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Sweet Summertime

This week we feature a variety of summertime resources for you and your students. Whether you are enjoying your first few weeks of summer or your final few weeks of school, check out our collection of Summer Sparklers to share with students, information about our National Parks (perfect for planning a summer trip), and a tool for sharing and organizing volunteer opportunities this summer (or anytime). 

Grades K-12

Summer Sparklers

Whether you want to create something, ignite new learning, or hold on to what you already know, you will savor these safe, teacher-reviewed resources. Share this list on your class website or blog -- summer will never be "boring" again!

Grades 5-12

National Park Service

Planning a trip to a national park? Access this comprehensive site to plan a park visit, explore nature, and get involved as a volunteer. Post a link to this site for families to use when planning park visits during the summer.

Grades K-12

Golden

Share, organize, and document volunteer opportunities this summer. Once registered, begin importing and creating lists of volunteers, share opportunities to any group, collect registrations within the site, and send updates via the messenger.

Read - Write - Type

This terrific trio supports reading, writing, and typing skills. Each site offers additional practice for students to strengthen their skills this summer. 

Grades K-12

BeeLine Reader

Great for reading fluency and comprehension, this powerful technology helps all ages with visual tracking by displaying text with a subtle color gradient and wrapping from the end of one line to the next. Watch the introductory video to learn more.

Grades 5-12

Write and Improve

Improve your writing skills with timely feedback. Choose from one of the many topics provided and narrow options based on skill levels from beginner to advanced. Choices range from postcard responses to longer articles.

Grades K-8

Free Typing Games

Build keyboarding skills with free online games and typing tests. The bubble game with lower case letters is simple enough for all ages, since students need to recognize single letters. As students progress, try the word games and typing tests.

Create, Code, & Connect This Summer

Just in time for summer, these three tools each offer a new adventure to explore. Create your own music, learn how to code, and get connected with science. 

Grades K-12

Suan

Create and share mixtapes using content from YouTube and SoundCloud at this entertaining site that allows you to decorate, build, and share music without ads or messages. Students can create a playlist for a family picnic or reunion.

Grades K-12

Blockly Games

Learn computer programming even if you have no prior coding experience! Games progress in difficulty starting with a simple puzzle and increase through creating a pond game with text-based programming. Start at the beginning or with a game at your level.

Grades 3-12

SciGirls Connect

Connect and encourage girls to engage in STEM activities this summer. Browse the site to find videos, interactives, hands-on activities, and resources divided into topics including technology, role-model profiles, and more.

This Week at TeachersFirst

This week, as we pause to remember those who served, explore our Memorial Day inspired collection of resources. Then, join us on Tuesday (5/28) to discuss media literacy in the classroom. Check out our Infusing Technology Blog for a recent post about virtual field trips. And, last but not least, we invite you to share with us about your favorite summer tech tools in our weekly poll.