TeachersFirst's Differentiation Resources for the Inclusive Elementary Learning Environments
The resources in this collection are ideal for differentiating in the K-8 classroom. Find tools to use for content, process, and product. Each review includes classroom use ideas, grade level suggestions, and more tips to consider.
For even more resources, see all of our resources tagged differentiation.
26 Results | sort by:
Curipod - Curipod AS
Grades
3 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Curipod creates interactive lessons using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. Tasks include features for making word clouds, adding polls, questions, and more. Visit the Discover...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:
Curipod creates interactive lessons using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. Tasks include features for making word clouds, adding polls, questions, and more. Visit the Discover link to browse through ready-to-use templates or create an account, then copy and edit a lesson using a template or build one in just a few seconds using your prompt and instructions. When creating a new lesson, start with a blank slide or use templates that include a brain break, exit ticket, multiple choice, or complete lesson. The brain break generators include several stress-free tasks, such as Would You Rather questions, and fun writing and drawing prompts. To create new tasks, add a topic and include standards if desired. Another option allows you to import PowerPoint presentations and PDFs when creating new activities. When ready, share lessons with students using the provided QR code or the join code for students to access at curi.live. View statistics in your dashboard, including the number of times played and player results. Free accounts currently include unlimited players, five private Curipods, a shared workspace, and all core features.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (104), assessment (146), differentiation (84), Online Learning (42), remote learning (61), slides (45), social and emotional learning (81), Teacher Utilities (148), teaching strategies (41)
In the Classroom
Use Curipod as a starting point for creating lessons and student activities, then modify the content to fit your curriculum and students' abilities and needs. The Brain Break activities are an excellent starting point for using Curipod in your classroom. Select an activity from the Brain Break options, then choose a grade level and follow the prompts to share a short mental break with your students. Copy and paste standards when creating a lesson as a starting point to add content for the lesson. When using any AI technology, verify the information provided is accurate before sharing it with students. Use Curripod as a flipped or blended learning activity, share the join code with students, and ask them to complete the activities within a designated period before reviewing together as a class. Easily modify any template to differentiate instruction for different groups of students. For example, when introducing decimals, provide a basic introduction with vocabulary and instructional content to one group of students but add more challenging content, such as adding decimals for students already familiar with this topic. Coordinate with other teachers to create cross-curricular activities or when planning units together.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!).
OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire: Choice Boards for Differentiation Pt. 2 - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from August 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Take your choice...more
Take your choice...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 recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from August 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Take your choice boards to the next level! Regular choice boards allow your students to complete equally active, interesting, and engaging assignments that demonstrate their comprehension of the presented material--but not all students learn at the same pace or have the same background knowledge coming into a lesson. In this session, you'll learn to differentiate your choice boards by process, product, or content to support students as necessary. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the basics of Tomlinson's differentiation model; 2. Learn to differentiate choice boards for both instructional and assessment purposes; and 3. Use a template to create a differentiated choice board. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Take your choice boards to the next level! Regular choice boards allow your students to complete equally active, interesting, and engaging assignments that demonstrate their comprehension of the presented material--but not all students learn at the same pace or have the same background knowledge coming into a lesson. In this session, you'll learn to differentiate your choice boards by process, product, or content to support students as necessary. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the basics of Tomlinson's differentiation model; 2. Learn to differentiate choice boards for both instructional and assessment purposes; and 3. Use a template to create a differentiated choice board. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): differentiation (84), personalized learning (9), playlists (10), professional development (396)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions 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!).
OK2Ask: MIE Day: Branching Forms for Differentiation - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Just as everyone has...more
Just as everyone has...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 recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, every student has an individual learning path. Chances are your students grasp subjects differently and have varying levels of ability--so how can you better deliver instruction to reach everyone in class? Branching forms allow teachers to differentiate assessments and account for differences in pacing and outcomes. Join us to learn how to use Microsoft Forms to apply this strategy in your lessons. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn how Microsoft Forms can support differentiation; 2. Understand how to plan for a branching form; and 3. Learn multiple uses for branching forms. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, every student has an individual learning path. Chances are your students grasp subjects differently and have varying levels of ability--so how can you better deliver instruction to reach everyone in class? Branching forms allow teachers to differentiate assessments and account for differences in pacing and outcomes. Join us to learn how to use Microsoft Forms to apply this strategy in your lessons. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn how Microsoft Forms can support differentiation; 2. Understand how to plan for a branching form; and 3. Learn multiple uses for branching forms. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): differentiation (84), Microsoft (84), professional development (396)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions 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!).
