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Reading Treks: A Long Walk to Water - TeachersFirst

Grades
5 to 8
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A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is based on a true story and alternates between the stories of two characters living in Sudan at different times. One ...more
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A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is based on a true story and alternates between the stories of two characters living in Sudan at different times. One narrative follows Salva Dut, an eleven-year-old boy forced to flee his village during the Second Sudanese Civil War in 1985, facing danger, hunger, and exhaustion as he becomes one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. The second story follows Nya, a young girl in 2008 who spends hours each day walking to fetch water for her family. Their stories ultimately intersect as Salva helps bring clean water to villages like Nya's through his real-life organization Water for South Sudan, revealing the power of perseverance, hope, and community.

This Reading Trek includes interactive maps-available as both a Google My Maps link and a downloadable Google Earth (KMZ) file- that trace the characters' journeys and key locations from the story. There is also a downloadable teacher guide (PDF) to support classroom instruction and discussion.

tag(s): africa (162), Reading Treks (56), water (105)

In the Classroom

Bring the story to life by having students trace Salva and Nya's journeys using the interactive Google My Maps or Google Earth file to help them visualize the vast distances traveled and Sudan's geography. As they explore each location, students can pause to research the historical and cultural context -- connecting the novel's dual timelines to the actual Sudanese Civil War and ongoing water access issues. The teacher guide's discussion questions and activities pair well with this map exploration, whether used for whole-class discussion, literature circles, or independent research projects on themes of resilience, survival, and access to clean water.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Thinking Interdependently - VHS Resource Toolkit

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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.

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Thinking Interdependently as a Mental Health Skill for Grades 4-6 - Habits of Minds Kids

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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.

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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.

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Peer-to-Peer Education: What It Is, Benefits & How It Works - 21K School

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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.

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16 Variations on Think-Pair-Share to Keep Students Engaged - Edutopia

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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.

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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.

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Choice Board Templates - Canva

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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.

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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.

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Back to School Icebreakers Activities - Nearpod

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K to 12
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This Nearpod blog post provides a collection of ready-to-use, interactive activities designed to help teachers build a positive classroom community during the first week of school....more
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This Nearpod blog post provides a collection of ready-to-use, interactive activities designed to help teachers build a positive classroom community during the first week of school. The article features icebreakers, getting-to-know-you lessons, collaborative discussions, reflection prompts, and engaging digital activities that introduce students to classroom routines while encouraging participation and relationship-building. It also highlights Nearpod's interactive tools, such as Collaborate Board, Draw It, Time to Climb, polls, and ready-made lessons, making it easy for teachers to create an engaging and welcoming learning environment from day one. Many of the featured resources are available as editable or ready-to-launch lessons for use in live or student-paced instruction.

tag(s): classroom management (143), collaboration (131), firstday (27)

In the Classroom

Use Nearpod's Collaborate Board for students to post fun facts, summer memories, reading interests, or personal goals. Encourage classmates to respond to one another to help build connections from the first day of school. Launch a collaborative Nearpod lesson where students brainstorm classroom norms using polls, open-ended questions, and Draw It activities. Turn the class's ideas into a shared digital classroom agreement. Reinforce routines such as technology expectations, transitions, or classroom rules by creating a Time to Climb quiz. Find more ideas for classroom learning activities at Nearpod, reviewed here.

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Using Humor in the Art Room - The Art of Education University

Grades
4 to 12
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This podcast episode from The Art of Education University discusses how teachers can use humor in the classroom to build relationships, increase engagement, and create a safe learning...more
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This podcast episode from The Art of Education University discusses how teachers can use humor in the classroom to build relationships, increase engagement, and create a safe learning environment, especially in the art room. The speaker explains that humor can help students feel comfortable and more willing to take risks. Still, teachers should be thoughtful about how they use jokes, sarcasm, and playful comments, as students may interpret them differently. The episode shares examples such as intentionally making mistakes during demonstrations, using lighthearted comments to keep students engaged, and choosing humor that supports learning rather than embarrassing students. Overall, the message encourages teachers to use humor intentionally to make class enjoyable while maintaining a respectful, supportive atmosphere.

tag(s): classroom management (143), humor (20), podcasts (169), teaching strategies (77)

In the Classroom

Start a lesson by intentionally making a funny mistake during a demonstration, such as using the wrong color, holding a tool incorrectly, or pretending to forget a step. Ask students to catch the mistake and explain how to do it correctly. Use lighthearted class discussions about appropriate humor, asking students when jokes are helpful and when they might hurt someone's feelings. Try a teacher-student improv activity where students quickly add a funny detail to a drawing, story, or idea the teacher starts.

