TeachersFirst Professional Exclusives

TeachersFirst’s Professional Exclusives help you learn as a teacher, try new technologies, explore new teaching strategies, or understand student differences. Discover how and why to use wikis from the Wiki Walk-Through. Learn to adapt for ESL students in a regular classroom. Learn the how and why of better rubrics – and locate or create them easily. Every TeachersFirst professional exclusive is written by experienced teachers and includes the pragmatic, teacher-friendly details that you count on from our Thinking Teachers.
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OK2Ask: Sway Cool Reading - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Good readers take...more
Good readers take breaks to process what they're reading. Learn research-based strategies to use Microsoft Sway to guide comprehension. Helping students become aware of reading comprehension strategies allows them to manage their learning and empowers them to read strategically. This is especially helpful in a flipped or blended learning model. Join us and learn how to put Sway into action in your classroom! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn three active reading comprehension strategies; 2. Understand where these strategies fit in the instructional cycle; and 3. Plan for the use of Sway during reading instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): blended learning (14), flipped learning (9), Microsoft (75), professional development (319), reading comprehension (127), reading strategies (73), remote learning (61)
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.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire with Edpuzzle Student Projects - TeachersFirst
Grades
4 to 12Looking for an engaging...more
Looking for an engaging and unique way for students to demonstrate competency? Try Edpuzzle student projects. This free and flexible online tool helps students show-what-they-know while honing real-world skills. Annotating video provides students with opportunities to practice communicating complex ideas and creating authentic media. Allowing students to reflect on what they've learned and their learning process using a nonstandard assessment measure provides a more accurate assessment of what the students know. Plus, it's just fun! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore Edpuzzle student projects; 2. Create an exemplar to share with students; and 3. Plan for the use of Edpuzzle student projects as part of instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Formative Assessment (48), professional development (319), video (245)
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
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Honing Your Craft During the Dog Days of Summer - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6tag(s): book lists (133), independent reading (97)
In the Classroom
Mark this one in your TeachersFirst favorites, even if you have NO time to even LOOK at it right now. Share it with your student teacher, mentoree, recent teacher ed graduate, and newbie teachers as they go off on break, too. Read what you have time for this summer, and save the rest for a break later on.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Keep On, Keepin' On - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Simple, powerful,...more
Simple, powerful, and free -- take organizing, note-taking, and collaborating to new heights with Google Keep. Learn how to maximize student productivity with great features for capturing ideas, collaborating on projects, curating resources, receiving reminders, and taking notes. See how easy it is to incorporate text, images, audio, and drawings on virtual color-coded sticky notes and checklists. "Keep" your classroom workflow smooth and on task with Google Keep. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the basics of using Google Keep for organization; 2. Explore strategies to enhance notetaking and resource curation; and 3. Plan for the use of Google Keep in your classroom for student productivity. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Formative Assessment (48), Google (38), organizational skills (88), professional development (319)
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
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OK2Ask: No Fail Google Quizzes - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12We all know that...more
We all know that learners need feedback. To maximize the benefit from that feedback, it should be given immediately -- ideally after each question. Google Forms can make that happen using conditional branching, the ability to send a user to a different question (or a different page of questions) based on the answer the user supplies. Learn to make your forms more functional and help every student be successful on your next quiz! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Create a Google Form. 2. Use branching to facilitate instant remediation and feedback. 3. Discuss tips and tricks for management of Google Forms. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): assessment (125), Formative Assessment (48), professional development (319)
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
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OK2Ask: MIE Day - Want to Build an Inclusive Classroom? Learning Tools is Your Superpower - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Empower students of...more
Empower students of every age or ability to improve reading, writing, and comprehension skills. We know how important it is for educators to design authentic activities that acknowledge and accommodate all varieties of learners. Microsoft Learning Tools brings advanced accessibility options for a wide range of student needs with proven success in reading and writing achievement. See how this and other tools bring content to the student while removing barriers to learning. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the importance of an inclusive classroom; 2. Learn how Microsoft's free learning tools provide proven techniques to improve reading and writing; and 3. Discover how students can leverage these tools to personalize their reading and writing experience. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Accessibility (6), Microsoft (75), professional development (319)
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
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OK2Ask: Tech-Infused Vocabulary Strategies - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Engage students...more
