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13 Mother's Day Celebration Ideas in School - HMH and Marcela Grillo
Grades
K to 5
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Cards are a classic choice for Mother's Day, but this site offers several unique ideas to celebrate the moms in our students' lives. Suggestions include making Mom the hero in ...more
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Cards are a classic choice for Mother's Day, but this site offers several unique ideas to celebrate the moms in our students' lives. Suggestions include making Mom the hero in a comic strip, hosting an awards presentation, and writing about memorable moments shared with Mom. Each idea requires little preparation and expense, making them perfect for use in any classroom.
tag(s): crafts (54), holidays (163), mothers day (13), poetry (189)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this site to find engaging projects for students to create when celebrating the mom in their lives. If using the suggestion to create a coupon book for mom, use the template provided by Activities for Kids, reviewed here. Create comics using ReadWriteThink's Comic Creator, reviewed here or Toony Tool, reviewed here. Find additional ideas for Mother's Day crafts and projects on the TeachersFirst Special Topics Page for Mothers' Day Resources, reviewed here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Studysmarter.us - studysmarter.us
Grades
8 to 12
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Studysmarter.us is a website that provides resources and support for students and teachers to help them improve their study habits and achieve academic success. The website offers articles...more
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Studysmarter.us is a website that provides resources and support for students and teachers to help them improve their study habits and achieve academic success. The website offers articles and guides on time management, note-taking, and exam preparation. Students can improve their study skills by using various ready-made tools and resources, including articles, videos, and interactive activities, or creating their own study materials. Studysmarter.us adds a little bit of fun and engagement to studying by setting weekly goals, then awarding badges for tasks completed, and time spent studying,
tag(s): organizational skills (90)
In the Classroom
Studysmarter.us can help students to develop effective study strategies, manage their time more efficiently, and boost their academic performance. Students or teachers can create study materials and share them with study groups. Create a course syllabus, outlines, and planners with ready-to-use templates. The site also includes many free-to-use math, biology, and economics textbooks.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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ReadingIQ - Age of Learning
Grades
K to 6
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Reading IQ contains an expansive reading library including quality fiction and non-fiction literature and award-winning books. Free enrollment for teachers provides free access to students...more
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Reading IQ contains an expansive reading library including quality fiction and non-fiction literature and award-winning books. Free enrollment for teachers provides free access to students on any device. After enrolling, set up your classroom to access student monitoring tools that include assigning reading levels and monitoring time spent reading. ReadingIQ allows teachers to assign books then provides detailed reports of class and individual progress in reading levels.
tag(s): book lists (161), classroom management (128), literacy (109), preK (256), reading comprehension (142), spanish (105)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of this free reading program to differentiate reading materials for your students both by ability and interests. Set up your program then share learning goals with your students and parents. Engage students use by using the free interactives and printables from ReadWriteThink, reviewed here, and have students create story maps, book covers, and much more as part of their retelling and summarizing activities. Create shared class activities using a video response tool like Flip, reviewed here, to enhance student learning by asking students to share short book talks about their favorite books read on the site. Take learning even further by creating ongoing podcasts discussing favorite books and characters using Buzzsprout, reviewed here. Buzzsprout makes it easy to create and share podcasts by offering scheduling options to meet your needs.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Genially - Genial.ly
Grades
K to 12
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1 Comments
Create impressive, interactive presentations, images, infographics, charts, and anything else you can think of with Genially. Easily insert maps, surveys, video, audio, and more. Choose...more
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Create impressive, interactive presentations, images, infographics, charts, and anything else you can think of with Genially. Easily insert maps, surveys, video, audio, and more. Choose the type of project you want to create to see the templates available, then select from the free plan templates. Genially is an all-in-one tool that will soon become your go-to tool for creating visual content. All your projects are stored in the cloud making collaboration a cinch! Register for the free account with email, or a Google or Facebook account, and then start creating! A Genially must be saved to share. Share creations from your dashboard on different social networks, copying and pasting a link, using an HTML code to embed it in a website/blog, or sending it directly by e-mail. Click the arrow to the right of your account icon to find Help (FAQs), a blog, and tutorials (Tour).