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Why Can't Teachers Be Funny in School? - Trainers Warehouse

Grades
3 to 8
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This blog post from Trainers Warehouse explains how using classroom humor can make learning more engaging, memorable, and enjoyable for students. The article encourages teachers to...more
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This blog post from Trainers Warehouse explains how using classroom humor can make learning more engaging, memorable, and enjoyable for students. The article encourages teachers to include funny activities, jokes, games, and playful routines to help students relax, participate more, and feel comfortable taking risks while learning. Suggestions include using silly introductions, humorous writing activities, improv games, movement breaks, funny prompts, and lighthearted classroom challenges to keep energy high and attention focused. The post also notes that laughter can reduce stress, improve mood, strengthen relationships, and help students remember what they learn, making humor a powerful tool for building a positive classroom environment.

tag(s): blogs (82), classroom management (143), humor (20), teaching strategies (77)

In the Classroom

Use content-based humor activities like Mad Libs, limericks, or funny captions related to the topic you are teaching. For example, students can fill in missing words in a paragraph about the lesson or write a humorous rhyme using vocabulary terms. Begin a lesson with a funny introduction activity, such as having students introduce themselves using emojis, memes, or silly voices. Incorporate movement-based humor activities like funny walks, freeze poses, or short dance breaks.

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How to Easily Infuse More Humor into Your Classroom - Beginning Teacher Talk with Dr. Lori Friesen

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K to 8
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This video explains how teachers can use humor to create a positive, engaging classroom environment and build stronger relationships with students. The speaker shares practical ideas,...more
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This video explains how teachers can use humor to create a positive, engaging classroom environment and build stronger relationships with students. The speaker shares practical ideas, such as telling jokes, using funny voices, adding silly props, creating playful routines, taking brain breaks, and leaving surprise notes, to help students feel relaxed and connected. The video emphasizes that humor helps students feel safe, increases engagement, and improves classroom management by making them more willing to participate in a fun, supportive atmosphere. Teachers are encouraged to try small strategies that match their personality and gradually add more lighthearted moments to make learning enjoyable. This video is hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the video may not be viewable at school.
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tag(s): classroom management (143), humor (20), teaching strategies (77)

In the Classroom

Start the day with a joke or a funny daily announcement to create a positive classroom mood. Use silly writing prompts or creative challenges connected to your lesson. For example, ask students to write a story funnily using vocabulary words, such as "What would happen if a dinosaur became the principal?" Create a class mascot, puppet, or character that gives directions, asks questions, or leaves notes for students. The mascot can review content, introduce lessons, or offer hints, making learning more memorable and increasing student engagement.

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Information Literacy Toolkit - University of Texas Libraries

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5 to 12
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The University of Texas Libraries' Information Literacy Toolkit provides instructions for a group activity that students can use as a starting point to identify criteria and strategies...more
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The University of Texas Libraries' Information Literacy Toolkit provides instructions for a group activity that students can use as a starting point to identify criteria and strategies for evaluating information. The link includes: Set Up and Source Selection, Activity, Possible Questions for the Activity, and Discussion Pointers. To further extend the lesson, the Google link shares an additional lesson on Source Analysis/Evaluation.

tag(s): evaluating sources (52), media literacy (130)

In the Classroom

When sharing the questions from the lesson, students can view them on Padlet, reviewed here. Students can answer the questions via Google Forms, reviewed here. To complete the group activity, students can collaborate using Google Slides, reviewed here.

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