Vocabulary Development Resources from TeachersFirst
This collection of reviewed tools and resources from TeachersFirst promotes vocabulary development and skills for students to improve and master daily vocabulary, subject matter terms, speech/language vocabulary, and ESL/ELL language. Some are tools for study and practice of terms in any class--including world languages, while others focus specifically on written and spoken English. Be sure to check "In the classroom" for ways each resource might help in your teaching area. Share your favorites on a free TeachersFirst public page for students and parents to use for vocabulary practice outside of class.
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Write a Picture Book - Storybird
Grades
K to 8tag(s): DAT device agnostic tool (133), descriptive writing (46), digital storytelling (181), reading comprehension (145), sequencing (22), vocabulary development (106)
In the Classroom
Have students create an original picture book retelling a familiar fairy tale, myth, or historical event from a different character's point of view to practice perspective and narrative writing skills. Incorporate vocabulary and descriptive language practice by challenging students to include specific figurative language, sensory details, or weekly vocabulary words in their digital stories. Use Storybird during reading workshops by asking students to create alternate endings, sequels, or companion stories for novels and picture books read in class.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Strategic Education Research Partnership (SERP) - Strategic Education Research Partnership
Grades
K to 12tag(s): blogs (82), collaboration (139), differentiation (102), homework (27), OER (53), podcasts (181), vocabulary (255)
In the Classroom
Add SERP Institute to supplement your current teaching resources to support student learning through research-based methods. Download materials to differentiate instruction to meet students' needs and to reinforce or extend learning. For example, use WordGen Weekly or STARI as a fifteen to twenty-minute activity for students who need extra support with vocabulary, comprehension, or reading strategies. Assign vocabulary, reading comprehension, or math problems for homework, allowing you to personalize learning without altering the core curriculum.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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RhymeBrain Rhyming Dictionary - Steve Hanov
Grades
2 to 12tag(s): dictionaries (49), phonics (53), poetry (196), rhymes (24), vocabulary (255), vocabulary development (106)
In the Classroom
Have students use RhymeBrain to brainstorm rhyming words as they write poems, raps, or song lyrics. Ask students to choose unfamiliar rhyming words from the list, look up their meanings, and use them in original sentences or short poems. Challenge students to write a stanza or paragraph using a set number of rhyming words from RhymeBrain, encouraging flexible thinking and advanced language play. To turn these rhymes into a collaborative project, have students record themselves performing their finished poems or raps.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Five Artists of the Mexican Revolution - The Kennedy Center
Grades
9 to 12In the Classroom
Students can work individually or in small groups to create an original piece of artwork inspired by one of the artists studied, incorporating themes from the Mexican Revolution and their own interpretations. After completing their artwork, have students write an artist statement explaining their stylistic choices, subject matter, and how their piece connects to the revolutionary themes and artists studied in the unit, and combine them into a Google Slides, reviewed here presentation. Facilitate a class discussion in which students analyze selected works by the five artists, focusing on how each artist's style communicates political messages or cultural identity.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Let's Talk About: 4 Activities for Oral Language Practice - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): blogs (82), digital storytelling (181), multilingual (82), vocabulary development (106)
In the Classroom
Bring the ideas from the blog post into your lessons! Have students work in groups to co-create a story using the audio or video feature on Padlet reviewed here. They'll practice expressive reading, descriptive language, and narrative development. Students can research a historical figure, write a first-person monologue, and record it using Vocaroo reviewed here. Students can take on the role of a book, historical, or fictional character and are interviewed by a peer or teacher. They can prepare responses based on their character's background, motivations, and experiences, then can perform the interview live or record it using Adobe Podcast, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Vocabulary - Sesame Workshop
Grades
K to 2tag(s): preK (335), stories and storytelling (82), vocabulary (255), vocabulary development (106)
In the Classroom
Students can use Book Creator reviewed here to create a Word of the Day book. Students can use Seesaw reviewed here to sort colors, shapes, numbers, words, etc. After playing "Words Are Everywhere", have students go on a classroom scavenger hunt to find labeled objects and say the words aloud. Use visuals or pictures for emerging readers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Support English Language Learners - Google
Grades
K to 12tag(s): multilingual (82), professional development (302), teaching strategies (85)
In the Classroom
Help ELL/multilingual students and their families by using Google Translate to bridge language barriers in classroom activities, homework instructions, and parent-teacher communication. Use Google Docs and Google Slides to create resources that include both English and the student's native language, supporting their understanding and vocabulary development. Use visuals, charts, or infographics in Google Slides, reviewed here to reinforce new vocabulary or concepts, making lessons more accessible for ELLs. Incorporate Google Meet or other voice recording tools for students to practice speaking and listening, helping them improve their language fluency.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Evolve EdTech - Evolve EdTech
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (352), computers (114), infographics (73), podcasts (181), resources (78), Teacher Utilities (224)
In the Classroom
