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.
125 Results | sort by:
OK2Ask: Tech Integration Made Easy with Sutori - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session from November 2017, opens in Adobe Connect. Transform your classroom activities by learning how to use Sutori. Engage...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 from November 2017, opens in Adobe Connect. Transform your classroom activities by learning how to use Sutori. Engage students and deepen content area knowledge through digital stories. Text, audio, video, discussion forums, and quiz questions bring additional context to content area instruction for your students. Use student-created visual stories and timelines as formative assessment. Brainstorm with others how you and your students can use Sutori in your classroom. Participants will: 1. Learn basic use of Sutori; 2. Explore three different ways to use Sutori in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of Sutori in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): digital storytelling (154), timelines (57)
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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: Cool Tools: Tools for Organization - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional development session from August 2016, opens in Adobe Connect. Explore three online tools that will help you organize your classroom....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 development session from August 2016, opens in Adobe Connect. Explore three online tools that will help you organize your classroom. Discover how organization affects the classroom environment, decreases behavior issues and maximizes learning. Discuss and learn ways to foster organization in the classroom. Use exploration time to discover and discuss how selected resources can be utilized in your classroom. A question/answer period will be available to help with individual questions. As a result of this session and through individual follow-up, participants will: (1) Explore tools for classroom organization; (2) Share and collaborate organizational strategies; (3) Find solutions to individual organization struggles; and (4) Delve deeper into an organizational tool shared. Remember, it is OK2Ask'® questions at any time! This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): organizational skills (122)
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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!).
Cycles vs. Checklists: Fostering Creative Process in an Accountability World - TeachersFirst/Candace Hackett Shively
Grades
6 to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Accountability for curriculum creates a tug-of-war with creativity in the data-driven world of education. Find ideas and examples for respecting and incorporating students' creative...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:
Accountability for curriculum creates a tug-of-war with creativity in the data-driven world of education. Find ideas and examples for respecting and incorporating students' creative process as an overlay to even the most restrictive curriculum in these pages, originally part of a presentation by Candace Hackett Shively at the ISTE 2011 conference. Take a high-level look at what theorists and practicing "creative people" say about creative process, and find practical ways to make that process a habit in your classroom. Download customizable assignments and rubrics as examples to use with middle and high school students. This resource is a "macro" overview of creative process, companion to the "micro" (skills based) analysis offered in our Dimensions of Creativity pages.
tag(s): creativity (118)
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
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: 3 Cool Tools to Power Up Your Images - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional development session from February 2016, opens in Adobe Connect. Explore, compare, and contrast three different online photo tools. Participants...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 development session from February 2016, opens in Adobe Connect. Explore, compare, and contrast three different online photo tools. Participants will learn about the features of these three tools and then participate in a breakout session to learn more about the tool of their choosing. A question/answer period will be available to help with individual questions. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels. As a result of this session and through individual follow-up, participants will: (1) Learn about and compare 3 different tools for working with images; (2) Evaluate the uses for working with these tools in the classroom; (3) Share ideas for using tools with other participants; and (4) Start a project using one of the given tools.
tag(s): images (283)
In the Classroom
Inspire your lessons with new ways to use images in your classroom. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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: Tech Integration Made Easy with Adobe Spark - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional development session from May 2017, opens in Adobe Connect. Engage students and deepen content area knowledge using instructional imagery....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 development session from May 2017, opens in Adobe Connect. Engage students and deepen content area knowledge using instructional imagery. Deliver instruction in a compelling way and transform your classroom activities by learning how to use Adobe Spark, an integrated suite of FREE storytelling applications. Learn to use Adobe Spark, Post, and Page for classroom projects and personal productivity. Select images and make minor edits to bring additional context to content area instruction for your students. Brainstorm with others how you and your students can use Adobe Spark in your classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels. As a result of this session teachers will: 1. Learn basic use of the Adobe Spark tools; 2. Explore three different ways to use Adobe Spark in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of Adobe Spark in the classroom.
