2722 english results | sort by:
return to subject listing
TinyWow - TinyWow
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Consider TinyWow as a versatile resource to assist you with editing, creating, and sharing files and documents of any kind, similar to a Swiss Army Knife. PDF tools allow you ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Consider TinyWow as a versatile resource to assist you with editing, creating, and sharing files and documents of any kind, similar to a Swiss Army Knife. PDF tools allow you to merge, split, compress, and convert PDF documents to different formats. Use the video tools to resize and compress videos, change format, and trim videos. Use TinyWow's image tools to remove backgrounds, create artificial intelligence (AI) images, remove objects from images, and much more. Follow the directions to upload files, convert them, and then download them to your device. Although registration isn't required, TinyWow offers the option to create an account to save your work; otherwise, files are deleted after an hour.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
TinyWow is perfect for many different classroom uses, and since it doesn't require registration, it provides an excellent resource for use by you and your students. Use the image tools to remove unwanted objects from classroom photos, create profile images of students for use on student projects, or to create AI images for use with creative writing projects. Take advantage of the document tool to quickly convert documents to a standard format when sharing information with parents and peers.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Tip of My Tongue - Chirag Mehta.
Grades
1 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Have you ever just had a word on the "tip of your tongue"? You know what it means, you just can't think of the exact word, only its synonyms? With ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Have you ever just had a word on the "tip of your tongue"? You know what it means, you just can't think of the exact word, only its synonyms? With this tool, you can search by Word Meaning. Ever been stuck on how to spell a word? With this tool, you can search Partial Words by Starts With, Contains, or Ends With. Note: the source dictionary this site uses includes "adult" words. Discuss appropriate use with young people.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Create a bookmark/favorite on class computers and your class website for students to use when they just cannot think of the right word. Use for word games like Hangman or Monopoly. Use to solve crossword puzzles. Have students look up words they do not know how to spell! Use this tool with ESL/ELL students as an interesting way to learn new words. As with any online dictionary intended for all ages, you will need to set explicit consequences for students "looking up" inappropriate words-- just as you would for saying those words out loud in your classroom! Share this tool with parents at back to school night as an interesting tool for the whole family to use.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Title Case Converter - Title Case Converter
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Make sure your headlines and titles are capitalized correctly with this fantastic tool! Type or paste in your title to convert to the correct capitalization of all words. Even better,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Make sure your headlines and titles are capitalized correctly with this fantastic tool! Type or paste in your title to convert to the correct capitalization of all words. Even better, this site highlights changes made. Also, hover over each word in the correct title to see a pop-up explanation explaining why each word is or isn't capitalized. Modify the results to meet your needs using Associated Press, Chicago, MLA, or Wikipedia formatting.
In the Classroom
Include this site with your other bookmarks for writing tools. Include a link on your class website and student computers for use at any time. Ask students to use the Title Case Convertor before publishing any of their work. Ask them to take a before and after screenshot and share any changes and why they were made. If you produce a class newsletter, this site is perfect for double-checking the use of correct capitalization. Consider using this site as part of a mini-lesson on creating and writing effective headlines.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
To Kill a Mockingbird - Historical Perspective - Library of Congress
Grades
9 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
The Library of Congress created this extensive site, which uses archival images and texts to provide background and context for a multi-part study unit on To Kill A Mockingbird. The...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Library of Congress created this extensive site, which uses archival images and texts to provide background and context for a multi-part study unit on To Kill A Mockingbird. The entire project takes four to five weeks, but the unit can be subdivided into smaller components. If this book is in your syllabus, this site is well worth a visit.
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plan to include with your book study of To Kill a Mockingbird both as a whole class unit, or modify for use with independent reading groups. If you don't have time to teach the entire unit, use portions of the activities as part of your lessons on racism or US history during the Great Depression era.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Toasted Cheese - Stephanie
Grades
8 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This is a useful site that makes life a little easier for writing teachers. BUT USE CAUTION! Looking for different daily prompts to address different kinds of writing and ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This is a useful site that makes life a little easier for writing teachers. BUT USE CAUTION! Looking for different daily prompts to address different kinds of writing and issues? This site has current and past calendars that offer everything from first lines to assorted kinds of poetry. It has writing articles by both amateur and professional writers, writing exercises called "A Pen in Each Hand," links to other writing prompt sites, as well as chats and forums. The "Pen in Each Hand" link provides archived writing activities. BE CERTAIN to preview whatever you are using and do NOT permit students to surf this site. There are some inappropriate topics for use in school. Obviously the chat/forum option should be closely monitored or avoided entirely.