Discover the many free resources to add to your technology toolbox. For example, visit the Jamboard portion of the site to find and download many organizers for posing questions, summarizing, and vocabulary development. Download any of the templates to use or modify to fit your needs. Watch the short tutorials for tips and tricks on using PowerPoint and Microsoft Teams. Use the ideas found on this site to learn 24 ways to use ChatGPT, reviewed here in 24 days. Learn how to create collections using Wakelet, reviewed here, to curate and share information with students or to use for lesson planning and student projects.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Reshot - reshot.com
Grades
K to 12tag(s): images (275), photography (136)
In the Classroom
Use Reshot in the classroom any time images are needed for projects, even if the project is not put on a website for others to see. Even though the site says "no attribution required," it is a good idea to have students acknowledge, or as the site says "appreciate," the origin of the image; this will help to get students into the habit of citing their sources. Student groups can use Reshot to find the best image to use for a project collectively. Challenge students to create personalized images (with text) using PicFont, reviewed here. Teachers can collect images for use on their interactive whiteboard for sorting activities (monocots and dicots, producers and consumers, etc.). Use images as a writing prompt or in poetry collections. Art teachers can find images for students to use as references or in photo-montages (with attribution or "appreciation" as they say on the site). For an easy online photo editor and montage maker, try using Pixlr, reviewed here. Elementary teachers can use images from this site as part of student-run interactive whiteboard activities, such as labeling parts of plants. Speech and language or ENL/ESL teachers can find images to use in vocabulary development activities. World language teachers can find cultural photos to use in oral exercises.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Vocabulary Development Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): multilingual (82), vocabulary (255)
In the Classroom
Browse this collection when you have students who seem to need extra vocabulary reinforcement or choose one or two tools to use repeatedly each time you introduce new terms. Share specific links or the entire collection for students to find "what works" to help them master vocabulary before the test. Mark this collection in your favorites to have differentiation strategies at your fingertips.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Stockio - stockio.com
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): creative commons (29), images (275), photography (136)
In the Classroom
Before using, share this site with students on an interactive whiteboard or with a projector and demonstrate how to save files. Ads by images can be deceiving and lead to other download sites, not to the download of your requested file.Use Stockio in the classroom any time images are needed for projects, even if the project is not put on a website for others to see. Even though the site says "no attribution required," it is a good idea to have students acknowledge, or as the site says "appreciate," the origin of the image; this will help to get them into the habit of citing their sources. Student groups can use Stockio to find the best image to use for a project collectively. Challenge students to create personalized images (with text) using PicFont, reviewed here. Teachers can collect images for use on their interactive whiteboard for sorting activities (monocots and dicots, producers and consumers, etc.). Use images as a writing prompt or in poetry collections. Art teachers can find images for students to use as references or in photo-montages (with attribution or "appreciation" as they say on the site). For an easy online photo editor and montage maker, try using Pixlr, reviewed here. Elementary teachers can use images from this site as part of student-run interactive whiteboard activities, such as labeling parts of plants. Speech and language or ESL/ELL teachers can find images to use in vocabulary development activities. World language teachers can find cultural photos to use in oral exercises.
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Grammar Words - myvocabulary.com
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): crosswords (22), grammar (143), grammar review (33), spelling (92), vocabulary (255), vocabulary development (106)
In the Classroom
Share the puzzles on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students work with a partner to try out the puzzles on their own. Challenge students to try to create their own word puzzles using a site like HTML Crossword Generator, reviewed here, if you are just beginning to integrate technology into your classroom, or Educaplay, reviewed here, if you and your students are experienced tech users. Share them on a class wiki.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Animals in their Habitat - myvocabulary.com
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): animal homes (54), animals (284), habitats (108), spelling (92), vocabulary development (106)
In the Classroom
Share the puzzles on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students work with a partner to solve the puzzles independently. Challenge students to try to create their own word puzzles using a site like Just My Crossword Maker, reviewed here. Share them on a class wiki.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Owl Eyes - Alex Bloomingdale
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): authors (115), book lists (167), literature (215), poetry (196), reading comprehension (145), reading strategies (86), study aid (177)
In the Classroom
Use this site to assign reading of classic texts, nonfiction, poetry, and stories. Use the included annotations with literature selections to build Common Core skills in analyzing informational texts. Use this site to post and share discussion assignments on texts and selections. Share Owl Eyes with students for use with literature circles (or small-group reading) as a tool to collaborate, build reading strategy skills, and present their book to the class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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USA Gold - Scholastic and USA Gold Pencils
Grades
K to 6tag(s): narrative (17), poetry (196), vocabulary development (106)
In the Classroom