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): charts and graphs (169), communication (136), digital storytelling (142), images (264), infographics (57), interactive stories (21), multimedia (43), posters (45), video (259)
In the Classroom
Click Create to find a category from which you want your students to work; present several using a projector or on an interactive whiteboard. Show the interactivity to students. Then, create one together as a class to try out the tools (don't forget to name it). Keep it simple or add all the bells and whistles. Preview as you work or return later to complete and publish. Of course, you will want to model and teach appropriate documentation of any sources of images and media you use and to use copyrighted works legally.There are limitless ideas for using Genially in the classroom! Here are just a few: Ask students to create their own Genially as a new way to assess understanding of a concept or unit of study: you could even provide links to images and raw materials they may use (especially if you have students who need extra scaffolding), and they can work with them to sequence, caption, and write about the pieces. After a first project where you possibly suggest "building blocks," the sky is the limit on what they can do. Even the very young can make suggestions as you "create" a whole-class interactive together using a projector or an interactive whiteboard. Consider making a new project for each unit you teach so students can "recap" by visiting the presentation long after the unit ends. Save student projects from year to year as examples, possibly even awarding prizes for "best" examples. Have upper elementary or middle school students create an interactive project to help "little buddies" two or three grades lower to understand a concept.
Comments
This is a wonderful interactive poster replacement for Glogster.Shirley, CA, Grades: 6 - 12
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Helping Writers Become Authors - K. M. Weiland
Grades
6 to 12
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Helping Writers Become Authors is an award-winning blog by an internationally published author focusing on tips and suggestions for improving writing. The author recommends starting...more
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Helping Writers Become Authors is an award-winning blog by an internationally published author focusing on tips and suggestions for improving writing. The author recommends starting with the three core series contained within the blog: The Secrets of Story Structure, How to Structure Scenes in Your Story, and How to Write Character Arcs. Be sure also to check out the Story Structure Database containing detailed looks at story structure in popular books and movies. Other sections worth a look include Writing Inspiration and Most Common Writing Mistakes.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): characterization (16), creative writing (121), descriptive writing (39), expository writing (31), letter writing (18), paragraph writing (15), persuasive writing (55), process writing (38), writers workshop (31)
In the Classroom
This site is a must-see for anyone who teaches writing! Use information from the site on your interactive writing board or projector as part of writing lessons. View the Story Structure Database together with students and have students use this as an example to take a detailed look at the structure of the current reading or viewing materials they are using. Be sure to include a link to this site on your class website for students to use at home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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CurriConnects Booklist: Award Winning Books - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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There are many awards for excellent children's books. This collection of books includes winners of many awards, including the Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, Boston Globe/Horn Book...more
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There are many awards for excellent children's books. This collection of books includes winners of many awards, including the Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, Boston Globe/Horn Book Award, and the Coretta Scott King Book Award. Although the topics vary, the level of quality is consistently the same. CurriConnects thematic book lists include ISBN numbers for ordering or searching, interest grade levels, ESL levels and Lexiles'''® to match student independent reading levels to challenge, not frustrate. For more on text complexity and Lexiles'''®, see this information from the Lexile Framework. Don't miss other CurriConnects themes being added regularly. If your library does not have the books, try interlibrary loan!