In the Classroom
This site is worth it if only for the variety of the daily prompts; however, there is a lot here to engage students. The story examples (such as the "Pushcart Prize Nominations"), the online literary journal, and the assortment of writing exercises give teachers a smorgasbord of activities to choose from. Just be sure to preview whatever material you wish to use in class and do so on a teacher-controlled machine. Or avoid recommending the site itself and find ideas you can use by projecting a writing prompt alone on your interactive whiteboard or projector, having students brainstorm ideas and write on their own to avoid potential "public" content here. Introduce blogging using one of these prompts. If you are beginning the process of integrating technology, have students create blogs sharing their learning and understanding using Telegra.ph, reviewed here. This blog creator requires no registration!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Today - Parenting Guides - NBC Universal
Grades
K to 12
5 Favorites
0 Comments
The Parenting Guides provide informative guides to child development from preK through High School. Choose from grade-level charts to view academic, health, and social guidelines with...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Parenting Guides provide informative guides to child development from preK through High School. Choose from grade-level charts to view academic, health, and social guidelines with benchmarks and tips. Articles by noted experts offer up to date information and advice for parents and teachers of all grade levels. Don't forget to browse through the National Resources for local help with Mathematics and English, searchable by state.
In the Classroom
Share the Parent Toolkit with parents as an excellent resource for up to date information on education and parenting. Create a link to the appropriate grade level information on your class webpage to help parents understand developmental guidelines for their student. Share this site with colleagues during professional development to gain further understanding of academic and social grade level benchmarks.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Today's Front Pages - The Newseum
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
The Newseum offers this daily pictorial listing of headlines from major newspapers around the world. Click the thumbnail image of the front page for a larger view. Each front page ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Newseum offers this daily pictorial listing of headlines from major newspapers around the world. Click the thumbnail image of the front page for a larger view. Each front page is available as a printable PDF and also includes a link to the newspaper web site. Find lessons connected to Today's Front Pages: Today's Front Pages Lesson Plan, Photo Ethics, and Choose the News Gallery Guide.
In the Classroom
Beyond the obvious application for comparing treatment of news events around the country and the world, this site could also be used for writing, world language practice, a look at editorial choices, or other social studies applications. Include this resource in a media literacy unit on bias or during Newspapers in Education month. With elementary students, share many newspapers on a projector or interactive whiteboard as students identify the various elements of a newspaper article. The Lesson Plan link above contains and excellent poster link for familiarizing students with the elements that comprise the front page of a newspaper. Download it along with the lesson plan. The poster utilizes a sample front page from The Washington Post to illustrate how a front page is formatted. Have students analyze the sample front page by answering the suggested questions. Once students are familiar with the elements of a newspaper, extend their learning and challenge them to create their own class or school newspaper using Printing Press, reviewed here. If articles are too long for some readers, or if you are teaching summarizing skills consider using Skim.it, reviewed here, a Chrome extension that reduces articles into a 100-word summary.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Todoist - Todoist
Grades
4 to 12
14 Favorites
1 Comments
Todoist is a simple, task manager. With the free account you will have access to 5 personal projects, one week activity history, integration of a built in calendar and email, ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Todoist is a simple, task manager. With the free account you will have access to 5 personal projects, one week activity history, integration of a built in calendar and email, and more. Set up free accounts in minutes with email. The intro and support videos reside on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Your students need to know about time management skills. odoist will help you teach them and give them practice. Any student would appreciate having an online time management account, but learning support students and disorganized gifted students need one. You may want to model using this online tool to help middle and high school students learn better personal organization. Make a demo account for a mythical student and organize his/hers together so students can see how it works. Share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector the first week of school to help students set-up their own accounts. Parents may appreciate learning about this site also. Use this site professionally to keep yourself organized!Comments
What a fabulous organizational tool for teachers and students!Melissa, , Grades: 0 - 5
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Toggl - Toggl