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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: Cool Tools: Tools for the Flipped Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
4 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional development session from July 2016, opens in Adobe Connect. What is Flipped Learning? Learn about the basics of flipping the classroom...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 development session from July 2016, opens in Adobe Connect. What is Flipped Learning? Learn about the basics of flipping the classroom including pros and cons as well as management ideas. Explore 3 tools to use for creating interactive flipped activities. Find resources for assessing, differentiating, and communicating in a Flipped classroom. A question/answer period will be available to help with individual questions. As a result of this session and through individual follow-up, participants will: 1. Find resources to investigate and understand Flipped learning environments; 2. Explore apps to help organize students and the content in a Flipped classroom; 3. Review tools that assess students knowledge (both for pretesting and general assessment/feedback); 4. Envision the use of many free tools in the Flipped classroom; and 5. Learn management strategies for an effective Flipped environment. Remember, it is OK2Ask'® questions at any time! This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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: Engage & Inspire: Breakout EDU Digital - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session from October 2017, opens in Adobe Connect. Breakout EDU Digital is the online version of the immersive learning games...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 from October 2017, opens in Adobe Connect. Breakout EDU Digital is the online version of the immersive learning games platform. It's exciting! It's fun! Also, it's an effective learner-centered teaching strategy you will reach for again and again. Learn how to implement this instructional strategy in your classroom. Understand the many benefits of this approach such as developing problem-solving skills, fostering a growth mindset, encouraging collaboration and teamwork, and promoting access to content knowledge. Participants will: 1. Understand Breakout EDU Digital as a learner-centered instructional strategy; 2. Explore a collection of Breakout EDU Digital examples to understand how to use the strategy in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of Breakout EDU Digital in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): gamification (89)
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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: Engaging Tools to Spice Up Writing Practice - TeachersFirst
Grades
3 to 12
2 Favorites
1 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional development session from July 2017, opens in Adobe Connect. Writing is an important and powerful way to build and assess student understanding....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 development session from July 2017, opens in Adobe Connect. Writing is an important and powerful way to build and assess student understanding. Integrating technology into writing doesn't have to be hard. There are a number of tools that can be used to engage your students in the various parts of the writing process. From brainstorming to checking grammar to peer editing, technology can make the process fun. Join us to explore and discuss resources that be used in the classroom to develop student writing skills. Participants will explore and discuss how resources can be utilized in their classroom. This session is for teachers at ALL technology comfort levels. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn three ways to infuse technology into the writing process; 2. Explore tools to support student writing; and 3. Create a sample project for use in the instructional setting.
tag(s): writing (363)
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
Comments
Excellent resources!Helena, VI, Grades: 0 - 8
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: 3 Cool Tools for English Language Learners (ELL) - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session from July 2018, opens in Adobe Connect. Are you looking for ways to supplement your instruction with technology tools...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 from July 2018, opens in Adobe Connect. Are you looking for ways to supplement your instruction with technology tools to engage your English Language Learners (ELLs)? Join us to learn about 3 tools you can use with all levels of ELLs. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening can all be practiced via various programs and tools. Learn how to enhance your ELL students' creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills. Participants will: 1. Understand the needs of ELL students within the classroom; 2. Explore three online tools to engage ELL students; and 3. Plan for the use of these tools in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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: Google Form Basics - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session from April 2018, opens in Adobe Connect. Google forms can support classroom instruction AND improve teacher productivity....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 from April 2018, opens in Adobe Connect. Google forms can support classroom instruction AND improve teacher productivity. You can use Google Forms to create surveys and quizzes; collect research data, and plan events. Unlike other "freemium" web-based form tools, Google forms is completely free and allows for unlimited questions and responses, as well as logic branching. Once completed and shared, recipients can easily fill out and submit their responses. A Google form is automatically connected to a spreadsheet with the same title. When you send or share a form, recipients' responses will automatically be collected in that spreadsheet. Participants will: 1. Explore the features of Google Forms; 2. Discover a variety of uses for Google Forms; and 3. Create a basic Google Form. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): assessment (117), Google (32), polls and surveys (55)
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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: Build a Google Website in a Day! - TeachersFirst
Grades
4 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional development session from February 2017, opens in Adobe Connect. Google Sites is a powerful and easy to use tool to create a variety ...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 development session from February 2017, opens in Adobe Connect. Google Sites is a powerful and easy to use tool to create a variety of websites. In this session, participants will explore the basics of setting up a classroom or student Google Site. This will include pages for a welcome message, calendar, files, links, pictures, announcements (blog) page, and more. Easily move your current information to Google Sites, begin your own Site, or learn what Google Sites is all about. Remember, it's OK2Ask'®. This session is for teachers at INTERMEDIATE technology comfort levels. As a result of this session teachers will: (1) Identify the basic pages and features in Google Sites; (2) Become familiar with the tools for creating a Site of their own; and (3) Explore the possible uses of Google Sites in the classroom or with their students.
tag(s): Google (32)
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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!).