tag(s): authors (103), book lists (161), independent reading (86)
In the Classroom
Develop your students' love of reading using these fabulous books. This collection could accompany a unit about famous authors and texts. These books provide experience with both fiction and nonfiction informational texts. This list is ideal for book reports or projects. Allow students (or partners) to choose their own book. Challenge students to create presentations or small group projects to share their story. Share this list with your school library/media specialist or public library, as well, for them to "pull" books in support of your units.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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LitPick - LitPick
Grades
4 to 12
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LitPick is a great place to find preteen and teen literature reviewed by students from all over the world. Discover the latest reads reviewed by students. Students apply to ...more
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LitPick is a great place to find preteen and teen literature reviewed by students from all over the world. Discover the latest reads reviewed by students. Students apply to become a reviewer, along with an adult sponsor, and get a free eBook or print book. Choose a book by age or genre. Read within 4-6 weeks and write a 5-10 sentence review summarizing the book, without giving away the ending. Submit and receive feedback before the final review is approved and published. Receive points and badges for well written reviews. Find books listed by genre or age group. Under Educators find an Educators Guide, Quizzes, and Learning Lessons. Adult members of LitPick can participate in the monthly book giveaway contest and newsletter that features student book reviews and special offers. Sign up to receive the latest announcement and promotional giveaways. Start book clubs, or use in classes. LitPick was selected as Best Website for Teaching and Learning by the American Association of School Librarians, and selected for the Gold Award from Mom's Choice and the Association of Independent Authors. LitPick also hosts a video review channel titled
booktube"> BookTube residing on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable; be sure to look at alternatives for sharing the videos on classroom computers.
tag(s): expository writing (31), independent reading (86), literature (217), literature circles (3)
In the Classroom
Use this site for a real reviewer's experience or simply to find great books. Evaluate other reviews and make a list of noteworthy reviewing techniques. Students choose the latest new reads before they are released to the public. Sign up individual students, groups of students, or your class to read a book together and write a review. Challenge your gifted ones to work on this authentic review task. This site is perfect to use for literature circles. Create your own "LitPick" on your school library site. Have students involve parents as their sponsor for greater parental involvement and excitement. Get the newest books free.
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The National Archives Activities and Games - The British National Archives
Grades
1 to 12
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Explore award-winning resources related to British History presented by the British National Archives. Choose from Medieval Times through the present. You can also choose by Key Stage...more
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Explore award-winning resources related to British History presented by the British National Archives. Choose from Medieval Times through the present. You can also choose by Key Stage (similar to grade level bands). If you aren't familiar with Key Stages: Stage 1 is K-2, Stage 2 is grades 3-5, Stage 3 is grades 6-8, Stage 4 is grades 9-10, and Stage 5 is grades 11-12. While this site does have materials for all stages, there isn't a huge selection for Stage 1.
Download lessons, Resource Packs, and Podcasts. Be sure to check out the extensive section for students including games, study skill tips and advice, and information on using primary sources. Learn about important people, government officials, and heroes of the past and present such as Charles Dickens and Florence Nightingale. Explore and research famous events/times such as American Civil Rights Movement or Life During War Times. The site was created in the UK, so some of the pronunciations and spellings may differ from American English. A very few resources require Flash, but there is so much more here, that the site is worth your time.
Download lessons, Resource Packs, and Podcasts. Be sure to check out the extensive section for students including games, study skill tips and advice, and information on using primary sources. Learn about important people, government officials, and heroes of the past and present such as Charles Dickens and Florence Nightingale. Explore and research famous events/times such as American Civil Rights Movement or Life During War Times. The site was created in the UK, so some of the pronunciations and spellings may differ from American English. A very few resources require Flash, but there is so much more here, that the site is worth your time.
tag(s): dickens (8), great britain (16), heroes (22), industrial revolution (20), medieval (31), victorian (16), world war 1 (72), world war 2 (149)
In the Classroom
Keep this site in mind as an easy place to find games and lessons related to British history (and even some world history topics). Use this site as an anticipatory set or "activator" to introduce a unit or lesson on a projector or interactive whiteboard. Present the same time period, such as World War II, from a British and American point of view using this site and similar primary source images from U.S. collections like this one or this one. Have students create timelines using Timeline JS, reviewed here. Timeline JS offers the option to upload and add photos, videos, audio, Tweets, and Google Maps making it interactive. Have students use Fakebook, reviewed here, to create a "fake" page similar in style to Facebook about a British resident during any time periods involved with these activities. Take advantage of the ready to go lesson plans, interactives, podcasts, and videos. Literature teachers will also want to explore and share the information about British authors.
