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Lesson Ideas and Templates - Pennsbury Educational Technology
Grades
K to 12
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Browse or search through more than 2600 (yes, 2600+!) lesson ideas, Google templates, PDFs, and more to find teaching resources for all grade levels and subject areas. Get a quick ...more
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Browse or search through more than 2600 (yes, 2600+!) lesson ideas, Google templates, PDFs, and more to find teaching resources for all grade levels and subject areas. Get a quick overview of each resource within the list; each item includes the title and link, content area, target grade level(s), and resource type. Also, because the list is extensive, viewers may use the filters at the top of the page to narrow down resources by topic, grade, or type of material. There is also a keyword search for use when trying to find specific terms. After accessing any of the Google documents, follow the directions to create a document to edit and share from your Google Drive.
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site to find teaching resources throughout the year. Use the templates found, and then edit information as needed to fit your curriculum and assessments. Browse through the site to get ideas for creating templates of your own. This site is a curation of ideas from one school district; share this idea with your peers or your technology department to consider creating a tool such as this with materials from within your school district.
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Timeline Infographic Templates - Canva
Grades
K to 12
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Create and share timeline infographics using the intuitive tools and templates available from Canva or start from scratch to create a unique design. Make your selection easier by opening...more
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Create and share timeline infographics using the intuitive tools and templates available from Canva or start from scratch to create a unique design. Make your selection easier by opening the dropbox on the left menu to narrow options to the free templates. Another option allows you to choose the color of the design. After selecting a template, add or change text, images, backgrounds, and other design elements. Next, upload your images or choose from Canva's image library. Canva's drag and drop features make it easy to personalize any design quickly. When finished, share the link for others to view or download as an image or PDF file.
In the Classroom
Timelines aren't just for dates and events! Use the templates found at Canva to create timelines showing the different stages of the growth of flowers, lay out the step-by-step process of lab experiments, and more. Create a timeline to share with your students that includes deadlines and a time frame for long-term projects or defines the semester's syllabus. Ask students to create timelines as part of a book report that creates a visual look at important events in the story. Include student-created timelines as part of larger multimedia projects created using Sway, reviewed here, or in video presentations made with Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here, with audio and templates.Edge Features:
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
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Common Core Lesson Plans Template - FormSwift
Grades
K to 12
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Common Core Lesson Plans offers three easy to use templates for designing professional looking lesson plans with language correlated to Common Core Standards. Begin by choosing the...more
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Common Core Lesson Plans offers three easy to use templates for designing professional looking lesson plans with language correlated to Common Core Standards. Begin by choosing the content from Math, Science, or English links. Click the link to start creating your lesson plan. Use the template to add lesson planning information within the template. When finished, print or save as a PDF or Word document. Create a free account to save finished products directly on FormSwift. You must provide the actual standards for your lesson plan.
In the Classroom
Take advantage of these lesson plan templates for lesson planning using Common Core Standards. If you don't teach using Common Core, these templates are still useful for lesson planning. Change the portion with standards to meet your goals and objectives for individual lessons. Use these templates when collaborating on lessons with other educators as a way to maintain consistency in planning. Share these templates with other teachers during professional development sessions.
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Creative Writing Now - William Victor
Grades
K to 12
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Creative Writing Now offers a broad array of resources supporting the writing of fiction, poetry, and drama. Choose from tabs at the top of the page to find creative writing ...more
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Creative Writing Now offers a broad array of resources supporting the writing of fiction, poetry, and drama. Choose from tabs at the top of the page to find creative writing ideas and prompts, writing guides, and tips for writers. Creative Writing Now also offers free online courses with topics including Endless Story Ideas, Story Structure, and Bringing Characters to Life.