SchoolStack - Sarah Schwartz and Hal Schwartz
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
SchoolStack is an instructional design system that provides tools for personalized learning options for students. After creating an account, the first step is designing or choosing...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:
SchoolStack is an instructional design system that provides tools for personalized learning options for students. After creating an account, the first step is designing or choosing lessons from SchoolStack's library. Lesson options include adding exit tickets or making tasks optional or required. Next, add assignments to a "stack," like creating a choice board of activities. Then, assign stacks to a whole class, groups, or individuals. Dashboards for students, teachers, and caregivers track students' progress throughout their lessons. Free accounts offer limited stack creation, limited access to the lesson library, and the ability to add one teacher collaborator.
tag(s): differentiation (84), personalized learning (9), playlists (10), remote learning (61), Teacher Utilities (148)
In the Classroom
Use SchoolStack to differentiate learning for different student needs and abilities by quickly modifying lesson activities to share with individual students or groups. Replace your current homework activities using SchoolStack to provide students with various options for completing learning activities. Offer activities that meet student interests and learning styles within each stack to encourage student interest and participation. When teaching blended learning or remote learning activities, use SchoolStack to share information with students and gather data and feedback from their participation in the lessons.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!).
Twitter Chat: Differentiation with Forms - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This archived Twitter chat is from April 2021 and will open in Wakelet. The title of this chat is: Differentiation with Forms. During this chat, participants: 1. Defined and discussed...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 archived Twitter chat is from April 2021 and will open in Wakelet. The title of this chat is: Differentiation with Forms. During this chat, participants: 1. Defined and discussed differentiation, 2. Explored the features of forms to differentiate instruction, and 3. Shared ways to incorporate the use of forms in face-to-face and remote instruction.
tag(s): differentiation (84), twitterchatarchive (174)
In the Classroom
Find resources and information about differentiation with forms. Share this chat with your colleagues looking for tools and resources on differentiation with forms.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!).
Boddle Learning - Boddle Learning Inc
Grades
K to 6
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Boddle is an engaging math learning platform for grades K-6 that adapts to student ability levels. Create your account and classroom to begin. Add your students manually or import information...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:
Boddle is an engaging math learning platform for grades K-6 that adapts to student ability levels. Create your account and classroom to begin. Add your students manually or import information from Google Classroom. When created, share your classroom using the link to Boddle and your class code. Additional options include creating assignments that have specific skills for the entire class or individual students. As students engage in Boggle, view results, and progress on your teacher dashboard. Free accounts include access to games and the learning platform but don't include the instructional videos and professional development offered within the site.
tag(s): differentiation (84), Learning Management Systems (22), Online Learning (42), Teacher Utilities (148)
In the Classroom
Use Boddle to differentiate math instruction for your students. Include a link to Boddle on classroom computers for use during math centers, and provide a link on your classroom website for your blended classroom or for students to play at home. Share with parents to create individual accounts for use at home. Include Boddle with other online math programs using a bookmarking tool such as Symbaloo, reviewed here, for easy access by 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!).
Gooru - Prasad Ram, PhD
Grades
2 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Gooru is a free, online learning management system for classrooms. Use their Learning Navigator system to assess and assign content based on student knowledge. The Learning Navigator...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:
Gooru is a free, online learning management system for classrooms. Use their Learning Navigator system to assess and assign content based on student knowledge. The Learning Navigator provides information on student knowledge then provides a course of learning. Content is continually adjusted and monitored to match student growth and engagement. Use your teacher dashboard to assign and customize learning using Gooru's content. Content is provided for math levels from preK through calculus, English/Language Arts from preK through 10th grade, and middle and high school science and social studies. Students engage with assigned materials using the code generated when adding content.
tag(s): differentiation (84), homework (34), Learning Management Systems (22), Teacher Utilities (148), tutorials (53)
In the Classroom
Use Gooru to differentiate instruction based on students' current performance. Many students are motivated to learn at their own pace using online tools, and Gooru is an option providing lessons in a different format than currently available. If not using Gooru whole -class, it provides many options for helping and enhancing learning for individual students, use for homework, or as a temporary option for providing instruction to home-bound students. Enhance classsroom technology and provide additional support to student learning by asking them to use Pathbrite, reviewed here, to build a digital portfolio of their learning process. Include images, videos, and written work within the portfolio.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!).