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OK2Ask'® Archives - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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TeachersFirst offers free, hands-on OK2Ask'® workshops for teacher professional learning. This collection of on-demand session recordings is available for those who attended as...more
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TeachersFirst offers free, hands-on OK2Ask'® workshops for teacher professional learning. This collection of on-demand session recordings is available for those who attended as a recap and for new viewers to watch any time. Gather your teacher friends and learn together! Note that TeachersFirst does not award professional development certificates to teachers for watching archive recordings. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.
tag(s): professional development (396)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this page for your own professional learning and for sharing. Check back often as new archived recordings are frequently added. Learn new topics and tools at your own pace with these recordings.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Going Deep with Award Winning Books: Close reading and text-dependent questions - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6
3 Favorites
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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
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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 (75)
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
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A Mighty Girl - Carolyn Danckaert and Aaron Smith
Grades
K to 12
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Are you looking for materials portraying strong females? If so, this site is a great resource to find books, movies, toys, and music that portray strong, confident, female characters....more
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Are you looking for materials portraying strong females? If so, this site is a great resource to find books, movies, toys, and music that portray strong, confident, female characters. Choose from the "best of" lists to find top Asian Pacific or Latino mighty girls among other specific categories. Filter books by categories such as age, award winners, social issues, and language. Many picture books are also featured, making this a site even the youngest students can use. Visit the Character Collection link to learn about various famous females and books available about each character. Be aware: much of this site features items for sale. You may want to use this site solely for finding topic ideas, strong/famous women for research and sharing, and literature to locate in your local library.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): biographies (93), book lists (161), cross cultural understanding (157), literature (217), women (137), womens suffrage (44)
In the Classroom
Choose from books included on this site for classroom use portraying strong female role models. Share with parents through your website for use at home when choosing books, movies, and toys. After reading two books, compare characters using an online tool such as the Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Seymour Simon: Award Winning Children's Author - Seymour Simon
Grades
2 to 8
2 Favorites
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Seymour Simon's author site is the perfect compliment to his many award-winning non-fiction books (almost 300). Presented in many formats, content appeals to many learners. Use this...more
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Seymour Simon's author site is the perfect compliment to his many award-winning non-fiction books (almost 300). Presented in many formats, content appeals to many learners. Use this site with those who learn from text, images, or hands-on. Free enrollment in the site allows access to many features such as teacher guides and resources, project ideas, and discussion boards. Other areas of the site for adults include videos, an interactive science dictionary, and searches for any science topic. Be sure to check out the Science News area under the kids portion of the site. Labels range from Alana G (their 10-year-old environmental blogger) all the way to Writing Wednesday. Also check out the informational bio of Seymour Simon and the FAQ which answers questions on many of his book topics. If interested, you can also request a school visit or Skype session with the author!
tag(s): animals (282), brain (54), butterflies (14), earth (185), earthquakes (44), environment (239), human body (93), hurricanes (35), insects (69), light (52), oceans (147), planets (112), plants (145), solar system (108), spiders (10), stars (66), sun (69), tornadoes (15), volcanoes (55), weather (164), whales (11)
In the Classroom
Enroll on the site using your email address. Access and use teacher guides along with Seymour Simon books during Guided or Independent Reading. View videos on your interactive whiteboard (or projector) to learn more about the author and watch ebooks. Share Seymour Simon's bio with students when using his books as part of a non-fiction unit -- perfect for Common Core informational texts! Challenge students to create a talking avatar using a photo or other image (legally permitted to be reproduced). The avatars can be used to explain or review any of Seymour Simon's books or articles from the Science blog. Use a site such as Blabberize, reviewed here, to create "talking" avatars. Create a link to the site on classroom computers for students to explore items such as the Science Dictionary or read and discuss items from the Science News.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Reading Rockets - WETA Washington D.C.