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site as a resource for many creative writing activity tools throughout the year. Encourage students to participate in the free online courses offered; some take as little as three days to complete. Share student writing using PDF to Flipbook Converter, reviewed here to turn their PDFs into an online book, There is even a page-turning effect! If you have a Word doc or image use CleverPDF, reviewed here to convert them to PDF format.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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CurriConnects Book List - 20th Century America, Part 2 (1945-2000) - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Do your students remember 2000? How about 1950? This booklist explores the times of JFK and Reagan, the tumultuous 60s and Woodstock, Civil Rights, and so much more. CurriConnects thematic...more
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Do your students remember 2000? How about 1950? This booklist explores the times of JFK and Reagan, the tumultuous 60s and Woodstock, Civil Rights, and so much more. CurriConnects thematic book lists include ISBN numbers for ordering or searching, interest grade levels, ESL levels and Lexiles'''® to match student independent reading levels to challenge, not frustrate. For more on text complexity and Lexiles'''®, see this information from the Lexile Framework. This list features books for all levels of readers. Let students choose a book in one area of interest during the 20th century and share with the class about times (probably) long before they were born. Don't miss other CurriConnects themes being added regularly. If your library does not have the books, try interlibrary loan!
In the Classroom
Make the 1950s and beyond come alive during your unit on American History. Have students choose a book from this list and present their impressions from it in the form of a blog post from the times. If you are beginning the process of integrating technology, have students create blogs sharing their learning and understanding using Webnode, reviewed here. Have students interview parents about different times that they learn about. Have students include the interview in the blogs. Collect the links to all the student posts on your class web page for students to browse and gather a "human" experience of history.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Telescopic Text - Joe Davis
Grades
2 to 12
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Looking to write with more detail and description? Telescopic Text is a humorous way to demonstrate the art of elaboration. Type a short simple sentence (or line of poetry). Click ...more
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Looking to write with more detail and description? Telescopic Text is a humorous way to demonstrate the art of elaboration. Type a short simple sentence (or line of poetry). Click on a word or phrase and add a little bit more detail. Through this site, you will learn how to identify words or phrases to expand on, creating passages that are more meaningful. Once the sentence (or more likely a paragraph) is complete, replay the writing process. The text can be either "unfolded" (opened up) or "folded" (narrowed down). It is just as easy to reverse the writing process. Start with a long piece of text, and practice how to eliminate words or phrases. This site presents the writing process as a lighthearted play of words. Telescopic Text is an opportunity to generate writing ideas. There is a published library with a few examples posted that are for teacher use. Anyone can write his or her own text without having to register. Register to be able to save, manage, and publish your writing! Be sure to check out the "How to Use" portion of the site for a complete explanation.
In the Classroom
Use this site to support a mini-lesson about word choice, meaning, elaboration, or the importance of using detail and description. It would also be a way to build imagery into a poetry writing lesson. Project this site onto an interactive whiteboard or projector for whole class or small group exploration. Use the examples already posted or create your own to demonstrate how the tool works. After the mini-lesson, have students work in small groups to create a telescopic text (or poem) of their own. This website lends itself to a powerful mini-lesson or to craft lessons that will really "stick".Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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English For Everyone - The Read Theory Team
Grades
1 to 12
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EnglishForEveryone.org is a great resource for printable English/Grammar worksheets. This site contains hundreds of worksheets that are broken down by category. Each category contains...more
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EnglishForEveryone.org is a great resource for printable English/Grammar worksheets. This site contains hundreds of worksheets that are broken down by category. Each category contains a lesson explanation with links to PDF worksheet with answers.
In the Classroom
English, writing, and language arts teachers: use the worksheets to reinforce skills taught in class. Project the PDF on your interactive whiteboard and use the whiteboard pens to complete the worksheet with the whole class. Have your students complete a word search and crossword puzzle when they finish their classwork. Civics teachers give your students the US Citizen test and see how they do.