Engage students and get them excited to jump into learning with tech tools to support direct instruction for vocabulary. Learn to implement direct instruction based on Marzano's strategies to expand vocabulary in all subject areas and increase success in school and on achievement tests. Using the six-step approach, we'll explore tech tools to help bring vocabulary from short-term memory into long-term memory. Discover how to choose tech tools you can use to increase student collaboration and provide data for formative assessments. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Review Marzano's strategies for vocabulary instruction; 2. Explore tools for vocabulary instruction; and 3. Understand how to use tech tools to create formative assessments for vocabulary. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (319), vocabulary (233), vocabulary development (91)
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
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire with Reading Treks - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12TeachersFirst...more
TeachersFirst Reading Treks are built using Google Maps to chronicle the journey that a story character takes over the course of a book. Each stop along the way adds to student comprehension as they explore the information, visuals, and videos embedded in the map. Give your students context for the stories they are reading by using Reading Treks in your lessons. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand how to use Reading Treks in the classroom; 2. Learn how Reading Treks are created; and 3. Plan a new Reading Trek you will create for your instructional setting. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): literacy (99), professional development (319), reading comprehension (127), reading strategies (73)
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
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OK2Ask: Facts Are Facts...Aren't They? - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Can your students tell...more
Can your students tell facts from fiction? Do your digital natives suffer from "digital naivety"? They may be fluent enough with technology to create and post their own work but may not be aware that not everyone who posts online is credible. Teaching students to sift through multiple sets of information allows them to learn the difference between propaganda, advertising, and factual reporting. This is a skill that students need in order to be truly digitally literate. Join us to learn strategies to help your students determine if information is reliable. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore tools and strategies for teaching media literacy; 2. Learn strategies that promote critical examination of online resources; and 3. Plan a learning activity that fosters digital literacy. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): media literacy (91), professional development (319)
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
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire: Podcasting in the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12If you're looking for...more
If you're looking for an easy way to increase engagement in the classroom, look no further. Teachers can use podcasting --creating audio recordings delivered via the internet-- in all content areas to deliver instructional information or as an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned. Join us to learn how to connect your classroom to the world beyond your walls while encouraging students to improve their digital and communication skills. Understand how you can plan, produce, and publish podcasts to support your classroom goals for free. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn ways to use podcasting in the classroom; 2. Explore podcasting tools; and 3. Plan for the use of podcasting to support your classroom goals. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): podcasts (63), professional development (319)
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
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OK2Ask: Enhancing Student Voice with Flip (formerly Flipgrid) - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Input and expertise...more
Input and expertise from peers can help students learn and grow. Learn to use Flip, a video discussion platform, to increase student voice in your classroom. This tech tool can enhance social learning and ignite discussion through sharing short videos centered around a topic. Getting started is easy. After this session, you will be ready to use Flip to encourage every student to share what they know. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Create your classroom Flip and learn to add Topics with student prompts; 2. Understand ways to use Flip to increase student voice in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of Flip in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Microsoft (75), professional development (319), remote learning (61), video (245)
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
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OK2Ask: 3 Cool Tools for Formative Assessment - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Students achieve more...more
Students achieve more when we engage them during the learning process. Come to this session to learn the three steps in the formative assessment and feedback loop, explore three online formative assessment tools that will help you gather evidence of student progress, and discuss a variety of formative assessment strategies you can use to increase gains in student learning. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the three steps in the formative assessment feedback loop to support learning gains; 2. Explore three tools and how each gathers evidence of student progress in content areas; and 3. Plan for the use of digital formative assessment tools in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Formative Assessment (48), professional development (319)
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
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire with Visual Essays - TeachersFirst
Grades
3 to 12Integrating visual...more
Integrating visual and written content can increase the impact of the writing that your students do. As students learn to use imagery to illustrate critical points in an argument or visualize the action in a storyline, they become better communicators. Join this session and help your students develop the ability to communicate clearly and creatively. Model and nurture creative expression while providing a new way for your students to reflect on what they have learned. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the components of a visual essay; 2. Explore a tech tool that can be used to create visual essays; and 3. Create a visual essay exemplar to share with their students. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): essays (20), professional development (319), visualizations (11)
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
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OK2Ask: 3 Cool Tools for Digital Writing - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Get inspired by...more
