), literature circles (6), reading lists (77)
In the Classroom
Set up a book tasting using several titles from the list. Place different funny books at tables and have students rotate every few minutes, reading the back cover and first page. Have students record which books make them laugh, seem interesting, or feel relatable. Show students several book covers from the list and read short summaries aloud. Have students vote using Mentimeter, reviewed here on which one sounds the funniest and explain their reasoning. After reading a funny book from the list, have students write their own short humorous story or comic strip using Free Comic Strip Maker by Adobe, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Choice Board Templates - Canva
Grades
K to 12
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This large assortment of choice board templates includes many free and customizable options within Canva for Education, reviewed here Choose from...more
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This large assortment of choice board templates includes many free and customizable options within Canva for Education, reviewed here Choose from a variety of styles and content options. After selecting a template, use Canva's editing tools to personalize colors, text, images, and more. Share templates digitally with your personalized link, or download as an image or PDF.
tag(s): differentiation (102), multimedia (63), presentations (41), student-centered (10)
In the Classroom
Make sure to create a free teacher's account in Canva; this gives you access to many of the paid PRO account features. Use choice boards during independent work rotations or end-of-unit projects. Create multiple versions of choice boards using the templates to accommodate diverse learners and learning styles in your classroom while still providing instruction that meets learning objectives for all students. Include a variety of activities in choice boards that engage students in learning, such as games, simulations, videos, and opportunities to share their learning by creating multimedia presentations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Top 5 Ice Breaker Games For The Start Of School - Teaching Firsties
Grades
K to 3
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Read about five simple, low-prep icebreaker games designed to help students feel comfortable, build friendships, and create a positive classroom community during the first days of school....more
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Read about five simple, low-prep icebreaker games designed to help students feel comfortable, build friendships, and create a positive classroom community during the first days of school. The activities focus on learning classmates' names, discovering shared interests, encouraging teamwork, and easing first-day jitters through fun, interactive experiences. The article also suggests using engaging back-to-school read-alouds as an alternative for students who may be hesitant to participate in traditional icebreakers, helping every child feel welcomed and included from the very beginning of the school year.
tag(s): blogs (82), classroom management (143), firstday (27), preK (322)
In the Classroom
Give each student a bingo-style sheet with prompts such as "has a pet," "likes to read," or "has traveled to another state." Have students circulate the room to find classmates who match each description, encouraging conversations and helping everyone learn about one another. Ask fun, school-friendly choices (for example, "Would you rather explore space or the ocean?"). Have students move to different sides of the room to show their choice, then explain their reasoning to a partner or small group to practice speaking and listening skills. After participating in the icebreaker games, have students design a poster, one-pager, or digital slide using Google Slides, reviewed here highlighting their interests, favorite books, hobbies, and goals. Display the projects around the room to celebrate each student's unique personality.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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