Grades
1 to 6
5 Favorites
0 Comments
Reading Rockets is a comprehensive guide for parents, teachers, librarians, principals, school counselors, speech therapists, school psychologists, preschool caregivers, summer care...more
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Reading Rockets is a comprehensive guide for parents, teachers, librarians, principals, school counselors, speech therapists, school psychologists, preschool caregivers, summer care providers, and anyone interested in keeping kids reading! This site is an amazing resource to answer your reading needs. Updated continually, it keeps you informed with the latest research. New teachers, seasoned teacher, parents, principals, and anyone who works with students (reading) can benefit from the information included. Teachers will find: classroom strategies, how to help struggling readers, professional development webcasts, how to build strong parent teacher relationships, booklists, and how to use books in your curriculum. For principals, discover information on school level leadership, supporting teachers, closing the achievement gap, and working with parents. Find over 100 interviews with award winning authors reviewed here, an author study tool kit, themed booklists, holiday gift guide, research-based articles, parent letters, launching young readers (series) on ipod, reading adventure packs, and other great tools. A librarian toolkit offers free video modules on finding the right book, becoming aware of print, reading as dialogue, and writers secrets. Many detailed articles discuss information about speech pathology, dyslexia, comprehension, motivation, phonics, writing, and spelling.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): authors (103), book lists (161), dyslexia (11), literacy (109), literature (217), parents (60), phonics (50), reading comprehension (142), reading lists (80), reading strategies (98), speech (66), spelling (96)
In the Classroom
Reading Rockets is a fantastic resource for teachers, librarians, parents, and principals. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter for the latest information, blogs, thoughts, and ideas for teaching reading. Use this website as a resource for your classroom, library, or even with you school action committees. Provide a link to this site on your class webpage. Install widgets for reading, and find the latest apps to support literacy. Join reading blogs, and add widgets to make your reading strategies complete. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Legacy Project - Susan V. Bosak
Grades
3 to 12
1 Favorites
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The Legacy Project is a big picture learning project for adults, youth, and children. There are three categories to the program where you develop your legacy: personal, interpersonal,...more
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The Legacy Project is a big picture learning project for adults, youth, and children. There are three categories to the program where you develop your legacy: personal, interpersonal, and community. Explore your connection with others in your life and create closer relationships between generations. Find out how you can help make a better world by addressing issues like building stronger communities and caring for the environment. The Legacy Project was inspired by the award-winning bestseller, Dream, and is a content rich site that explores all aspects of the hopes and dreams we have for ourselves and our world. You can identify and reach for your goals to make a difference in your own life and our world.
tag(s): communities (36), crafts (54), cross cultural understanding (157), environment (239), writing (316)
In the Classroom
The Legacy Project's free online activities for all ages include creative crafts, art projects, games, self-assessments, reproducible pages, and even lesson ideas with curriculum connections for teachers. There are also free guides, tips, and feature articles. Resources can be used individually or grouped to create a themed set that run the gammit from literacy to family, history, or science. There are even free online certificates you can download!Challenge your students to think about questions like: What are your goals and what would you like to be, do, and learn? How can you achieve your goals? What can you learn about your own hopes and dreams and those of others? How can you think globally and act locally? How can we better understand other people and cultures that live in our communities or a whole continent away from us? The Legacy Project combines practical, classroom-tested ideas and research-based insights with a little fun and inspiration to inform and inspire all ages - children, teens, and adults. Using resources like the Dream book, students explore the world around them and their role in it - past, present, and future.
The Legacy Project's annual Listen to a Life Essay Contest brings generations in family and community closer and promotes the importance and uniqueness of inter-generational relationships. Students between the ages of 8-18 years interview a grandparent or "grand-friend" about their life and write an essay. This also opens the door for so many creative projects such as photo essays, (using their own digital images or finding ones that are legally permitted to be reproduced). Have students create an annotated image including text boxes and related links using a tool such as Thinglink, reviewed here.