Write and Improve - Cambridge English
Grades
5 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Write and Improve provides practice and instant feedback on writing responses to prompts. Choose from one of the many provided topics to begin. Narrow down options based on writing...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:
Write and Improve provides practice and instant feedback on writing responses to prompts. Choose from one of the many provided topics to begin. Narrow down options based on writing levels from beginner to advanced. Writing choices range from writing an email to longer stories. After writing your response, select the link to receive feedback. Feedback includes a graph of your writing level and tracks revisions. Create a free account to save your work and access all material on the site. This site was created in England so some spellings and pronunciations may be different from the American usages. Note: There is a paid portion of this site for the International English Laguage Test System (IELTS), however, you can take advantage of looking at 10 free tasks, and even writing in the box provided and using the timer, but you will not receive a score. These would be good assignments for your writing class before state testing time.
tag(s): creative writing (121), descriptive writing (39), differentiation (84), letter writing (18), persuasive writing (55), process writing (38), writers workshop (31), writing (316)
In the Classroom
Feedback on this site is based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale, learn more about it here. Include this site with your other resources for practicing and teaching writing as you challenge students to improve feedback scores. Take advantage of the different levels to differentiate practice for all students. Ask students to analyze their writing before hitting the feedback button as a self-reflection tool. As students improve writing, use a digital portfolio tool like Seesaw, reviewed here, and upload all revisions. Also, use Seesaw for students to share their thoughts on their writing and individual progress.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!).
For the Teachers - For the Teachers
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
For the Teachers contains an incredible number of lesson ideas, differentiation tips, instructional strategies, and much more for all teachers. Search for specific content using 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:
For the Teachers contains an incredible number of lesson ideas, differentiation tips, instructional strategies, and much more for all teachers. Search for specific content using the keyword search or scroll down the home page to find some of the site's most popular content. There is a great deal of useful content on the site to explore, of note is the Reading Skills for Big Kids and Differentiation links. The Reading Skills for Big Kids includes skill-based lesson plans for use with the many included leveled articles. The Differentiation portion of the site provides specific ideas and tools to differentiate content, assessment, and lesson activities and materials.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): characterization (16), charts and graphs (169), constitution (87), differentiation (84), graphic organizers (49), inferencing (7), mean (19), measurement (125), median (16), mode (13), multiplication (122), patterns (62), place value (34), plot (8), reading comprehension (142), rubrics (33), sequencing (17)
In the Classroom
Be sure to bookmark this site to save as a favorite to find lesson ideas and activities throughout the school year. When planning for a substitute, look through the site to find useful ideas for lessons and planning organizers. There is so much material here to use, consider exploring the site with peers using techniques similar to a book study. Divide the site into sections to discuss at different times of your study. Organize your favorite materials from this site and your other resources using Padlet, reviewed here. Share your Padlet with peers to collaborate and create a useful time for organizing and sharing your favorite teaching materials. Supplement information included on report cards by using a site like Seesaw, reviewed here, to create portfolios for your students to demonstrate progress in reading, math, and other content areas. Include student-created projects based on activities found on For the Teachers.
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!).
