Online Tools: Suggestions from TeachersFirst
This editor's choice collection offers timesavers and organizational tools for teachers. They include "utility" sites for teaching tasks such as seating charts, rubrics, and certificates. Other tools facilitate parent communication, such as text messaging or online conferencing. Our editors have also hand picked simple, timesaving, creative tools from the TeachersFirst Edge. These tools organize to-do lists (for yourself or for students), convert files, remove ads from web pages, check web site readability, write a one-time blog, generate an online signup sheet, make a simple graphic organizer or chart, create online corkboards or stickies, and much more. Mark your Favorites using your free TeachersFirst membership, so you can find them quickly!
For a full listing of reviewed "creation" tools by category, try the TeachersFirst Edge, today's hottest tools for creating teacher and student projects online.
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Free Online PDF Calendars - Kevin MacLeod
Grades
1 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Create a custom, yearly calendar quickly with the PDF Calendar creator. Choose from several sizes or insert your own size in inches. Choose from many different languages. Create your...more
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Create a custom, yearly calendar quickly with the PDF Calendar creator. Choose from several sizes or insert your own size in inches. Choose from many different languages. Create your calendar for any year from 1901 - 2038 and select Sunday or Monday as the starting day each week. Click "GET PDF" to instantly view your calendar ready to print or download.
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This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Use this calendar maker to create calendars throughout the year. Create a calendar from a year in history to discover days of the week that historic events took place. Include a calendar with multimedia projects for a written perspective of time and events. Create a calendar for the future to explore events such as days of the week birthdays will occur, day of the week for future holidays, or for the upcoming school year. Create calendars for upcoming years to view days of the week for annual events. Give your students calendars to highlight in different colors showing vacations, major projects, field trips, and other events. Help your "organizationally challenged" students by printing calendars they can annotate and keep inside the clear cover of their binders or in a plastic sleeve page. Have young students (or ELL students) decorate a yearly calendar as they learn the months of the year.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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Hemingway - Ben and Adam Long
Grades
5 to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Make revising your writing easy and enjoyable using Hemingway. Simply copy/paste your text into this website, and receive instant feedback. The visual aspect of this program helps one...more
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Make revising your writing easy and enjoyable using Hemingway. Simply copy/paste your text into this website, and receive instant feedback. The visual aspect of this program helps one to see exactly where the errors are and where to make improvements. There are color coded suggestions for wordiness, weak adverb use, passive voice, and complicated words and phrases. Did you know that the most effective writing is at or under grade level ten? The goal of the program is to help writers make their missives concise and clear.
tag(s): editing (80), proofreading (25), writing (360)
In the Classroom
Use this highly visual revision program with your students who are ready to refine and improve their writing. This is a wonderful program to use for revision after editing of grammar and mechanics is complete. Discover what is making your writing too wordy (excessive prepositional phrases or adverbs?) Partner an advanced writer with one not so advanced and have them use Hemingway to improve their styles. Put the URL on your website for students and parents to use from home. Remind seniors to use it for their college essays. Use this tool to polish your own professional writing, parent newsletters, blog posts, and papers for grad classes!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Shape Book Patterns - Eduplace - Houghton Mifflin
Grades
K to 3
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Find numerous printable shape patterns to create your own shape books or simply to use as paper for creative writing exercises. Although this site is SO simple (just click to ...more
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Find numerous printable shape patterns to create your own shape books or simply to use as paper for creative writing exercises. Although this site is SO simple (just click to download and print), it is extremely useful in the younger grades. The shapes will motivate students while the lines (if you choose to use them) help your weaker writers to stay "on the lines." Choose from patterns with or without writing lines. Select each link to view in the PDF, then download or print to use. Over 35 patterns range from an apple to umbrella.