Embracing Research - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 8
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This installment in the Help I lost my library/media specialist series offers a step by step approach to a research unit, written by an experienced elementary library/media specialist....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 installment in the Help I lost my library/media specialist series offers a step by step approach to a research unit, written by an experienced elementary library/media specialist. Although nothing can replace the specialized knowledge of a teacher-librarian, this plan includes everything from pre-planning to sharing an assessing products. There are different resources and ideas for primary, upper elementary, and middle school grades. It is almost like having your helpful library/media specialist working along with you!
In the Classroom
Mark this one in your Favorites for use when planning your next major research project. The resources and ideas will help every student be successful. Adapt for weaker readers by using resources or ideas from lower grades.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!).
Food, Glorious Food! Serving Up Common Core Connections - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 5
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This read-aloud from TeachersFirst provides some resources and suggestions of books and activities on the theme of Foods and Nutrition. The content areas can provide rich opportunities...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 read-aloud from TeachersFirst provides some resources and suggestions of books and activities on the theme of Foods and Nutrition. The content areas can provide rich opportunities to integrate the CCSS English Language Arts standards as we teach science, health, and social studies. With the current focus on childhood obesity, the popularity of school gardens and farm-to-school initiatives, and the campaign to "eat local," the connection to food-related books is compelling. This installment in our Help! I lost my library/media specialist! series of ideas for implementing Common Core really gives you "food for thought."
tag(s): commoncore (89), nutrition (159)
In the Classroom
When teaching science, social studies, or health content about nutrition, foods, plants, or farms, consider pairing fictional books along with informational texts to maximize the potential of every unit of study. This read-aloud is a good starting point. What a perfect way to integrate healthy eating, whether during the holiday season or spring garden planting!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: Getting Started with Google Draw - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional development session from July 2016, opens in Adobe Connect. Explore the hidden treasure that is Google Draw. Don't let its simplicity...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 development session from July 2016, opens in Adobe Connect. Explore the hidden treasure that is Google Draw. Don't let its simplicity fool you, there are many things hidden in this versatile tool. In this session, participants will learn how to navigate through Google Draw to make engaging lesson, interactive graphic organizers, exciting assignments and much more. With the amazing sharing abilities within Google, it is easy to get the information out to students and colleagues to work towards a more paperless classroom. As a result of this session and through individual follow-up, teachers will: 1. Learn the basics of creating in Google Draw; 2. Explore examples of ways to integrate Google Draw into the classroom; and 3. Create a Google Drawing that you can use. Remember, it is OK2Ask'® questions at any time! This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Google (32)
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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: My Maps Basics - TeachersFirst
Grades
3 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional development session from July 2016, opens in Adobe Connect. Participants will have time to explore maps and discover ways they can be...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 development session from July 2016, opens in Adobe Connect. Participants will have time to explore maps and discover ways they can be implemented into classrooms with students of all ages. As a result of this session and through individual follow-up, teachers will: 1. Explore the difference between Google Maps and its features; 2. Learn about Google My Maps' uses in education; 3. Explore other products from Google Maps; and 4. Plan a way to incorporate maps into an upcoming lesson. Remember, it is OK2Ask'® questions at any time! This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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: Proven Techniques to Improve Reading and Writing - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session from August 2018, opens in Adobe Connect. Editor and Learning Tools are free tools that implement proven techniques...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 from August 2018, opens in Adobe Connect. Editor and Learning Tools are free tools that implement proven techniques to improve reading and writing for people regardless of their age or ability. Reading research identifies three separate reading skills: decoding, fluency, and comprehension -- the Learning Tools incorporates strategies to strengthen each of these areas. Explore how students can personalize their learning to improve reading skills by reducing visual crowding, highlighting and voicing text, and breaking words into syllables. Learning Tools improve writing skills by letting the author speak and see words and sentences correctly spelled and punctuated. Young writers can concentrate on organizing their thoughts while absorbing the appropriate representation of those thoughts. Participants will: 1. Explore Microsoft's free Editor Tools to help students with the writing process; 2. Discover Learning Tools that help students improve reading skills; and 3. Plan for the use of these tools in your classroom. This session is for teachers at ALL technology comfort levels.
tag(s): descriptive writing (41), fluency (25), Microsoft (40), reading comprehension (127), reading strategies (54)
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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!).
