Who (or what) is it?

Here’s an interesting slide template from Slidesmania for use with either SEL (getting to know your students) or for other definitions.  Here’s a silent video on how to use the Slides- Edit theme (no longer called master) to make your changes. 

Making pictures talk

Did you ever want to make an image talk? ChatterPIX does a great job on an iPad or iPhone.Blabberize Edu looks good but is subscription-based (and Blabberize is filled with ads).

Here’s a suggestion from Tony Vincent that uses Screencastify and the Google drawing tools to make a slug talk!  Granted, it doesn’t have the bells and whistles but watch his video and see what you think!

What do the bells say?

Here’s a high school mini-lesson from ReadWriteThink on onomatopoeia.  What I like about their format is the ease of organization and implementation.

January BrainPOP Resources

As you are planning your lessons, consider these BrainPOP resources:

Feature Control from Kami

In the past, the only way you could limit student features was via Google Classroom (or your Learning Management System).  With our pending move to OnCourse classroom next year, I was afraid we might lose this option.

Nothing to worry about- Kami has now integrated that feature into their own platform.  Here’s the press release::

Feature Control with Kami

Formerly named “Feature Restrictions”, this tool allows you to pick and choose which tools your students have access to when completing assignments – previously only available through your LMS, it’s now accessible from Kami’s own sharing feature!

Click here for a short video.

SLIME for the New Year

No, this is not the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Award.  It's a blog post from John Spencer that will help you get off on the right foot. The video above talks about the benefits of maintenance.
 

It will be here before you know it!

The 100th day of school is a time for celebration.  Here from TeachersFirst is a list of ideas (and some websites) to help make this a memorable occasion. I liked the variety of options (including math and community service).

Martin Luther King Jr Resources

TechersFirst recently shared a series of Martin Luther King Jr resources.  They are listed by grade level and include lesson plans, activities, and content resources. There is also an integrated lesson plan for primary classes.

Using Questions to help support Executive Functions

Sarah Kesty had me right at the beginning of her article- how many teachers have shared their now in-person students are having trouble with organization and other “student” skills.  Her article in Edutopia provides some suggestions for helping students grow in their executive function.

January 4th Deadline

Join me (and several other educators) for the Teachers First Winter Book Club.  Click here for the details.  It runs for only 6 weeks with many optional activities.  The book this cycle is Teach Boldly.