Microsoft Bing - FUN - Microsoft
Grades
4 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Bing Fun offers a selection of web-based mini games in a variety of formats like puzzles and trivia quizzes. Scroll down the page to choose from the available options including ...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:
Bing Fun offers a selection of web-based mini games in a variety of formats like puzzles and trivia quizzes. Scroll down the page to choose from the available options including quizzes on current news and geography. Most quizzes offer several options for level of difficulty, the current news quiz allows students and teachers to select quizzes for several different weeks.
tag(s): logic (164), Microsoft (84), problem solving (226), puzzles (143), trivia (18)
In the Classroom
Include Bing Fun as a link on your classroom computers and share the link on your class webpage. Have students try their skill on Sudoku and other logic puzzles to increase problem solving skills. Use the current news questions as a starting point for discussions in social studies classes. Ask students to choose one of the questions as a starting point for digging deeper into the topic. Have students share weekly podcasts discussing current topics and background information. Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here, provides free podcasting tools.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!).
Immersive Reader - Microsoft
Grades
K to 12
5 Favorites
0 Comments
Immersive Reader is a free Microsoft Learning Tool available for use with several Microsoft products including OneNote, Word, Outlook, and Edge. Immersive Reader dictates text and offers...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:
Immersive Reader is a free Microsoft Learning Tool available for use with several Microsoft products including OneNote, Word, Outlook, and Edge. Immersive Reader dictates text and offers several options for personalization. Use the options to adjust the playback speed, highlight text during the audio reading, and adjust text size and spacing. Click on any word in your reading material to listen to the pronunciation. Additional options allow you to view words divided into syllables, use labels to color-code words by parts of speech, and increase the spacing between lines and letters. Use the line focus feature to highlight only small portions of text. Turn on the dictionary option to select words and view drawings representing the meanings. This tool is a wonderful resource for your special needs students and struggling readers!
tag(s): adhd (28), differentiation (84), disabilities (29), dyslexia (11), Microsoft (84), multilingual (67), reading comprehension (142), Special Needs (53), text to speech (19)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many features included with Immersive Reader for any classroom use. You may need to discuss downloading this product with your school's IT department; however, it is well worth the effort. This product is especially helpful for ENL/ESL students and students needing additional help with reading. Use the language options for students to hear and view text in their native language. Use Immersive Reader to help students with Dyslexia or ADHD to decode and focus on the text by using the options included. Upload classroom materials for students to use for help in understanding difficult 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!).
Bing Images - Microsoft
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Take advantage of Bing's robust image search features to find images for any occasion. Similar to other search engines, Bing offers a search bar to locate images using keywords. What...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:
Take advantage of Bing's robust image search features to find images for any occasion. Similar to other search engines, Bing offers a search bar to locate images using keywords. What makes Bing different is some of the additional options provided on the home page. Bing provides different images in categories like popular people, feed topics, animals, nature, backgrounds and more. Choose the info link to learn about the featured image or scroll through to find stunning images from previous days. Other features on this page share images to currently trending news stories.
tag(s): clip art (10), creative commons (29), images (264), Microsoft (84), photography (126)
In the Classroom
Bookmark Bing images to use when searching for images to use in newsletters, your class website, research projects, and more. Choose an interesting image from one of Bing's categories to use for writing prompts. Then, extend students' learning by asking them to create a simple one-page website using a free webpage maker like Carrd, reviewed here, to share their creative writing projects. Create a Microsoft account and log in to save images. Add your saved images to collections to organize and share content with others. Use images to create animated videos using a video tool like Typito, reviewed here. Typito offers drag and drop features for uploading your images and video, text, music, and templates.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!).
Microsoft Translator for Education - Microsoft
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Microsoft Translator provides translation between languages in two ways. Use this tool to converse with single participants or groups via iOS or Android devices, or a computer. Begin...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:
Microsoft Translator provides translation between languages in two ways. Use this tool to converse with single participants or groups via iOS or Android devices, or a computer. Begin by choosing "start conversation" and enter your name and language choice. Microsoft Translator provides a code to share with participants to log into the conversation on their device using the Translator website or app. There are two options: click on the conversation option to start a conversation, and then speak or type your words - participants on the other end hear and view text in their desired language. Option 2 is to click on the text option to translate text. Copy and paste text or a webpage URL into the first box and choose "Translate." Translator converts the text into your choice from many different languages. At the time of this review Translator works in 10 languages and 100 people can participate in one conversation.
tag(s): chinese (44), DAT device agnostic tool (144), french (74), german (48), greek (33), hebrew (16), italian (28), japanese (47), Microsoft (84), russian (24), spanish (105)
In the Classroom
Use Translator to greet "other language" speaking students and make them feel welcome in your classroom; encourage conversations between them and your class. Take advantage of Translator to widen your classroom's global viewpoint by sharing conversations with others around the world. Use this site in world language classrooms to have students copy their text to convert into the language being studied (or the reverse). Enhance student learning by having students create presentations about other countries in the native language of the nation using a presentation tool like Canva, reviewed here. Modify your technology presentations to include multimedia. Use a tool such as Genially, reviewed here, to incorporate multimedia like maps, surveys, video, audio, 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!).