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EL Civics for ESL students - EL Civics
Grades
3 to 8
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Find material about the U.S. national symbols, famous Americans, major landmarks, national symbols, and the basics of the US government organization and workings. Although this site...more
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Find material about the U.S. national symbols, famous Americans, major landmarks, national symbols, and the basics of the US government organization and workings. Although this site is geared towards ESL/ELL students, it could be useful in all classrooms. The site is not high tech. It consists mostly of simple written text. In addition to text, there are slide shows about government topics that include lesson plans, pictures and activities. There is also a link to videos on many of the topics. Links to other themed pages include U.S. holidays, important U.S. politicians, geography, and life/survival skills for ELL/ELL learners.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Have ESL/ELL students search for answers to previously prepared questions or do a scavenger hunt to find relevant information. Pair ESL/ELL students with a verbally strong English speaking partner so they can listen to the text being read. Use the links under U.S. Geography as an introduction for students doing state projects. Have students create posters from the info they gather here using a tool such as Web Poster Wizard (reviewed here or PicLits (reviewed here. Or use an online poster creator, such as Padlet (reviewed here).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Spinner Wheel - spinnerwheel.com
Grades
K to 12
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Spinner Wheel isn't just your ordinary customizable spinner; it offers the ability to include several spinners to use simultaneously. Add spinners and customize colors, text, select...more
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Spinner Wheel isn't just your ordinary customizable spinner; it offers the ability to include several spinners to use simultaneously. Add spinners and customize colors, text, select images, and themes. Customize backgrounds by color or select images from Unsplash, reviewed here. Creating an account isn't necessary, but it allows you to save and share wheels. Scroll down the page for complete directions and a selection of examples shared for inspiration on using this resource. .
In the Classroom
Simultaneously spinning multiple wheels opens the door to unlimited uses to engage students. For example, create six wheels with the numbers on dice as a virtual dice roller. In addition, customize wheels for creative story writing prompts that include options for random characters, setting, and story theme. Use this tool to practice math facts by creating wheels that prompt players to solve math problems based upon a spin of the wheel. Engage students when reviewing for upcoming quizzes and tests by creating wheels to check facts. For example, in social studies, create one wheel with names and another with characteristics such as date, place, important event, other characters involved, etc. Use during math lessons on probability to have students record outcomes when spinning the wheel.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Learn American English Online - Learn American English Online
Grades
2 to 12
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This comprehensive English program offers complete ESL/ELL instruction on seven levels. The units/lessons are color-coded. The focus of the lessons is mostly on grammar. Blue for example...more
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This comprehensive English program offers complete ESL/ELL instruction on seven levels. The units/lessons are color-coded. The focus of the lessons is mostly on grammar. Blue for example focuses on "be," prepositions, this/that/these/those, and many other topics. You must be able to read and write English to successfully benefit from this website. Each color/level has more than 20 lessons, quizzes, tests, dialogues, and reading. Many of the lessons have an audio clip or a video (or a Voki) to illustrate the level. Answers are provided for the quizzes. Extras include a pronouncing dictionary (found under Vocabulary), extra video lessons, extra information on pronunciation, and extras in each level. The levels also contain reviews and checklists. Many of the videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
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This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Check this site if you need a quick grammar review of any topic. Share this site on your interactive whiteboard/projector. Provide a link to this site on your class webpage. Many of these lessons would be useful with non-ESL/ELL students, as well. It is easy to scroll through the lessons in each color-coded level. Put a link to this site on classroom computers and send it home with ESL/ELL students in school newsletters to share with their parents.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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New York Film Academy - How to do Stop Animation - New York Film Academy
Grades
1 to 12
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Jump into stop animation using video devices instead of drawing. Find all you need to know when creating a stop motion animation (SMA) at the New York Film Academy. Discover ...more
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Jump into stop animation using video devices instead of drawing. Find all you need to know when creating a stop motion animation (SMA) at the New York Film Academy. Discover simple, detailed instructions and the type of equipment required. The site also lists accompanying links to make SMA projects a breeze! There is a warning at this site for SMA - it is very time consuming and requires a great deal of patience!