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Easily track time spent on projects without time sheets! Enter your task and click to begin tracking. View the day-by-day breakdown of time spent on the activities. Generate summary,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Easily track time spent on projects without time sheets! Enter your task and click to begin tracking. View the day-by-day breakdown of time spent on the activities. Generate summary, detailed, or weekly reports. Use this tool to create teams and generate team reports. Invite members by email and mark team data as public or private as needed. Use multiple machines in the day? No problem. Time is tracked across multiple devices including Android and iOs.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Introduce this tool to students as you talk about study skills and homework habits at the start of the school year. Make it part of your lessons on "how to study" or part of your first long term project, especially with disorganized middle schoolers (and gifted students). Have students track how they are spending their time outside of school and make resolutions about how they can adjust it to improve grades, etc. Even teachers need to track time spent on activities. Record time spent in preparing lessons, collaborating, maintaining your PLN, communicating with parents, extra-curricular activities, and more. This tool is beneficial with student groups and tracking time spent on activities. Be sure that students break down the specific responsibilities needed for the project and separate them out to the group. Students can show the work they completed as well as the summary report of time spent. Students can use this information as self-reflection upon completion of any class project and see the possible impact of time well spent!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Too Good to Miss - Top 100 List of Novels - Madison Public Library
Grades
1 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Ever wonder what the next best book to read is? Here's a helpful list of 100 Top Books complied by the Madison Public Library. The most recent books added are ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Ever wonder what the next best book to read is? Here's a helpful list of 100 Top Books complied by the Madison Public Library. The most recent books added are listed in red. In additon to this list, be sure to check out the two menus on the left - More Reading & Viewing and Even More Lists (which has a link for The New York Times Best Seller Lists). Never again feel like you don't know what to read next!
In the Classroom
Choose age appropriate books for your students to read. Older students can choose their own books to read (with parental approval). Have students share their own Top Books using a tool like Padlet, reviewed here, or a video tool like Flip, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Tools - No Student Registration Required - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Peruse this collection to save time during instruction with these resources that require no student registration. Some of these tools require teacher registration. Students may need...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Peruse this collection to save time during instruction with these resources that require no student registration. Some of these tools require teacher registration. Students may need a code to join, given by the teacher, or no additional information at all before using the site. This list includes resources for all grades.
In the Classroom
Find new tools to try to save time with easy registration. Each review includes classroom use ideas. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will make your activities easier to manage.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Tools to Create Media - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Media comes in all shapes and sizes: videos, podcasts, posters, digital stories, and much more. This curated list includes some of our best tools for creating media in the K-12 ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Media comes in all shapes and sizes: videos, podcasts, posters, digital stories, and much more. This curated list includes some of our best tools for creating media in the K-12 classroom. Remember our, "In the Classroom," suggestions give you ideas about how to use these tools in your classroom -- interested in more? See our complete list of tools related to many types of media: videos, digital design, presentations, and digital storytelling.
In the Classroom
Find new tools to try in your classroom to create some cool media! Each review includes classroom use ideas. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will make your tasks easier to manage and engage your students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
ToonyTool - ToonyTool
Grades
2 to 12
5 Favorites
0 Comments
ToonyTool has a simple canvas to quickly create a single-frame comic, a cartoon strip, or an animation. With ToonyTool, you can add a dash of humor to get the message ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
ToonyTool has a simple canvas to quickly create a single-frame comic, a cartoon strip, or an animation. With ToonyTool, you can add a dash of humor to get the message across. Start your canvas and choose a single comic, a comic strip, or a video from the tab in the upper left corner. Choose one of their background pictures, or upload one of your own. Create a title or type part of your message in the Meme text bar. Choose a character or two, add a prop, and select speech bubbles to type a message. Everything is easy to move around by just dragging and dropping. At the bottom of the page, find tools to share and edit your comic. Share via print, download, email, or online. There is no registration required.