Share this site with an interactive whiteboard or projector, then provide resources at a learning center for poetry writing. Encourage students to submit entries to contests when available! Have students or groups brainstorm ideas for poems using Padlet, reviewed here. The Padlet application creates free online bulletin boards. After creating poetry, have students create a word cloud of their poem using a tool such as Word It Out, reviewed here. Create a class poetry book using Ourboox, reviewed here. Ourboox creates beautiful page-flipping digital books in minutes, and you can embed video, music, animation, games, maps and more.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Dotstorming - Gareth Marland
Grades
2 to 12tag(s): bulletin boards (12), gamification (88), images (275)
In the Classroom
Share your board with a projector or interactive whiteboard. Put the URL link on your website for students to access. If you don't want to share the link that way, then use a tool such as Stich, reviewed here, for students to type in (and reduce input mistakes). You may want to think about students using only their first name or their code to participate. Dotstorming does not show which posts belong to which student, so you may want to require that students identify their post and comment by putting their initials, their first name, or their code on their contributions to get credit. If you plan to allow all students to post to the wall or make comments, you may want to discuss Internet safety and etiquette and establish specific class rules and consequences.Use Dotstorming to collect WebQuest links and information to share with students. Assign a student project. For example, have students create a board about an environmental issue. They can include pictures, video, links, and other information to display. Use as a new format for book reports. Do your students have favorites such as music or sports? Create a board around these favorites or hobbies. Use a wall for grammar or vocabulary words. Create walls for debates or viewpoints. The voting is perfect for that idea! Post assignments, reminders, or study skills on a board. Do you use student scribes or reporters? Use Dotstorming to create a board with class news and updates.
Use Dotstorming as an "idea bin" where students can collect ideas, images, quotes, and more for a project. Require them to share a brainstorming Dotstorming board to show you the ideas they considered before they launch into a project. Have them brainstorm (and rank by votes) the possibilities for a creative problem solving or a "Maker Faire" project. In writing or art classes, use Dotstorming as a virtual writer's journal or design notebook to collect ideas, images, and even video clips.
Use Dotstorming as your virtual word wall for vocabulary development. Have students submit and share questions or comments about assignments and tasks they are working on.
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Super Power Speech - Caroline Bowen
Grades
1 to 5This site includes advertising.
tag(s): professional development (302), social skills (23), speech (66), vocabulary development (106)
In the Classroom
Whether you are a speech pathologist, social skills/autistic support teacher, or a classroom teacher, find extra resources here to help children with speech and language needs. Also read the discussions to help build social skills or even to improve literacy. Read through past blog entries. Brush up on the latest to be sure you are current! You may also find some specific ideas to share with these students' parents at conferences so you can work together in supporting their child. Primary grade regular ed teachers will find vocabulary development activities appropriate for any student, not just those who are identified.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Flippity - Flippity.net
Grades
K to 12tag(s): flash cards (45), game based learning (324), quiz (58), quizzes (82), study aid (177), test prep (67), vocabulary (255), vocabulary development (106)
In the Classroom
This is a fantastic tool for vocabulary development in any subject area! Create flashcards for your classes or have them make their own using individual or a whole class Google account. Use them as an introduction to a concept, then again in the practice of the concept, and again as a final review. It is a nice three-for-one deal! Use with science terms or for standardized test preparation. Have students create flashcards and share with each other to quiz themselves within their own groups. Encourage students in upper grades to create their own spreadsheet and flash card sets. Show them how to carefully read through their classroom notes and underline the most important word or words in a sentence. Then have them leave out the most important words for their flashcards. Learning support teachers might want to have small groups create cards together to review before tests. Have students create flash card sets to "test" classmates on what they "teach" in oral reports. Create and collect sets of vocabulary cards for your world language or ENL/ELL classes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Lesson Plans and Activities for Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer - Penguin Group
Grades
6 to 9tag(s): careers (184), civil rights (224), courts (26), critical thinking (193), guided reading (31), reading comprehension (145)
In the Classroom
Use this unit as a whole, or pick and choose the activities you think your students will be most interested in. Collaborate with your social studies teacher to teach about the judicial system as you read this book. If you have students who have previously read Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, they can still read along and will learn so much more from the activities. Or those who have read this book may want to read another book in the series, but can still follow the activities from this guide.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Games to Learn English - Owen Dwyer
Grades
K to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): game based learning (324), multilingual (82), preK (335), sentences (23), sequencing (22), spelling (92), vocabulary (255), vocabulary development (106), word study (59)
In the Classroom
Although created for English language learners, this is an excellent site to develop vocabulary (and computer skills) for younger students. It also helps with speech/language vocabulary development and grammar reinforcement for special ed. Share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Complete the activities as a class with a student operating the board. Create a link on classroom computers and challenge students to increase their speed in completing games.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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