tag(s): creative writing (156), preK (283), printables (41)
In the Classroom
Download a selection of patterns for your classroom writing center. Bookmark this site to find printables for use with any thematic unit. Include students' completed pattern books in your reading center. This site is ideal for any students with special needs in the area of writing or fine motor skills. You could offer lines to those who need them, and no lines to other students. Share this link on your class website for students to use for summer writing fun.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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WhenIsGood - Keith Harris
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
WhenIsGood is an easy to use tool to find out when all participants are free for an event or meeting. Choose "get started" and click all possible times and dates ...more
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WhenIsGood is an easy to use tool to find out when all participants are free for an event or meeting. Choose "get started" and click all possible times and dates for an event. Narrow times to particular days and time periods of 15, 30, or 60 minutes. Give the event a title. Additional options include specifying a time zone and viewing of only specific hours each day. After creating the event, write down the result code provided to receive the link to send to participants. Click the box to receive email alerts for any new responses. Participants highlight their choices and submit adding comments if desired. No registration is required to use this tool. You can register for an account to receive a few additional perks: edit or delete activities, no need for result codes with each event, and more.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): calendars (41), parent conferences (23)
In the Classroom
Create a calendar for scheduling parent-teacher conferences to send to parents. Scheduling a special presentation and inviting parents? Use this tool to find out what date and time of day will work best. Use WhenIsGood to set up grade level or department meetings. Share with your school's Parent Teacher Organization as a tool for scheduling meetings, fundraisers, or book fairs.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Down For Everyone Or Just Me? - downforeveryoneorjustme.com
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Are you trying to reach a website, and it just isn't working? Down For Everyone Or Just For Me provides a quick answer. Enter the url for the site you ...more
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Are you trying to reach a website, and it just isn't working? Down For Everyone Or Just For Me provides a quick answer. Enter the url for the site you are checking (such as google.com) and click "or just me?" to find out. The result will tell you if it is just you or if there is a network outage. There is no registration required! This is especially handy to help diagnose partial Internet outages such as when your Internet provider cannot reach a site, but the REST of the world can ... or if your school's filter is blocking the site.
In the Classroom
Add Down For Everyone Or Just For Me to your bookmarks for quick and easy checks when websites won't connect. Share a link on your class website or blog for students to find and easily use this tool at home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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PicMark - PicMark
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
PicMark is a simple tool for adding a frame to any image then sharing via social networking tools. Create an account using your email and a password to begin. Upload ...more
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PicMark is a simple tool for adding a frame to any image then sharing via social networking tools. Create an account using your email and a password to begin. Upload an image from your computer. Choose a frame and add text if desired. Create your own frame using the "ADD NEW" link for further personalization. Save when complete. Share using provided links on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or email.
tag(s): images (276), photography (145), vocabulary development (112)
In the Classroom
Use PicMark to personalize and share pictures from classroom and school events. Have students use PicMark to add text on images for (very) short story summaries or descriptions of plants or animals. Take a picture of math problems and include a short explanation (or hint) on the frame. Use PicMark to create pictures for your "About Me" bulletin boards at the beginning of the school year. Take pictures on your field trip and create PicMarks. If you have a student taking an educational trip, have him or her take photos and label using PicMarks. With non-reading students, take pictures of everyday items and put the word(s) on the picture to help with word recognition and beginning reading skills. Don't forget to use color coding to help. For example, frame all verb pictures in red and all noun pictures in blue. Use this in any world language class to label pictures to learn vocabulary. Add short questions to any image and share on a class web page.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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calmCounter - James Barrett
Grades
K to 8
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Keep track of the noise level in your classroom using the calmCounter "Calmness Counter." This colorful tool is simple to set up and use. Hook up a microphone and watch ...more
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Keep track of the noise level in your classroom using the calmCounter "Calmness Counter." This colorful tool is simple to set up and use. Hook up a microphone and watch the calmCounter respond to the noise level in your classroom. This is a concrete way to quantify noise level needed for goal setting and behavior (sound) management. Even the young can understand this tool's "thermometer."
tag(s): classroom management (146), music theory (43), sound (104), Teacher Utilities (95)
In the Classroom
Share calmCounter at the beginning of the school year with a projector or your interactive whiteboard. Have your class practice different noise levels and come to an agreement about where the thermometer should be for different activities. Display calmCounter on your interactive whiteboard or projector during your troublesome, noisy times: centers, indoor recess, or group work. If you have an autistic or noise sensitive student, calmCounter can help your class become more aware of their noise levels. In music class, use to aid students in understanding dynamics in written music such as pianissimo, mezzo forte, and forte. During your science unit on sound, use calmCounter to show a rudimentary measurement of different types of sound.
This resource requires Adobe Flash and PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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Delivr - delivr.com
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Delivr combines a URL shortening/tracking service with a QR-Code generator to easily share web-based information such as links to videos or web sites. Copy/paste any url into the bar....more
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Delivr combines a URL shortening/tracking service with a QR-Code generator to easily share web-based information such as links to videos or web sites. Copy/paste any url into the bar. Use the drop-down menu for sources such as YouTube or Flickr; then press enter to shorten the url and share. Share options include Facebook, Twitter, or as a QR code to save in several different formats. Free sign-up offers additional options such as an account dashboard that allows you to manage campaigns, produce reports, and download QR codes. The FREE plan requires email registration and allows five "active campaigns" or services for one user.