In the Classroom
There is a multitude of ways to use comics/cartoons in the classroom. For instance, create one-page discussion starters to help students keep up with current political issues. Use comics to show sequencing of events, for example, explain the sequence of a story, a science concept, or current event! When studying about characterization, create a dialog to show (not tell) about a character. Use comic strips for literature responses. Another idea - why not use the comics for conflict resolution or other guidance issues (such as bullying). Sometimes it is easier for students to write it down (or draw the pictures) than use the actual words. Emotional support and autistic support teachers can work with students to create strips about appropriate interpersonal responses and feelings. World language and ENL/ESL teachers can assign students to create dialogue strips as an alternative to traditional written assessments; summarize through a comic. Challenge students who move through other assignments more quickly to create a cartoon for review of a topic studied in class. Make a class book of the comics created throughout the year using Book Creator, reviewed here. Book Creator includes features for students to easily create digital books using their own text, videos, and images.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Top Documentary Films - topdocumentaryfilms.com
Grades
7 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Top Documentary Films contains a large collection of documentaries from around the world. Choose "Browse" to explore the films available, or use the Categories menu on the right to...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Top Documentary Films contains a large collection of documentaries from around the world. Choose "Browse" to explore the films available, or use the Categories menu on the right to view by topics such as Politics, Science, etc. Choose List from the top menu to view a complete listing of all available films. Each listing includes a short description along with a link to view the video. Videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, they may not be viewable. Be sure to PREVIEW videos before showing to a class as they are unmoderated. Comments are also unmoderated. There is a wonderful disclaimer at the lower left of the home page about bias and documentaries. It is well worth noting as you watch ANY "documentary."
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Use this site to find videos in a wide range of topics to share on your interactive whiteboard, on a projector, or as a link on your class web page. Use videos to demonstrate different points of view. Then use an online tool such as Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram, reviewed here. to compare and contrast information. Have students create a word cloud of the important terms they learn from any film using a tool such as WordItOut, reviewed here. Want to engage students WHILE they watch a video? Why not set up a backchannel chat using GoSoapBox, reviewed here. Be sure to ask your class if there could have been any bias in the video you watch together. What film techniques influence our thinking?Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Tour Builder (Beta) - Google
Grades
5 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Put any story on the map using Tour Builder (by Google). A Gallery shares examples. You would be wise to preview the Gallery before sharing since these are created by ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Put any story on the map using Tour Builder (by Google). A Gallery shares examples. You would be wise to preview the Gallery before sharing since these are created by the general public. To create a tour, choose locations, add text, images, and videos to create a story to share with the world. Add up to 25 items to each pinned location. Options include three different types of storylines. You can decide how others view your story/tour and how your story will progress. Linear tales move the story along a line. The hub option tells the story from a central location. You can disable lines completely so stories are not tied to a specific sequence or timeline. Finished stories default to private view. You may share privately with friends and family or make public for anyone to view. The Google Earth plugin and a Google account are required to use Tour Builder. Some of the introduction/explanation videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Create a simple tour to share (or find one in the gallery). Share the tour on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Create tours of events from history, famous battles, scientific discoveries, biographies, and much more. The possibilities are endless. Create a timeline of famous people or a hub of locations related to a topic such as toxic waste sites or habitats for a certain animal. Tour settings for Shakespeare plays or an author's life. Tour Van Gogh's painting sites or map landforms such as glaciers. Have students who have Google accounts build a Tour of important events in their lives (or use a teacher-controlled account). In world language classes, create cultural tours in your new language. Scroll through the gallery for ideas on how others have used Tour Builder. You may just find some neat tours to share in the gallery.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
Requires download/installation of software
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
TPR Exercises - Henny Jellema
Grades
3 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This site is a collection of listening and/or listening/reading exercises that use the technique of total physical response. The student must listen to a phrase and select the correct...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site is a collection of listening and/or listening/reading exercises that use the technique of total physical response. The student must listen to a phrase and select the correct picture that corresponds to it. The author of the site suggests trying the activity before clicking to see that the right answer has been selected. The collection of 30 plus exercises uses stick figurines and a loosely connected theme for each separate page. These exercises and directions were created in the Netherlands, and clearly the directions were not written by a strong English language speaker, but the exercises themselves are quite useful.
In the Classroom
Assign this exercise to students who are reluctant to answer in class but who can, in fact, answer basic questions in English. Demonstrate the site using your interactive whiteboard or projector before having groups of students try it together or in pairs.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Trace - Stickermule
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Trace is a simple to use photo editing tool that instantly removes backgrounds from images and changes backgrounds. After creating an account, upload your photo, and Trace removes the...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Trace is a simple to use photo editing tool that instantly removes backgrounds from images and changes backgrounds. After creating an account, upload your photo, and Trace removes the background and leaves the image's main focus. Download the edited image as a PNG file or continue through the additional options to add a new color background, upload a new image for the background, use one of Trace's background images, or edit using the crop tool. When finished, download your image to your device.