In the Classroom
Use stop motion animation as a new form of multimedia project for students to demonstrate their knowledge of the content, literature, and creativity. Use puppets, pictures, still photographs of people, Legos, or any other object to tell the story. Using any video recording device, incorporate with captions or sound to tell the story. In language arts, use SMA with retelling, alternate endings, students' writing, or commercials. In content area subjects use to demonstrate understanding of the topic with a digital story. Use as an alternate form of formative or summative assessment. Use as a journal for reflections. Offer as a choice for demonstrating knowledge. Put a link for these directions on your class webpage for students and parents to use at home.
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Whole-to-Parts Phonics Instruction: Teaching Letter-Sound Correspondences - ReadWriteThink
Grades
K to 2
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If you are a new teacher or brushing up on your teaching of beginner reading skills, Read Write Think has put this lesson together for you! When you reach the ...more
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If you are a new teacher or brushing up on your teaching of beginner reading skills, Read Write Think has put this lesson together for you! When you reach the page, you will be in the preview; just above that, find tabs for Standards, Resources & Preparation, Instructional Plan, Related Resources, and Comments. In this lesson, students use Jack & Jill to identify words that belong to the -ill family using analogy onset-rime and substitute consonant sounds to form new words. In addition, there are several links to use like "Copy Change" worksheets, a computer-assisted program, "Construct a Word," which focuses on onset-rime analogies, and others.
In the Classroom
Share this resource with your student teacher when introducing a beginning reading lesson. Also, share with parents on your teacher's web page or in a newsletter for practice at home. Use workstations for the worksheets, and allow students to work at their own pace.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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PDF to Flipbook Converter - Heyzine
Grades
K to 12
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Convert PDFs to flipbook magazines, brochures, and more without watermarks for free using this PDF to flipbook converter tool. Customize your creation by choosing from different options...more
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Convert PDFs to flipbook magazines, brochures, and more without watermarks for free using this PDF to flipbook converter tool. Customize your creation by choosing from different options for page-turning effects, change the look of the text, add interactive videos, and more. Upload your PDF document to begin using the customization options found on the dashboard. Options include adding links, images, changing the background, and embedding video. Changes are not automatically saved, be sure to save changes often. Share your flipbook using the link found on the site or embed it into a website using the embed code. Magazines created without creating an account are saved for a week; create a free account to save for future use.
In the Classroom
Make a flipbook of a presentation as an engaging alternative to a web page or PowerPoint. Share classroom information such as rules and expectations in an easy to read format. Use for a great way to bring digital storytelling upfront in your classroom. Make photosynthesis a story instead of bits of equations and information. Portray a period in time in history or create books of different political or societal opinions. Create a flipbook with the viewpoints and personalities of characters in a story. Practice a different language by creating a themed flipbook. Lower grades can combine writing into a class flipbook to be shared online or read aloud. Any written assignment can easily be re-visioned as a flipbook! Make your literary magazine a flipbook or build new poetry collections during poetry month. Share all your flipbooks on individual laptops, or the interactive whiteboard or projector. Create simple flipbooks of Dolch words for beginning readers.
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Community Science Workshop Network - Community Initiatives
Grades
K to 12
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Bring science to life with this free community of Science Workshop ideas. The site may not look exciting, but the activities bring real hands-on learning to science. Browse a few ...more
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Bring science to life with this free community of Science Workshop ideas. The site may not look exciting, but the activities bring real hands-on learning to science. Browse a few activities to get the idea. After registering, click on the CSW Projects and Activities tab. Search the activities by project type (e.g. projectiles, music, woodshop) or by STEM content. Workshop ideas are either video or downloaded instructions with images. Most use simple, inexpensive materials.
