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.

Storytelling Tools

Are you looking for free storytelling tools in the classroom? Check out this curated list from TeachersFirst. There are ideas for podcasting and more!

What you can do with your Drive

Alice Keeler shares five ideas for your drive- and I’m thrilled with number five (how many times have I opened a file based on the title only to realize it is not the one I wanted- how a description would have helped).

The Tier Activity

Eric Curts recently shared a new activity.  In a Tier slide, students first rank objects based on your prompt.  They then work with a partner to compare their results.  The activity ends with a class discussion and overall ranking.  Please see his blog post here.

TeachersFirst PD

 

I’ve worked with TeachersFirst for a few years in their OK2Ask program.  These Tuesday night sessions are hands-on and provide professional development certificates. Here is a list of their spring offerings.  Please reach out with any questions.

Making the 4 C’s engaging

Looking for a nice outline of the 4 C’s in education?  Check out Alice Keeler’s article here. I like her use of examples and suggestions

DOK and Math- Critical Thinking Version

Alice Keeler shares her feedback on DOK and math problems ( I love her comments about building a rocket to the moon as DOK1 as if you are following step-by-step instructions).  Please click here for her remarks.

The Secret of Streams- Live from NatGeo

 

(Image from National Geographic Explorer Site)

Please see the information for The Secret of Streams. See the grade-specific sessions below.

Join Explorer Dalal Hanna on either March 20 or 23 for a live interactive session as she uncovers the effects that forests have on freshwater ecosystems.

During this Explorer Classroom event, students will learn how Explorer and conservation scientist Dalal Hanna uses a range of fascinating tools to study Canada’s streams and takes what she learns to help protect them! After the lesson, your students will have a chance to have their questions answered in real time!

Register today. Choose the date and time below that works best for your classroom.

MARCH 20, 11 A.M. ET | GRADES K-2

MARCH 23, 10 A.M. ET | GRADES 3-8

MARCH 23, 2 P.M. ET | GRADES 3-8

Who can say no to these templates?

Matt Miller has shared some of his favorite templates (please click here).  There are several that called to me (they relate to retrieval practice)- see Brain Dump and Two Things.

The ultimate periodic table

Eric Curts recently shared this link to the NHI periodic table.  Not only can you see the table and get detailed information, but you can also get it in a list format and play a game to test your knowledge. Please click here to view.

Brainpop (now in Spanish and French)

 Brainpop (now in Spanish and French)

You can now easily change the text, subtitle, and audio from English to Spanish or French.  Here’s a quick screenshot:

In English

Now in Spanish,

Just switch the language at the bottom to get the other version.

Classroom Management

Classroom management is one of the topics I see most often on feedback surveys.  You might find some pointers in this article from SmartBriefs.

Why makes tech engaging?

Alice Keeler shares her thoughts about the topic. She makes some interesting points- how does your tech measure up?

Using Chat GPT

(I realize it may be blocked in your district- so the prep work for this Frankenbot template would have to be done outside of the district).

Matt Miller suggests using ChatGPT responses (one question with 3 responses).  You paste the prompt and the three responses on Google Slides.  Students then review all three responses and select parts to create their personal responses.  They then need to defend their choices.  He calls it Frankenbot (read his post here for complete details including the naming reasons).

Google Slides

If you are not using Google Slides, check out Alice Keeler’s blog post here for several suggestions. From interactive notetaking to games and quizzes- there is something for everyone.

The History of Women’s Day

For younger learners (K-5), here is a short video from PBS about the origin of International Women’s Day.  Please click here for the resource.

Unladylike from PBS

PBS has collected information on 26 women you might not know yet who have made valuable contributions to society.  This material is geared for grades 6-12.

The secrets in Google Slides

Alice Keeler shared her 6 hidden features in Google Slides.  Please see the post here.  Number 3 (the Explore feature) might be helpful to your students.

March in PBS

From computation thinking for the PreK-2 learners to Ken Burns and history

to science and the seasons- you will find it herein PBS. I think students will find wombats to be effective problem solvers!

It's an oldie but goody

In the Spirit of Dr. Seuss, Eric Curts has again shared his One Fish, two fish (you know the rest) sorting activity. Please click here for the directions and template.

Celebrating Women’s History Month

 

TeachersFirst has curated exceptional websites for Women’s History Month.  Please click to view biographies as well as information on women’s rights.