Changes in Newsela

 If you are a user of the free version of Newsela, please note they are changing the free option starting at the end of June.  Please read their press release here for all the changes.

Google Search Smarter not Harder

Alice Keeler shares 5 tips for you (and your students) to make your Google searches more productive. Try these operator tips next time you are looking to narrow your search.

Tools in Jamboard

While Jambaord was a popular tool during our virtual instruction, don’t forget it now that we have been back in the classroom.  This Google tools functions as an interactive whiteboard and provides collaborative space for your students- any place!  Please see Alice Keeler’s post for a review of Jamboard tools you might have overlooked.

Every little thing matters

In his TED talk, Mesin Destin shared his research on the impact of identity-related messages. It made me think about the messages we sometimes share with our students.

Another look at Choice Boards

In advance of her free webinar with OTIS (3 pm on 3/21), Alice Keeler shared this post on Choice Boards. I don’t think I always offer enough choice for my students and lately I’ve been doing more.  From a student engagement viewpoint, it does pay dividends.

About those rules

When I taught fifth grade, I was a big rules person. But after reading this Edutopia article, Classroom Mangement Built on Boundaries by Megan Moore,  I might change to the boundaries approach.  What do you think?

Using art in the classroom

While Alice Keeler's post is titled Adapt to ChatGPT with Art, I found her suggestions useful for other classes (not just those concerned with ChatGPT papers).  She shares some specific examples of how students can demonstrate their knowledge with art projects.

Text Color Picker in Google

Ever want some text (in Docs, drawings, sheets, or slides) to match a specific image on your screen? There is now a new color picker tool.  Please the video above from Tom Mullaney for a quick demonstration.  You can match the color to anything!

Take a virtual field trip to Washington

 

TeachersFirst recently share their list of virtual field trips with a D.C. focus. Please see the links here.

STEAM virtual Field Trip (with a country flair)

Discovery Education partnered with the CMA to produce a virtual STEAM field trip.  You might recall I posted about the live experience in mid-February. Here’s the link to the archived version (along with implementation suggestions) is here.