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tag(s): qr codes (19)
In the Classroom
Use Delivr to shorten and share any long url. If you have a BYOD or 1:1 classroom with mobile devices, be sure they include free QR reader apps to open the codes you create. Create a QR code that directs to your class site or blog and include it on handouts for Back to School night. Create a QR code scavenger hunt for students, making a webquest or research project more engaging. Add QR codes to documents for students to access a key or information to check their answers to questions. Expand knowledge of a topic by adding a QR code to a site that goes beyond the textbook. Create a data chart accessible via a QR code. Students can easily access the data and manipulate the information. Have students create a book trailer or review and affix a QR code to the outside of the book. (Students may be more apt to read a book that has been reviewed by another student.) Make a display completely interactive with a QR code that describes the assignment, the process, the research, student's reactions and more! Add extra help information to any assignment that asks students to solve problems. Create an online help tutorial accessible via a QR code, and place the code beside a similar problem. Even non-readers can use QR codes that lead to images or videos. Link directly to a Google Map. Place QR code contact information for you and your school on contact cards to give to parents. Attach QR codes to physical objects around the room to provide information about the object. Place the links in a newsletter using QR codes instead of a series of words that need to be typed.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Strong Random Password Generator - Passwordsgenerator.net
Grades
5 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Create safe passwords easily. Set the parameters for creating your new password: character length, use of capitals, numbers, characters, and more. Click "Generate secure password" to...more
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Create safe passwords easily. Set the parameters for creating your new password: character length, use of capitals, numbers, characters, and more. Click "Generate secure password" to obtain the password and a way to remember it (also generates a phonetic password to remember). Be sure to note their great advice about passwords for safety and security.
tag(s): internet safety (121)
In the Classroom
Have student partners share the advice about passwords. Discuss these and why they are important. Use this tool anytime a password is required for students. Display this link at the beginning of the school year on your class web page for students (and parents) to use, too!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Class Messenger - Learn Anything, Inc.
Grades
K to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Looking for a tool to send reminders, surveys, or announcements to students or parents? This free tool provides many options for maintaining lines of communication. The site says setting...more
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Looking for a tool to send reminders, surveys, or announcements to students or parents? This free tool provides many options for maintaining lines of communication. The site says setting up an account takes you about 30 seconds! Create an account and a class. Students and/or parents create accounts as well. Parents (or students) then search for teacher name, class, or username to join. You can choose messages to be received through the app, by text message, or via email. Requests to join must first be approved by the teacher before receiving any messages. From the teacher dashboard, compose the type of message you wish to send, choose the recipients of the message, and type the body of the message. Messages are sent to each of the recipients using their chosen method. If students choose the SMS option, be sure they obtain parental permission FIRST, as standard messaging rates apply.
tag(s): chat (44), classroom management (146), DAT device agnostic tool (173), homework (38), polls and surveys (49), Teacher Utilities (95)
In the Classroom
Set up accounts for all of your classes. Send homework, project, and supply reminders. Send changes to plans due to a Snow Day. Remind students of upcoming events, practices, or things they need to bring to class or practice. Don't forget any extracurricular activities. You could also use this to communicate with parents. (Allow them to sign up for these updates at back to school night using a laptop or provide them the necessary information on your class web page.) Remind parents of big tests, report cards, field trips, deadlines, back to school night, sneaker days, conferences, and more. Learning Support teachers can promote organizational skills by having students and their parents sign up to receive reminders about tests and homework. Add your own messages to help parents know how to help their elementary child study. Need supply donations? Send out a request using Class Messenger. Set up a faculty reminder group within your school for emergency closures or department meetings and activities.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Scrible - Scrible
Grades
4 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Transform your students' web-based research with Scrible. Highlight and annotate web pages and easily save, share, organize, and collaborate on Internet-based research. Scrible offers...more
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Transform your students' web-based research with Scrible. Highlight and annotate web pages and easily save, share, organize, and collaborate on Internet-based research. Scrible offers browser bookmarklets for Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Internet Explorer. With the Scrible bookmarklet installed, when you're on a page just click the bookmarklet to launch a menu of bookmarking tools. Access your work right where you left off from editing. Use the option to format your bibliographies as you bookmark. Compile your article clippings into one package. Students may sign up using their academic email address. (If your school's domain name is not recognized as "academic," sign up for the free account and send a "feedback" email explaining that your email address is that of a student.) Student Scrible accounts have double the storage capacity of the standard free account. Educators sign up for the Basic Edition and then click the feedback link to let Scrible know you're an educator. They will set you up with a special edition which includes the same features. Work smarter, not harder with Scrible. Saving your bookmarks with Scrible allows you to easily go back to review a site, and you'll see immediately why you bookmarked that site.
