FAQ: Using TeachersFirst Effectively

I want to find a quick lesson on _____(a certain topic). What do I do?

The keyword search, found under the Classroom menu, is the fastest way to search on a particular topic. Take a moment to read the suggestions on search terms to find what you want quickly.

What is the fastest way to return to something good I found on TF?

If you have a free membership, you can mark resources as Favorites. Any time you wish to find one of these resources again, log in and go to Favorites on the My TF menu.

How do I find the part of TF I used to use on the old site? I can’t remember how I found it or exactly what it is called.

The keyword search, found under the Classroom menu, is the fastest way to search on a particular topic. Take a moment to read the suggestions on search terms to find what you want quickly. If your search is completely fruitless, tell us what you are looking for.

I’d like my students to use one of the resources I found on TF, but I don’t want them to have to click through five steps. Is there a faster way?

One option available to members is a free teacher home page on TeachersFirst. When you set up this page, you can choose which of your Favorites will show there. If a resource for student use is marked in your Favorites and shown on your teacher home page, you simply give your students the URL (web address) for this public  home page. They will not be able to alter your choices or see anything you did not choose to share with them.

What do I do: I was using a resource, and one of the links was dead?

If the resource appears with a large “TeachersFirst.com Click to go Back” arrow at the top framebar, you are using an outside site. TeachersFirst can only correct dead links on our own sites. If the top framebar is there and nothing shows below it, please click to report the dead link as we show in this diagram.  (see illustration)

I don’t have time to look through all the good things on TF. How can I narrow down the listings?

First, narrow by using the subject/grade search if you are simply browsing, or the keyword search for a specific topic. Both are under the Classroom menu. The results always show a grade level range, so you can easily skim the list for appropriate choices. You can also order the results by popularity with other TeachersFirst users using the buttons at the top.

Another option is to use your membership to help you. If you select the grade levels and subjects of interest to you, we will automatically show you new listings for your desired areas when you log in, saving you time looking for the latest and greatest.

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