In the Classroom
Use these activities to create contraptions for students to manipulate in class. As students use a manipulative, collect their questions about what they observe or wonder about the contraption's motion and characteristics. Students can research the science behind the object or motion. Use class discussion to create understanding about basic scientific principles. Be sure to include a link to this site on your classroom computer or website. Students can use these activities to teach concepts to other students in their class. Many of these activities make great demonstrations as an introduction to a science concept and for uncovering student misconceptions. Expand what you ask students to do by using creative writing, reading, creating Infographics, or learning correct ways to research and report findings about the subject matter. A suggested easy to use infographic creator is Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Kids Should See This - Rion Nakaya
Grades
K to 8
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This site offers media (found on YouTube, Vimeo, and Flickr) on a broad spectrum of topics, not created for kids but appropriate and interesting for children 3 years old and ...more
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This site offers media (found on YouTube, Vimeo, and Flickr) on a broad spectrum of topics, not created for kids but appropriate and interesting for children 3 years old and up. Media isn't divided into categories. The newest items appear first. However, you can search the site by keyword. Information ranges from animal stories of a dog without legs to video of Ella Fitzgerald scatting. Obviously, this site is updated frequently, so contents will change. Students and adults alike will love browsing for interesting stories and information.
In the Classroom
Check first to be sure the media are not blocked by school web filtering. Choose one item from the site to share on your interactive whiteboard or projector as a class discussion starter on current topics or as a lead-in to a lesson. (Example: show the YouTube video about order of the planets when beginning an astronomy unit). Share the site with students and let them explore to find interesting topics for research reports. Ask students to choose one item from the site to share with other students as a way to practice oral presentation skills. Use videos or images as writing prompts or blog prompts. ESL/ELL students can practice their language skills by retelling a favorite video. Challenge your students to create their own informative videos on a topic that your class is exploring. Share the videos using a site such as TeacherTube reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Preschool and Kindergarten Games - Sheppard Software
Grades
K to 2
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Choose from many preschool and kindergarten interactives to develop and reinforce basic academic skills. This highly colorful site includes: animals, alphabet, numbers, colors, and...more
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Choose from many preschool and kindergarten interactives to develop and reinforce basic academic skills. This highly colorful site includes: animals, alphabet, numbers, colors, and shapes. Most activities are very simple. Simply roll the mouse over objects to hear the object name and color, or click on arrows to view flashcards. Play alphabet activities to learn letters. Test your skills with a quick quiz. Choose from an extensive array of activities in the animal portion of the site sorted into categories of look, create, play, learn, find, and count.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Demonstrate games on your interactive whiteboard or projector before students play on their own. Demonstrate how to choose games while avoiding advertising on the site. Bookmark specific games or activities on classroom computers for students to explore and discover during center time. Be sure to share this site with parents for fun learning at home! List this site on your class website or in your class newsletter.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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NoteBookCast - notebookcast.com
Grades
K to 12
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Create and collaborate with up to 10 others using this online whiteboard, no registration necessary. Optional registration allows you to save whiteboards for later use. Give your whiteboard...more
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Create and collaborate with up to 10 others using this online whiteboard, no registration necessary. Optional registration allows you to save whiteboards for later use. Give your whiteboard a name and choose your board size to begin. Options allow for customizing the look of the whiteboard, adding a chat box, and uploading images. Share with other users using the provided link or with your personalized code. NoteBookCast is compatible with many devices making it easy for everyone to work together.
In the Classroom
Most subject area teachers and their students will benefit from the use of this tool. Allow students to create collaborative drawings as responses to literature. They can map out the plot or themes, add labels, create character studies, and more. Share the finished products on an interactive whiteboard, projector, or your class website. Have a group of students create a drawing, so another group can use it as a writing prompt. Use a NoteBookCast board as a brainstorming or sketching space as groups (or the class) share ideas for a major project or for solving a real world problem. Use this tool with students in a computer lab (or on laptops) to create a drawing of the setting in a story during a read-aloud. As an assessment idea, have students draw out a simple cartoon with stick figures to explain a more complex process such as how democracy works. If you are lucky enough to teach in a BYOD setting, use this site to demonstrate and illustrate any concept while students use the chat and drawing tools to interact in real time. If you are studying weather, have students diagram the layers of the atmosphere and what happens during a thunderstorm, for example. Introduce this tool to students who are working on group projects. Alternatively, have students use this to work as partners or as a small team to complete complex math problems or equations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Duck Duck Go - ddg.gg
Grades
2 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Try Duck Duck Go, an open source search engine that protects your privacy by not tracking your search habits. Without tracking, you get true search results not tied to your ...more
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Try Duck Duck Go, an open source search engine that protects your privacy by not tracking your search habits. Without tracking, you get true search results not tied to your personality or search habits. Duck Duck Go shows search results in a unique way. The site is very clean and uncluttered. Results of your search term can provide a definition or other general information, labels on links that are an official site, and more. On the right side, find additional search ideas. Clicking on terms will add that term to your original search term and generate new results. Go to the settings page to change privacy settings. Change result settings, color settings, look and feel of the search results page, and interface settings also. Search for calculations, dates and events, and more. Be sure to click on Goodies under the search box to find an easy way to enter search terms. Instead of copying and pasting these search strings, change the information you need to alter in the box and press Go! An unbelievably easy way to search!