tag(s): citations (34), summarizing (17)
In the Classroom
Your students' online research will be efficient and effective with Scrible. Students can take notes on their bookmarks. They only need to bookmark the part of the website they need for their assignment. Students can collaborate with peers on their research. Post articles and documents online for your students to highlight and annotate. Bookmark this tool on your website or blog for your students to access in or outside of the classroom. Use Scrible to annotate professional development articles or to highlight important information for your students. The best part? It will instantly create your bibliography for you!How many times have we heard students complain during a group project, "But I couldn't get to his or her house to work on it?" Tell them to use Scrible to interact online. The research and conversations created through highlighting and annotating what they read can greatly enhance both their research skills and their online interaction on academic level skills. Or use the site to post and share discussion assignments on specific articles or even parts of articles using the highlighting tool. Find a relevant article to your subject. Highlight the part that you want students to read. (If students are younger, keep it short to reduce the intimidating reality of too much information for kids.) Attach a note with a discussion question for the students. Have them comment on the link in a "class discussion" as an outside assignment. If you are fortunate enough to have all students with computer access in your class and at home, such as in one to one laptop (or BYOD) program schools, you can use this essentially to run your class. Post assignments or post readings. Science teachers can post online interactive labs, and more.
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Text Compactor - Knowledge by Design Inc.
Grades
7 to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
This simple, free tool can shorten or summarize an otherwise long passage or text. Simply copy and paste the text passage into the text box. Specify the percentage of summarization...more
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This simple, free tool can shorten or summarize an otherwise long passage or text. Simply copy and paste the text passage into the text box. Specify the percentage of summarization (there is a slider you can drag to the percentage that you want). Text Compactor produces a shortened version below the original. Summarization of text is now easy and fast. Be sure to mention to any student using this site the importance of not plagiarizing and using only original writing. To learn more about how the tool works (and possibly consider some of its "short" comings), see "About."
tag(s): creative writing (156), descriptive writing (43), expository writing (38), paragraph writing (14), process writing (43)
In the Classroom
Use this resource when reducing original passages (not plagiarized) to fit a specific number of words or characters. Use this resource when teaching summarization. Paste in a text to summarize and discuss/brainstorm what makes a great summary. Challenge students to look for ways that the tool may have actually missed an important concept through its automated process. Have the class decide whether their own summary or the one offered by this tool is best -- and why. Use this tool as one of many angles on revision during the writing process. Have students paste in their own writing to see what ideas "show" as the most important and to consider revising to emphasize what they really intended to say. If your emails get a bit too wordy, try this tool to shorten them! Shorten your assignment descriptions to make them easier for your ESL/ELL students and lower level readers to understand.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Online-Convert - online-convert.com
Grades
K to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Online-Convert is your one stop shop for converting media files from one format to another. It is similar to Zamzar, reviewed here, with one advantage....more
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Online-Convert is your one stop shop for converting media files from one format to another. It is similar to Zamzar, reviewed here, with one advantage. There is no email requirement for converting files. Choose your converter to begin: Audio, Video, Ebook, Image, Document, Archive, or Hash. Use the drop box to choose the target format for your file. Upload or add the url for conversion. Also choose from options such as image quality, size, color, and enhancements. Click convert file, then wait for completion. Online-Convert stores your file for 24 hours and up to 10 downloads.