Get inspired by digital writing tools that facilitate the planning and implementation of powerful, engaging lessons that support literacy standards! Through the exploration of three digital writing tools, understand how these tools can scaffold instruction for each component of the writing process -- prewrite, draft, revise, edit, and publish. Engaged students who understand the writing process produce more successful work. Join us to see how you can improve student organization, collaboration, storytelling, and decision-making within the writing process by using these digital tools. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand ways different digital writing tools can scaffold instruction; 2. Identify ways digital writing can increase student engagement; and 3. Plan for the use of digital writing tools in their classroom to support the writing process. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): digital writing (3), professional development (319), writing (301)
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
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You Are What You Eat - Examining Nutrition through Literature - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 7tag(s): commoncore (78), nutrition (133)
In the Classroom
This is a thorough unit on food and nutrition. Start with activating prior knowledge on your interactive whiteboard or using your projector. Use Padlet, reviewed here, once students have sorted their favorites into categories and project the results on your whiteboard. When teaching science, social studies, or health content about nutrition, foods, plants, or farms, consider pairing fictional books along with informational texts (several are suggested) to maximize the potential of every unit of study. This article is a good starting point. What a perfect way to integrate healthy eating, whether during the holiday season or spring garden planting! Speaking of planting, whether you are considering or implementing a school garden unit you will want to check out this article.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Effective Feedback for Student Growth - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Helpful feedback can...more
Helpful feedback can come from a variety of sources. If you're wondering how to use tech tools to give your students better feedback then this session is for you! Learn effective feedback strategies to drive achievement and nurture your students as they acquire new skills like self-reflection and peer review. Explore tech tools that facilitate teacher and community feedback to help students understand the value of feedback from multiple sources and realize the growth potential of embracing both positive and negative responses. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn components of effective feedback, 2. Explore methods for providing feedback to students; and 3. Plan for the instructional use of feedback mechanisms in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (319)
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
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Cycles vs. Checklists: Fostering Creative Process in an Accountability World - TeachersFirst/Candace Hackett Shively
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): creativity (92)
In the Classroom
Teachers in any subject will find ideas for fostering creativity in their classroom, especially with students developmentally ready to talk about their own creative process (usually middle school and up). Make this professional information a discussion item among your teaching peers and with parents. Share it with colleagues for an informal inservice session. Use the many resources to help students discover their own creative process just as you would help them discover their learning styles. Make creative process a habit in your class assignments through electronic idea bins and more.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Social Media Literacy: Purposeful Practice in Every Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12As educators, we...more
As educators, we can prepare every child to be influential by helping them understand how to leverage the power of social media. While students intuitively understand the mechanics of social media platforms, using them in a responsible, purposeful way to build influence is not instinctual and must be taught and practiced. Learn to develop your students' social media savvy by using practice spaces focused on digital citizenship, critical thinking, persuasion, and communication skills. Explore online and offline strategies and tools to create safe, authentic learning experiences for students in grades 2-12 in any content area. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the importance of responsible social media use by students; 2. Understand the purpose of using social media practice spaces as part of regular instruction; and 3. Explore both paper-based and digital practice spaces that can be used with students. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): digital citizenship (79), professional development (319), social media (46), student-centered (4)
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
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OK2Ask: Game-Based Learning Basics - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Learn the basics...more
Learn the basics of game-based learning (GBL)! In this session, we will explore tools that you can use to incorporate GBL into different content areas, talk about strategies for implementing games, and discuss classroom management tips you can use while your students are learning. Participants will leave knowing how to choose a learning game for use in their setting. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Review the meaning of game-based learning (GBL); 2. Explore tools used for GBL; and 3. Discuss classroom management strategies to support implementing GBL. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): game based learning (168), professional development (319)
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
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OK2Ask: TeachersFirst Smackdown (Classroom Management Edition) - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Explore new and...more
Explore new and tried-and-true technology tools for your classroom. Join TeachersFirst as we showcase our favorite edtech resources. There are many technology tools available for classroom use, but which ones are teachers' favorites? This session will share and compare some of the TeachersFirst contributors' favorite classroom management resources. Participants during the live session helped to decide the winner of this Smackdown! As a result of viewing this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite technology tools; 2. Evaluate one or more tools for classroom use; and 3. Share ideas for using resources with other participants. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): classroom management (132), professional development (319)
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
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