Speechnotes - Speechlogger & TTSReader
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Speechnotes provides a distraction-free, easy to use speech to text notepad for use with Chrome browsers. Just click on the microphone to begin speaking. Be sure to view the hints ...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:
Speechnotes provides a distraction-free, easy to use speech to text notepad for use with Chrome browsers. Just click on the microphone to begin speaking. Be sure to view the hints for inserting punctuation. When finished, email or print your document. Saving options allow you to upload files to Google Drive or download as a text file. This tool is for speech to text, not text to speech.
tag(s): communication (136), multilingual (67), speech (66), writing (316)
In the Classroom
Speechnotes is a very versatile tool, for students, parents, and teachers alike. Bypass poor typing skills, dysgraphia, dyslexia, and physical disabilities. Use this tool to create emails, documents, or anything requiring typed text. Use in your writing class so students can get their thoughts into text without having to also think about typing. Be sure they edit their work. Use when you are in a hurry with emails requiring long text. Use for your newsletters or family emails. Share this on your class website and at Back to School Night. Emerging literacy students will enjoy the success they have with their oral language into written word. Improve content and forget about mechanics of writing or typing. Focus in on grammar and mechanics after seeing the recognized mistakes. Include this website on every toolbar and as a favorite on your class web page. ENL/ESL students can speak English, play it back, and correct it until it "sounds right" and expresses their ideas correctly.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!).
SMMRY - smmry.com
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Did you ever wish for a website that would summarize long articles of text? SMMRY grants your wish! Copy and paste text, PDF's, websites, or online articles into the text ...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:
Did you ever wish for a website that would summarize long articles of text? SMMRY grants your wish! Copy and paste text, PDF's, websites, or online articles into the text box, upload a PDF file or paste a URL to begin. Choose the number of sentences for the summary, then click the summarize box and view your summary. Some documents and PDF's may be too long and you may need to upload them rather than using the URL. Or, you could do a copy and paste into the summary box if necessary.
tag(s): learning disability (22), Special Needs (53), summarizing (22)
In the Classroom
Introduce SMMRY to students working on research projects as a way to quickly determine content and viability of using websites. Use to differentiate instruction with students. Use with learning support students as a resource to make content easier to understand (and shorter to read). Use SMMRY summaries when teaching how to summarize in an ELA class. Compare the summary you create as a class or in small groups with the "automated" one. Are there subtleties or important distinctions that this tool misses? As a challenge for your more critical thinkers, have them try to figure out what signals the tool uses to create its summary.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!).
Flip - Charlie Miller & Brad Hosack
Grades
K to 12
14 Favorites
0 Comments
Flip (formerly Flipgrid) is a free video discussion tool with capabilities for sharing student responses through video. You can use Google, Microsoft, or your email address to create...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:
Flip (formerly Flipgrid) is a free video discussion tool with capabilities for sharing student responses through video. You can use Google, Microsoft, or your email address to create an account. Begin by clicking Getting Started from the bottom menu, then find the link to the Educator Toolkit and just follow the Toolkit simple steps to create a group. Be sure to copy the link for your group. Easy-to-follow directions guide you through the process of setting up a video response. Members will create a goup by clicking +Create from the left menu on your dashboard. When finished, use links to share the URL or embed your Flip into a website. Students access your Flip using the access code when sharing your topic, with the custom QR code, or through the unique URL created. In addition, share topics directly to Google Classroom, Remind, Microsoft Teams, or use the embed code to insert into a website. Be sure to investigate ideas from other educators in the at the Community Moments, found on the bottom menu. On the bottom menu you will also find the Help Center for Remote Learning. Flip is available in Spanish, too!