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This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Mark this tool in your favorites (or bookmark) for easy access and professional use, no matter what grade you teach. Model ethical use of electronic resources (other people's work) for students. Making a "derivative work" from someone else's pdf handout should include a printed credit within the new document, giving credit for the original source, Ex. "Adapted from a handout by xxx available at www.theoriginalhandout.pdf." Such derivative use should only be done when the original copyright permits it, such as using materials that grant permission for classroom use. Be sure to give proper credit for videos and other files you save locally. Have students practice giving proper credit to their converted files.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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CloudConvert - Lunaweb Ltd
Grades
4 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
CloudConvert is a file conversion tool. Upload any file to convert to a different format. Select files from your Google Drive, DropBox, or computer to begin. Choose the format ...more
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CloudConvert is a file conversion tool. Upload any file to convert to a different format. Select files from your Google Drive, DropBox, or computer to begin. Choose the format for conversion. For example, convert an avi movie file to a different movie format such as mp4 or an audio file. Choose an option to receive your new file by email or directly into your DropBox (reviewed here ). This tool is particularly helpful for mobile device users because it can manage conversions of files both stored and converted in the cloud.
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save CloudConvert for use throughout the year. Upload PDF files to convert into Word documents, save PowerPoint presentations as a PDF, convert movie or audio files to one single type for use in class projects. Use CloudConvert to change files that won't open to a different format accepted by your computer.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Online Voice Recorder - 123apps
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Just as the name says, Online Voice Recorder allows you to record your voice from your computer and save the file. With no membership required, this is a free and ...more
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Just as the name says, Online Voice Recorder allows you to record your voice from your computer and save the file. With no membership required, this is a free and simple recording treasure! Simply push the record button and follow screen prompts to ALLOW the application access to your computer's microphone. Talk as long as desired. Then listen to the recorded playback. Trim and edit the length using easy sliders as desired. Save your finished version in mp3 format using the link.
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tag(s): fluency (23), preK (283), speech (87), spelling (161)
In the Classroom
Have students practice spelling words orally, record speeches, practice reading fluency, and much more using Online Voice Recorder. After recording, allow students to listen to the playback and reflect upon the quality of their work. Do before and after recordings of students to share with parents during conferences to demonstrate reading progress. Have students record weekly summaries for what has happened in your class to share on your class website or blog (you will have to upload the files). Record weekly or daily homework assignments and share as a voice recording on your website. Save file space by replacing old files with new ones. Online Voice Recorder would be an excellent resource for recording and sharing more complicated directions for projects and assignments (adding you voice intonation and cues!). Your weaker readers and ESL/ELL students may do better with a combination of written AND auditory directions. Provide the link on your class website for students to use at home for additional practice in spelling, reading, practicing reports, and more. Share this site with parents at Back to School Night. Have students write and record audio book reviews others can play on iPads in the school library. If you have gifted students in your classroom, this tool is simple enough for even the youngest to be able to record audio mini-dramas portraying a historic figure, poetry readings, and more. Be sure to show them how to NAME and download the files to the local computer! Anything they can say out loud can become a creative project recording. Don't forget about recording musical performances or practices.
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Tes Teach - Blendspace - Blendspace
Grades
K to 12
20 Favorites
1 Comments
Blendspace has been incorporated into Tes! Create an interactive online lesson or collection with this free tool. Type in your lesson topic and select from suggested resources. Your...more
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Blendspace has been incorporated into Tes! Create an interactive online lesson or collection with this free tool. Type in your lesson topic and select from suggested resources. Your resources will appear in a grid on their screen. Upload Office files, PDFs, images, embed codes for videos, YouTube, and Internet links. This tool also can connect with your Google Drive or Dropbox account. Simply share the link for your finished space with anyone to view. Search for items to add right within the application. There is no need to use another browser window/tab to find the resources. Also, find lessons created by other teachers for you to use. Some of these are free, but not all. Watch the available minute-and-a-half video to get started. The introduction video is housed on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable; be sure to look at alternatives for sharing the videos on classroom computers.