In the Classroom
Provide a link to Duck Duck Go on your class website or as a start page on a classroom computer. Use Duck Duck Go to teach about search strategies and help students think of search terms. When discussing searching in class, compare Duck Duck Go to other search engines, noticing the differences between the search experience and results between the various search engines. Be sure to discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and reliability of the search results with each of the various search engines. Be sure to point out the additional search terms and how these terms can provide more targeted search results. Try a game where students predict what other terms might show up from a given starting search. This will teach the mental flexibility to realize what else the search engine might "think" you mean. For example, if we enter "apple," what other terms might we see?Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Poetry By Heart - poetrybyheart.org
Grades
K to 5
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Poetry by Heart not only offers this collection of poems by children submitted for a poetry contest, but many poems from favorite poets through the ages. Choose choose Poetry Collections...more
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Poetry by Heart not only offers this collection of poems by children submitted for a poetry contest, but many poems from favorite poets through the ages. Choose choose Poetry Collections and choose an age group, then scroll through to availabe poets and poems. Click your choice of poet and poem to see the entire poem. Under Learn a Poem find specific activities for memorizing a poem. Read and record the poem using the link to the microphone icon; you may have to allow your computer access to the microphone before recording is allowed. Some of the activities ask you to watch a YouTube video. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Be sure to use this site as inspiration for poetry writing for your students. Take advantage of the activities offered with each poem. Allow students to record themselves reading poems, perhaps let them try several times to develop fluency. When your students are ready to write their own poems, use Ourboox, reviewed here. Ourboox creates beautiful page-flipping digital books in minutes, and you can embed video, music, animation, games, maps and more. View all of TeachersFirst's Editor's Choices for Poetry Month here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Text Mechanic's Toolbox - Text Mechanic.com
Grades
3 to 12
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Text Mechanic is a collection of free, online, browser-based, text manipulation tools. All tools are simple to use. Basically, click on the tool of your choice, like the Count...more
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Text Mechanic is a collection of free, online, browser-based, text manipulation tools. All tools are simple to use. Basically, click on the tool of your choice, like the Count Characters, Words, and Lines or Remove Lines of Text Containing, copy and paste or type your text into the box, and submit. Results are instantaneous. There is even a tool to change and choose the color of the background, text and border of your web page. The sight is plain vanilla, but that is the beauty of it; there's nothing to hunt for - what you see is what you get.
In the Classroom
How many times have your students used the same word over and over again, accidently typed an entire response in all CAPS, or spent more time counting how many words they used than they did writing their essay? Demonstrate some of these text manipulation tools on your projector or interactive whiteboard and make the link readily available from your web page or class wiki and have students bookmark it in their favorites. They will love having these helpful tools when completing assignments on the computer. Although some of them are customized on word processing programs, they are often "hidden" or "well-kept secrets." The Text Mechanic takes the time and guesswork out of manipulating text.Some of the tools are just plain fun to experiment with and make good time fillers when your students are using the computer lab or a class set of netbooks and some of them finish the assignment before others. For elementary grades, use some of the tools to scramble the letters on weekly spelling words or to generate scrambled sentences.
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