tag(s): assessment (146), collaboration (87), communication (136), DAT device agnostic tool (144), Microsoft (84), remote learning (61), video (259)
In the Classroom
Flip is a versatile tool for use in any subject. Create prompts for students to respond to about anything and everything. Challenge students to reflect on their learning at the end of a unit, research project, or literature circle. Here are just a few example questions to ask: What are some things you did well on this assignment? What mistakes did you make on your last assignment that you did not make on today's assignment? What would you do differently? What would you like to learn more about? Ask students to use the many camera features to make conversations more meaningful. For example, use the whiteboard tool to demonstrate math problems, add emojis to convey emotions, or upload images to use for explanations.For professional use, create a topic for peers to discuss. Ideas might include discussing concerns with implementing new technology or curriculum. Have fellow teachers share articles of interest from professional journals. Use Flip to implement a book talk on a topic of interest.
Use Flip as a follow-up for a flipped or blended learning assignment. Ask students to explain what they understand and/or still don't understand about a concept. You can review the responses before class the next day. Use it as an exit "slip" before students leave class or as a warm up at the beginning of class (what do they remember about the lesson taught yesterday). World language students can practice speaking in their new language and choose the best video to turn in to their teacher. Student or teacher can explain a series of steps in an assignment or concept, one at a time (great for differentiation). Math students can explain the steps they took to solve a problem and why. Art students can explain a creation, either theirs or a famous artists - talking about techniques. Music students can perform and explain their learning, or reflect on their performance.
Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
Includes teacher tools for registering and/or monitoring 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!).
Epic! For Educators - Suren Markosian and Kevin Donahue
Grades
K to 6
8 Favorites
1 Comments
Epic! offers thousands of high-quality free books for educators teaching grades K-7. Create an account using your education email to begin. Add up to 30 student profiles to your account...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:
Epic! offers thousands of high-quality free books for educators teaching grades K-7. Create an account using your education email to begin. Add up to 30 student profiles to your account to receive personalized recommendations based on reading ability and interests. Students can freely access books on any device, but only during the school day. Educators receive feedback including time spent reading, page flips, and books read. Students earn badges and rewards as they reach milestones. Resources include classroom posters, lesson plans, teacher tips, presentations, and letters to parents in PDF format. Find educational videos by Smithsonian, Blue Wonders, Animal Wonders, and Encyclopedia Britannica. Epic! also offers titles in Spanish. Tutorial videos reside on YouTube as do some of the educational videos. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): classroom management (128), DAT device agnostic tool (144), ebooks (39), movies (51), reading lists (80), video (259)
In the Classroom
Create your free educator account and share with students as part of your reading activities. Adjust reading preferences and profiles as students increase skills or change interest in reading materials. Be sure to share with parents to use at home. What a wonderful, engaging way to keep students accountable for reading at home and for remote learning.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Comments
Wendy, OK, Grades: 2 - 4
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!).
CommonLit - CommonLit
Grades
4 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Access commonly taught themes for classic literature and discussion questions for that theme. Plus there are Text Sets perfect for social studies teachers! Choose a Lexile'''''®...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:
Access commonly taught themes for classic literature and discussion questions for that theme. Plus there are Text Sets perfect for social studies teachers! Choose a Lexile'''''® grade level for reading and download the text in PDF format or read online. Each text has a menu across the top offering Paired Texts, Related Media, a Teachers Guide, and a Parent Guide. Accompanying the text are critical thinking questions, an Assessment, and some have Guided Reading Mode. Choose the size of the font, listen to the Read Aloud (and pause it), translate to Spanish, and Highlight. Track student progress. You can search by Book, Genre, Grade Level, Literary Device, Text Set, Theme, and Spanish Texts. All of this for free! What else could one want? Well, you can also request a text, and they will negotiate with the copyright holders to have that text on their site. Take a look at their blog, too! You'll find lots of suggestions and thoughtful reflections for using nonfiction texts with your students.
