Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

App Smashing is the process of using multiple apps or tools to create a final product or project. Join us to learn about this concept and how to use Wakelet - a robust curation and digital storytelling tool - in an app smash. Participants will discover the benefits of app smashing in the classroom, explore examples, learn about five tools that can be smashed with Wakelet, then create their own app smash! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the concept and benefits of app smashing; 2. Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to create an app smash using Wakelet; and 3. Begin planning to use a Wakelet app smash in an instructional setting. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Differentiate your instruction by creating interactive gameboard-style virtual lessons with Symbaloo Learning Paths. Create personalized learning pathways infused with formative assessment questions, review material, and branching to allow students to learn at their own speed. Join us and learn how to create a learning path from scratch or by altering one created by another teacher and take advantage of real-time progress data. Don't miss this opportunity to make learning fun and effective for all learners. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn to create a basic Symbaloo Learning Path; 2. Understand how to use Symbaloo Learning Paths to differentiate classroom instruction; and 3. Plan for the use of Symbaloo Learning Paths in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

All That Jazz is part of TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series reviewed here. As an introduction, this article includes background knowledge of the origins and history of jazz. The activities section includes an extensive list of picture books about jazz and several ideas for classroom activities. The extension activities provide additional ideas for introducing jazz into classroom lessons, such as integrating the study of jazz into lessons about the Cold War and Civil Rights. Content in this article includes correlations to ISTE and AASL standards.

All the World's a Stage is part of the TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series reviewed here sharing book lists and ideas for incorporating dramatic arts and dance into the classroom. The Background Knowledge section shares information on easing into the dramatic arts beginning with Reader's Theater activities, then extending into additional arts activities such as drama circles and dance. In addition to recommended books about the dramatic arts and artists, numerous classroom activities are available for students. Extension activities are also provided to encourage students to create art that represents various curriculum areas. Information includes correlation to ISTE and AASL standards.

Music Speaks is part of TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series reviewed here and provides book suggestions and activities that support the study of music through picture books and hands-on activities. The article begins with background information that discusses the different meanings of music appreciation. Following that section is a list of picture books and activities to integrate music into classroom lessons. The final section of this article provides extension activities that encourage students to create and share music through podcasts and online resources. Content on this site includes correlations to ISTE and AASL standards.

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2024. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Dive into the dynamic world of Multimedia Text Sets (MMTS) and discover ways to captivate your students' curiosity. In this workshop, we'll explore the art of curating diverse, topic-related resources that not only build background knowledge and vocabulary, but also foster critical thinking and reflection. We'll introduce innovative thinking routines that structure student engagement with MMTS, ensuring a deeper understanding and a more meaningful learning experience. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Review the benefits of MMTS for student engagement and knowledge building. 2. Integrate thinking routines with MMTS to enhance student interaction and comprehension. 3. Develop a plan for incorporating MMTS into your curriculum. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

Everything to Learn: Diving Into the Life and Art of Edmonia Lewis is part of TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series reviewed here and provides book suggestions and activities that support the study of music through picture books and hands-on activities. Information in this article's Introduction and Background Knowledge sections provides readers with biographical information on this first female American sculptor of African American and Native American descent to rise to fame on the global art stage. Shared activities and books offer resources for learning more about Lewis and lessons for students to learn about and participate in creating sculptures. Additional extension activities include an option to compare and contrast the work of different artists and an idea for students to create a sculpture representing their personal history. Content in this article includes correlations to ISTE and AASL standards.

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2024. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

This workshop will introduce you to Copilot, your new AI-powered educational ally. Copilot helps educators harness the full potential of artificial intelligence to craft detailed lesson plans, generate dynamic instructional materials, and enhance your educational strategies. We'll explore the foundational aspects of integrating Copilot into your classroom, showcasing how it can redefine the way you teach. Experience the seamless integration of Copilot's user-friendly platform and discover how its advanced capabilities can enhance your focus on the most important aspect of your work--instruction. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn how to formulate precise and effective prompts. 2. Understand innovative methods for creating compelling and interactive educational content. 3. Discover strategies for fine-tuning and customizing Copilot's responses. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.