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Reading Treks: A Long Walk to Water - TeachersFirst
Grades
5 to 8This 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.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Reading Treks: Black Was The Ink - TeachersFirst
Grades
7 to 9tag(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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Canva GIF Maker - Canva
Grades
3 to 12tag(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 12tag(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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10 Fun Alternatives to Think-Pair-Share - We Are Teachers
Grades
3 to 12tag(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 12tag(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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Toby - Arthur Camara, Benny Giang, and Guile Lindquist
Grades
8 to 12tag(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 12tag(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 6tag(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 8This site includes advertising.
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 12tag(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 12tag(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 12tag(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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Choice Board Templates - Canva
Grades
K to 12tag(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 3tag(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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Back to School Icebreakers Activities - Nearpod
Grades
K to 12tag(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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Using Humor in the Art Room - The Art of Education University
Grades
4 to 12tag(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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Why Can't Teachers Be Funny in School? - Trainers Warehouse
Grades
3 to 8tag(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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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How to Easily Infuse More Humor into Your Classroom - Beginning Teacher Talk with Dr. Lori Friesen
Grades
K to 8This site includes advertising.
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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Information Literacy Toolkit - University of Texas Libraries
Grades
5 to 12tag(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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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