tag(s): critical thinking (112), differentiation (84), literature (217), reading comprehension (142), spanish (105), substitutes (27), Teacher Utilities (148), themes (11)
In the Classroom
CommonLit is an excellent resource for literature teachers, speech and debate teachers, and history teachers. Share the site with students on an interactive whiteboard or projector, and ask the class what themes they would like to investigate. Under each theme are two questions. Divide the class into small groups with each group investigating one of the questions for one of the themes and reading the accompanying text. Differentiate for students by having students read on the same theme, but at their reading level. Challenge individuals, pairs, or small groups to create a graphic organizer for the story they read replacing paper and pencil and using a tool like Holt Interactive Graphic Organizers, reviewed here. You could take this to another level and have two groups read different selections on the same theme, use a graphic organizer to make comparisons for how the theme was presented, and then enhance learning by challenging the groups to present their findings to the class via video. Use a simple video creator like Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here. This site would also work when you have to make substitute plans unexpectedly. Just put the link in your plans and tell the sub what theme you want students to read about, or better yet, let the sub choose!
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!).
Sway - Microsoft
Grades
3 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Use Sway to create interactive presentations across all devices. Drag and drop content from your device, social networks, and the web directly onto your Sway canvas. Log in using your...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:
Use Sway to create interactive presentations across all devices. Drag and drop content from your device, social networks, and the web directly onto your Sway canvas. Log in using your Microsoft account to begin or create a new account using your email and a password. Add content to your storyline using links to add text, images, and media. Change the look of your Sway using the Design tool to change the color palette, layout, and fonts. When finished, click the Share button for options to share to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, URL, or copy the embed code. Sway will work on any device with a modern Internet browser and an Internet connection. They also have an iOS app. The introduction video and tutorials are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): communication (136), digital storytelling (142), Microsoft (84), multimedia (43), slides (45), visualizations (11)
In the Classroom
Use Sway as an alternative to Prezi or PowerPoint presentations. Sway is perfect for use in your BYOD or 1:1 classroom. Use during your presentations to increase student engagement and interaction. Check understanding of your ENL/ESL students by having them respond or pose questions throughout the presentation. Enhance student learning and understanding by sharing with students for them to use during their own presentations, inviting other students to comment and answer questions. During Open House night with parents, demonstrate how Sway provides interaction. Use Sway during professional development presentations to invite discussions from colleagues.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!).
Canva for Education - Canva.com
Grades
K to 12
9 Favorites
0 Comments
Canva presents a simple way to design almost anything with drag and drop technology. Create custom timelines, posters, business cards, infographics, presentations, badges, flyers, charts...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:
Canva presents a simple way to design almost anything with drag and drop technology. Create custom timelines, posters, business cards, infographics, presentations, badges, flyers, charts and graphs, and more using a custom layout or a blank page. Begin by choosing the type of design you want to create. Choose pre-made templates or design your own. Upload images from your computer or your Facebook account. Change your background, add text, and personalize as desired. When complete, choose link and publish to save and download your creation as an image or PDF file or copy the link to share via URL. For creating charts and graphs go to the Features tab. There are iOS & Android apps (free) available for this tool. Canva has recently made the desktop application available for Windows as well as Mac OS. Note: you must register (with email and password) before you can access this site.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): DAT device agnostic tool (144), graphic design (51), images (264), posters (45), slides (45)
In the Classroom
This site is perfect for enhancing, modifying, or transforming classroom technology in the classroom depending on the requirements of the assignments. Create a slideshow, invitations, or photo collages for any classroom presentation. Share what you created on your website or blog for students to review or for students who were absent. Deliver blended or flipped lessons using Canva Edu by adding links to videos, assessment information, and other learning activities. In the younger grades, teachers would be the ones creating the project. However, older students could easily create their own Canva presentations. Have students use this online tool as they would any presentation tool or image enhancing site. Use this site for research projects about famous people from the past and present. Have cooperative learning groups create presentations about science or math topics. Have students create presentations to "introduce" themselves to the class during the first week of school. Link or embed the introduction presentations on your class wiki or website and have others guess who they are. Use this tool with your 1:1 art class for students to practice design principles and techniques. Create 2 to 5 circle Venn Diagrams. Share student projects with parents and others via URL. Be sure to demonstrate HOW to use this tool on your interactive whiteboard or projector.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