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site for many classroom uses. Combine your downloaded image with others using a variety of tools, including Google Slides. Choose a background image of a city being studied, a different time, or in a far-away setting like the moon, then place your student image on top. Resize the image to fit the scene. Include this image as a starter for class projects. Use images on top of book covers for book talks, create images for story characters and heroes, or use for weather reports. The ideas for using this tool are only limited by your imagination and that of your students. Use your new images to modify or redefine classroom technology use by creating an Image Annotator, reviewed here, presentation that includes text, videos,and more.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Trace Effects - U.S. Department of State
Grades
7 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
The U.S. Department of State designed this interactive game to help ESL/ELL learners to learn American English. However, many non-ESL/ELL students could greatly benefit (and enjoy)...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The U.S. Department of State designed this interactive game to help ESL/ELL learners to learn American English. However, many non-ESL/ELL students could greatly benefit (and enjoy) this highly interactive experience and look at U.S. culture. Download Unity Player to begin. Registration is free, but does require an email address. Begin your mission with Trace, a teen back in time from the year 2045. Help Trace return to his regular time by completing several challenges. Trace must follow directions (called objectives) on each screen. He travels to 8 separate locations around the U.S. Learn about entrepreneurship, community activism, empowering women, science and innovation, environmental conservation, and conflict resolution. Travel to Kansas, New Orleans, the Grand Canyon, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Complete 28 practice activities. You will also find 4 multi-player practice challenges, 7 graphic novels for extension activities, and an American English dictionary integration activity. The game is so involved, that you will not even realize that you are also learning English.
In the Classroom
This site offers a window on American culture that you can use in comparing cultures. It is a great way to engage ESL/ELL teens as they practice English skills. Since the State Department created it, an AP Civics or Government class might even want to critique or discuss its portrayal of U.S. culture. Have ESL/ELL students work on individual laptops and explore this site alone or with a partner. Provide this link for students to access both in and out of the classroom. Challenge your students to collaboratively write the dialogue for an additional visit Trace might make to a community near you using Google Docs/Drive reviewed here. Your more technologically savvy students may like to create another version of a Trace visit to go along with the dialog! In a world language class, have students work collaboratively to create a visit to a cultural site using this game as a model.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Traci's List of Ten: Literature - Traci Gardner
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This is an idea site for those who teach literature. It is a plain vanilla site that offers ten interesting ways to involve students beyond mere essay writing on any ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This is an idea site for those who teach literature. It is a plain vanilla site that offers ten interesting ways to involve students beyond mere essay writing on any piece of literature. Some of these ways are new twists on old ideas and several of them are rather innovative. Definitely worth a look if you are tired of reading the same things over and over. Although this site was created in 1998, the ideas are still relevant today.
In the Classroom
The mix-n-match element of this particular list makes it interesting for students working on a novel or a longer story that could deal with several of these elements. Take one or two of the ideas and split them up among a class. Create a debate, complete with slide show, or webquest to involve students in the text.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Traci's List: 10 Unusual Sources for Research Papers - Traci Gardner
Grades
9 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Another of Ms. Gardner's "Lists of Ten," this one is a nice twist on getting students to think beyond the usual for sources for research information. While students often stick ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Another of Ms. Gardner's "Lists of Ten," this one is a nice twist on getting students to think beyond the usual for sources for research information. While students often stick to what is in the school's library or what they can find with an internet search, this site offers some great ideas that explore humanities based approaches to research: such as art, interviews, music, advertising, and others. Although this site was originally created in 1998 and updated in 2005, nearly all of the information is still useful in today's classrooms. The link included with idea #5 (Web Evaluation Link) was inactive at the time of this review.
In the Classroom
An interesting way to teach this kind of research to your students would be to assign one topic to a class and have different students or groups of students investigate the different research ideas. This could serve as a model when assigning individual work for students later in the semester. Encourage students to think "outside the box" when looking for new and supportive information for their theses. Share this list on your teacher webpage as a reference for students to access outside of class, as well.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form