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Pigeon Presents - Hyperion Books for Children
Grades
K to 3
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Pigeon Presents is the website for award winning author Mo Willems. There are interactives, printables, author information, and teacher guides. Try activities such as the Elephant and...more
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Pigeon Presents is the website for award winning author Mo Willems. There are interactives, printables, author information, and teacher guides. Try activities such as the Elephant and Piggie Dance Game or the coloring page of the month. Watch video interviews of the author explaining his background and how some of the book characters were created. Information for teachers includes posters and guides for teaching with the books that include pre-reading activities, discussion questions, and hidden information found in the illustrations (see "Grownup stuff"). Be sure to check out the More Mo! link to find more games, books, and activities featuring Mo's friends. Some annoying ads may precede access into the site.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): authors (103), literature (217), preK (256), printables (37)
In the Classroom
Be sur to explore the "grownup stuff" area for activity ideas. After reading a Mo Willems book, show a video interview on your interactive whiteboard (or projector) to help students understand the work that goes into creating books and developing characters. Use the site when teaching an author study unit on Mo Willems books. Posters available on the site are perfect for use on classroom bulletin boards along with displaying student writing.
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obooko - Tony Stanton, Sarah Bainbridge, Tim Johnson
Grades
7 to 12
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Join the writers and readers of obooko, the free site to publish and read ebooks. Readers' Choice Awards of 2011 winner for free eBooks , obooko offers a platform to ...more
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Join the writers and readers of obooko, the free site to publish and read ebooks. Readers' Choice Awards of 2011 winner for free eBooks , obooko offers a platform to share your work and read the works of others. Become a reviewer and write comments on other ebooks. As authors, you retain all rights with no charges or contracts. This site is legal and does not infringe on copyright laws. There are numerous categories to choose from: Romance and Women, Crime, Religion, Thriller, Mystery, Teens, and much more! This site is not intended for children under 13. Some of the content may not be appropriate for the classroom. So be sure to preview.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): creative writing (121), ebooks (39), mysteries (19), novels (31), poetry (189), religions (75)
In the Classroom
For your language arts class, obooko contains many examples of contemporary writing. Selections for critiquing and editing are readily available without hurting any class member's feelings. Look at examples for current ideas and places to begin brainstorming. Included are free templates for different types of writing. Have each member of your class become a published author! Use the titles as writing prompts or read only half of the story and have students finish it in their own way. Bring each student's story into the lives of many. Assign critiques using obooko. You might even create a school or class obooko literary magazine during poetry month.Library/media specialists may want to select certain ebooks to load on school iTouches for students to read and review. Start an obooko reading club with these free options.
If you are uncomfortable sharing here or school policy prohibits it, have your classes create a similar website (wiki) with published pieces from your school or class. Not familiar with wikis? Check out the TeachersFirst Wiki Walk-Through.
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Award Annals - Kenny Lucius
Grades
6 to 12
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This site has a comprehensive list of literary awards given yearly for excellence in writing in many categories. Besides a winners' list, there is an explanation of each award. In ...more
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This site has a comprehensive list of literary awards given yearly for excellence in writing in many categories. Besides a winners' list, there is an explanation of each award. In addition to book awards, there are also separate listings for film and music album awards. Each separate award site has an "honor roll," a list of the best in that area, as well as a complete listing. Archives include many lists from the past ten years as well. Although the list includes many awards public and private school teachers may not be familiar with, the site is a good place to begin to aid in the selection of quality outside reading material. In addition, many offer a "young adult" subcategory that would be helpful for teachers in grades 7-12 in recommending books to students for literature activities, independent reading, or writing inspiration/examples.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): book lists (161), movies (51)
In the Classroom
Use this site for research projects. Have students search a specific type of award and create a multimedia presentation using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools reviewed here. Set up a class literature review wiki for students to share their own reviews. Not comfortable with wikis? Have no wiki worries - check out the TeachersFirst Wiki Walk-Through.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Award Winning Kids' Books - Reading Rockets
Grades
K to 12
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If you are looking for recent children's literature award winning books, this is the site for you. Reading Rockets has an excellent compilation of major awards such as Caldecott Medal...more