Common Core Part 2: Moving Forward with Informational Text - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 5
3 Favorites
0 Comments
In this second in a series about Common Core, move into lessons that address Common Core Reading standards for "informational texts." This article offers specifics about Common Core...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:
In this second in a series about Common Core, move into lessons that address Common Core Reading standards for "informational texts." This article offers specifics about Common Core Anchor Standard #5 for Reading, which deals with text structure. Find explanations of the five most common text structures and instructional approaches to help students understand and even write each type of information text. Learn how you can explicitly teach organizational patterns in reading and have students apply these patterns in their own writing. Note that the CCSS and texts also apply in science and social studies literacy, so the lessons cross into these disciplines, as well. Although the article is intended for elementary teachers as part of our Help! I lost my library/media specialist series, the discussion of Common Core and informational texts applies at any level.
tag(s): commoncore (89), graphic organizers (39)
In the Classroom
Read lesson ideas and explore the suggested resources as you begin to implement Common Core. Mark this article in your Favorites. Many of the suggested resources may be helpful during curriculum planning sessions with other teachers. Click the "share" widget to send them to others!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: 10 Chrome Apps/Extensions I Can't Live Without - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional development session from July 2016, opens in Adobe Connect. Chrome apps and extensions run in the Chrome browser, providing you or 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:
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional development session from July 2016, opens in Adobe Connect. Chrome apps and extensions run in the Chrome browser, providing you or your students many great tools with ease. In this session, participants will explore apps and extensions useful in your classroom. You will learn how to find apps and extensions and install them in your Chrome browser. We will explore as many apps and extensions as possible. Your life will never be the same! Note: You must have the Chrome browser installed prior to the start of the session. As a result of this session and through individual follow-up, teachers will: 1. Learn the difference between an app and an extension; 2. Explore a variety of apps and extensions that increase functionality of the classroom and student learning; and 3. Find, install, and use apps or extensions for their use. Remember, it is OK2Ask'® questions at any time! This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Google (32)
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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!).
Going Deep with Award Winning Books: Close reading and text-dependent questions - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6
3 Favorites
0 Comments
This installment in a series of articles about implementing Common Core in elementary focuses on close reading of texts in Caldecott award winning books. Since Caldecott winners tend...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 installment in a series of articles about implementing Common Core in elementary focuses on close reading of texts in Caldecott award winning books. Since Caldecott winners tend to be available in most libraries, what better way to start the practice of close reading and questioning a la Common Core. A major shift of the Common Core State Standards is to have reading, writing, listening and speaking grounded in evidence , from both literary and informational texts. As a result, terms like "close reading" and "text-dependent questions" are getting a lot of attention. Find ideas to implement this shift. The article is intended for elementary teachers as part of our Help! I lost my library/media specialist series.
tag(s): commoncore (89)
In the Classroom
If you are fortunate enough to have a library/media specialist to partner with you, try these ideas together during read-alouds both in the library/media center and in your classroom. Mark this article in your favorites and refer back to it as you move forward with Common Core.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: Fostering Accountability: Media Literacy in the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session from October 2017, opens in Adobe Connect. As digital media increasingly replaces traditional media, students must have...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 from October 2017, opens in Adobe Connect. As digital media increasingly replaces traditional media, students must have the skills to think critically about these new types of texts. Media literacy - the ability to skillfully read and write in a wide range of message forms - allows students to identify themes and issues emerging from popular culture. Media literacy standards have been incorporated across content areas and grade levels in all 50 states. Join us to learn more about this information age survival skill and how to prepare lessons in time for media literacy week. Participants will: 1. Understand the importance of teaching media literacy in the classroom; 2. Explore media literacy resources; and 3. Learn to use the 5 key questions of media literacy when planning lessons. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): digital citizenship (64), media literacy (65)
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.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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