tag(s): book reports (34), classroom management (146), creativity (116), professional development (229), social networking (93), Teacher Utilities (95)
In the Classroom
Use this tool to keep all your lessons and digital content in one place! Create Internet scavenger hunts and webquests or challenge collections for students to explore and learn. Insert your directions as text in one of the grid boxes. Add the text on top of other material in the grid box. Create lessons about various type of energy or rocks, systems in the body or types of tissues, categories of foods, environmental issues, books of various themes or genre, seasons, parts of speech, civilizations, etc. Use with faculty and staff to showcase a variety of tools for professional development. View the gallery of items created by other educators on the front page of the site and click the Be Inspired to see more listed by categories . Have student groups create curated collections on a topic or even collect poetry and images on a specific theme.Comments
david, TX, Grades: 9 - 12
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The Fractulator - appspot.com
Grades
4 to 8
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The Fractulator is a very simple online app that gives results of operations with two fractions. Input your first fraction and choose an operation. Add in the second fraction and ...more
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The Fractulator is a very simple online app that gives results of operations with two fractions. Input your first fraction and choose an operation. Add in the second fraction and choose equals to view the result. Choose to display results as proper or improper fractions. View your history on the right side of the chalkboard.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): addition (225), calculators (39), division (160), fractions (234), multiplication (211), operations (117), subtraction (188)
In the Classroom
Use the Fractulator on your interactive whiteboard or projector for students to predict and check results when working with simple fractions. Share a link on your class website for students to self-check at home. Use to introduce operations with fractions. Input information and have students analyze and demonstrate, working backwards to get the correct response.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teacher Lists - School Family Media
Grades
K to 12
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Imagine a one-stop site for creating, editing, and distributing your school supply list and wish list to parents and others. That's TeacherLists. Create an account, find your school,...more
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Imagine a one-stop site for creating, editing, and distributing your school supply list and wish list to parents and others. That's TeacherLists. Create an account, find your school, and begin a supply list or wish list. Personalize your list with a short welcome statement, if desired. Choose from categories to add items. Categories include most popular items as well as specific items such as paper, pencils, or health and cleaning supplies. Include the quantity for each student, add a short note, and save when complete. Share your final list through email, direct url link, or several social networking links.
tag(s): classroom management (146), preK (283)
In the Classroom
Create a TeacherLists account for your building or teaching team and distribute your supply list or a wish list in an easy to find format for parents to access anytime and anywhere. Share what your class specifically needs to be ready for the start of school or a new marking period. Include the links to your lists on your class web page. Library/media specialists can share a schoolwide list to keep the media center well stocked with supplies. Art teachers can request the craft items and supplies they need. Even grandparents can help out the school when they know what is needed. Share with your school's parent organization for creating their own lists.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Cloze Test Creator - l.georges
Grades
2 to 12
3 Favorites
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Create your own cloze quizzes out of any piece of text. Paste the text into the box and select how you want the cloze test made. Select different sentence functions. ...more
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Create your own cloze quizzes out of any piece of text. Paste the text into the box and select how you want the cloze test made. Select different sentence functions. Choose to have every few words eliminated, or choose your own items to be removed for the cloze. Participants can choose either interactive or text only quizzes. The missing words appear at the top of the quiz. With the interactive quiz, the player types the missing word in the blanks. The site has a lot of flexibility in creating cloze tests. The site will work with world languages as well, but instructors have to choose the every few words option since the site will not recognize, for example, prepositions in another language.
tag(s): quizzes (94), reading comprehension (135), reading strategies (65)
In the Classroom
Use this site to review parts of speech or sentence functions. Teach ESL/ELL students to succeed in adding troublesome prepositions or articles, especially in their writing, since the missing word is at the top. Use a cloze test to have students review terms and concepts in science, geography, and history. Use this site in world language classes to help understand verb tenses and more!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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StoryToolz - Chuck Heintzelman
Grades
2 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
StoryToolz offers many different tools for authors: story generators, word count meters, a readability analysis, a random conflict generator, a title generator, a cliche buster, and...more
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StoryToolz offers many different tools for authors: story generators, word count meters, a readability analysis, a random conflict generator, a title generator, a cliche buster, and more. Choose any of the topics to begin. Story generators offer suggestions for conflict within a story or half a title. Choose from random title beginnings and endings to generate your title. Don't miss the Readability area: paste up to 5K of text in the box to check the readability of any source. Registration isn't required; however, it offers the opportunity for additional resources within the word count meter section and a larger portion of text for analyzing in the readability section.
tag(s): creative writing (156), readability (7), stories and storytelling (34)
In the Classroom
Enhance and modify student writing by having them use StoryToolz. First, share it with students with a projector in your writing class to generate ideas for stories, possible centers of conflict to map out the new tale, and show them how to use the tool. Use the readability section with any writing to determine appropriateness for use with students. Have students paste their writing in the readability section to determine if their writing is at an appropriate grade level or to note information such as words per sentence or use of various parts of speech. Paste into the cliche buster to point out ho-hum wording and overused expressions. Suddenly, students may begin to write more complex sentences or use more vivid language. Be sure to include a link to this site on your class webpage and classroom computers for use throughout the year. The readability portion of the site is a great resource for ESL/ELL and Special Education teachers to help determine the appropriateness of reading materials.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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