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If you are looking for recent children's literature award winning books, this is the site for you. Reading Rockets has an excellent compilation of major awards such as Caldecott Medal and Newbery Awards along with other less known but note-worthy recognitions. In addition, many "best of" lists are included from recent years. This is an excellent resource for classroom teachers, library/media specialists, and parents. Schools without media specialists may find this especially useful as a resource for the newest and most highly-regarded literature. Be sure to also check out the many other resources offered on this site such as Reading Guides, Classroom Strategies, and the many videos available about reading.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): book lists (161), book reports (27), guided reading (32), independent reading (86), literacy (109), literature (217)
In the Classroom
Share this site with other teachers as a resource for locating recent literature and for book orders. Keep this site handy as a resource for ideas for student reading material, book clubs, summer reading lists, book circles, and classroom read-alouds. Be sure to list this site on your class website for students to access both in and out of school. After reading a new book, rather than having students complete a traditional book report, have students make a multimedia presentation using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools reviewed here. Be sure to share the link with parents, too!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Doucette Library of Teaching Resources - University of Calgary
Grades
2 to 6
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Extensive collection of literary lists, award winners, curriculum supplements and support resources for children's literature. Also educational research is available in a thesis collection...more
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Extensive collection of literary lists, award winners, curriculum supplements and support resources for children's literature. Also educational research is available in a thesis collection of research by masters and doctoral candidates.
tag(s): literature (217)
In the Classroom
Use the resources part of the page to find information on literature that can be used in your classroom. Some of the resources there recommend books by age and subject, and can serve as great book lists for the teacher wanting something more.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Tux Paint - Bill Kendrick
Grades
K to 6
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Are school budget cuts cramping your style? Then look at this award winning, FREE drawing application! Tux Paint is an "open source" drawing software for young students (preK - grade...more
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Are school budget cuts cramping your style? Then look at this award winning, FREE drawing application! Tux Paint is an "open source" drawing software for young students (preK - grade 6) and is available to the public at no cost. If you are familiar with Kid Pix, you will feel right at home with Tux Paint. The design is straightforward, and easy to navigate. The center of the screen serves as a large canvas with drawing tools on either side. Beneath the screen is a color palette. A cute penguin cartoon character directs students through the program and provides helpful tips. Some of the features include a large, kid friendly mouse pointer, brushes, stamps, sounds, erasers, letters, numbers, "magic effects," and an undo/redo option. Save artwork directly onto a slide finder page without having to create a file name.
The installation is quick and easy even for older computers. First, download the application itself, and then the stamp collection. The number of stamps and the variety of images is amazing! Feel free to install Tux Paint on as many computers as you wish. Tux Paint will work on a variety of operating platforms such as Windows, OS X 10.3, and Linux. The "Tux Paint Configuration" tool is a separate file found on the "Tux Paint" download page. Having the controls in a different location makes it difficult for students to adjust the settings. Simply open the Tux Paint Configuration file and a main control panel will come up. From here, the supervising adult can control the screen size, sound, mouse, print settings, and save functions. Adjust the settings and simplify the program for younger children. Choose from approximately 80 different languages to run Tux Paint.
tag(s): creativity (91), drawing (59), painting (55), preK (256)
In the Classroom
Introduce this fabulous site on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Have students take turns trying the program. Include a link to Tux Paint on your class website and encourage families to download Tux Paint onto their family computer. Elementary teachers will enjoy all the options Tux Paint provides for image making. Classroom teachers can have students draw a response to a class glyph, illustrate stories, label scientific images, write and illustrate word problems or create self-portraits. You will need headphones or speakers for the audio portions of this site. Dazzle parents at Open House or Back to School Night with a viewing of the slide show presentation or looping animation of student work. Save student work as a JPG and export images into a multimedia presentation with narration using My Storybook, reviewed here. Ask older students to design and submit new stamps to Tux Paint. Explain to them the premise behind Open Source software and how to participate in collaborative software development. Tux Paint is also a great way to teach young students how to control a mouse, type, drag, and cut or paste imagery. Stuck for lesson ideas on how to use Tux Paint, just ask the students!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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