TeachersFirst Professional Exclusives
TeachersFirst’s Professional Exclusives help you learn as a teacher, try new technologies, explore new teaching strategies, or understand student differences. Discover how and why to use wikis from the Wiki Walk-Through. Learn to adapt for ESL students in a regular classroom. Learn the how and why of better rubrics – and locate or create them easily. Every TeachersFirst professional exclusive is written by experienced teachers and includes the pragmatic, teacher-friendly details that you count on from our Thinking Teachers.
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OK2Ask: Tech Made EZ with Clipchamp - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Discover the power of using instructional video in your classroom by exploring Clipchamp, Microsoft's user-friendly video editing tool. In this workshop, you'll learn to create engaging videos that enhance instruction, support differentiation, and cater to the needs of all learners, including multilingual students. This session will equip you with the skills you need to leverage Clipchamp's latest features for effective teaching and assessment. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Master the fundamentals of Clipchamp. 2. Implement strategies for using video content to differentiate instruction. 3. Collaborate on strategies for incorporating Clipchamp into classroom instruction and assessment. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): creating media (19), OK2Askarchive (51), professional development (307)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire with More Thinking Routines - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Dive deeper into Project Zero Thinking Routines to focus on perspective-taking strategies that build empathy and social-emotional skills. This workshop explores innovative ways to help students think about their thinking, listen with understanding, and take responsible risks. You'll learn how to integrate digital tools and AI technologies to transform perspective-taking routines into engaging, interactive experiences. Discover practical techniques for fostering empathy, critical thinking, and meaningful classroom discussions that encourage students to see the world through diverse lenses. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand perspective-taking thinking routines and their impact on developing students' empathy and social-emotional skills. 2. Develop strategies to help students reflect on their thinking processes and listen with understanding and empathy. 3. Integrate digital tools and technologies to enhance perspective-taking thinking routines. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): critical thinking (188), differentiation (103), empathy (80), OK2Askarchive (51), professional development (307), social and emotional learning (221), thinking routines (62)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Believe the Hype! Using HyperDocs for Innovative Instruction - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12HyperDocs have evolved beyond simple digital worksheets into powerful, flexible learning experiences that transform classroom instruction. In this workshop, participants will discover how to leverage HyperDocs as versatile instructional tools that support diverse learners, empower student voice, and facilitate the integration of cutting-edge technology. Learn how to design interactive, differentiated lessons that maximize student engagement and learning potential and gain new insights into using AI to streamline lesson planning and support multilingual learners. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the core principles and benefits of using HyperDocs in instruction. 2. Identify effective design strategies by exploring sample HyperDocs and templates. 3. Learn techniques for integrating AI tools to assist in HyperDoc creation. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Google (22), OK2Askarchive (51), teaching strategies (88)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Microsoft Forms Basics - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Learn the basics of using Microsoft Forms to support classroom instruction! Discover how to create forms, add questions, and share them with students and explore ways to use Forms for quizzes, exit tickets, data collection, and more. You'll leave this workshop with practical knowledge and basic skills for using Microsoft Forms to gather feedback and assess learning in your classroom. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore the features of Microsoft Forms. 2. Discover a variety of instructional uses for Microsoft Forms. 3. Learn to create a basic form. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): differentiation (103), Formative Assessment (48), Microsoft (47), OK2Askarchive (51), professional development (307)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire with Thinking Routines - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Encourage students to think critically through the powerful combination of Project Zero Thinking Routines and digital tools. This workshop will equip you with innovative strategies for using online forms, slide decks, and AI technologies to integrate these proven thinking frameworks. Discover how to transform traditional thinking routines into dynamic digital experiences that deepen student engagement and cultivate higher-order thinking skills. You'll leave with practical, ready-to-implement activities that foster critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful classroom discussions. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand core Project Zero Thinking Routines and their impact on student cognitive development. 2. Identify and apply specific thinking routines that align with your instructional goals and subject matter. 3. Create technology-enhanced thinking activities that use tech tools to increase student engagement. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): critical thinking (188), OK2Askarchive (51), professional development (307), teaching strategies (88), thinking routines (62)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: AI for Creating Learning Objects - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (358), creating media (19), OK2Askarchive (51), Teacher Utilities (233)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
OK2Ask: Transforming Assessments: Google Forms for Immediate Feedback - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12In this hands-on workshop, educators will learn how to leverage Google Forms to create dynamic, "no-fail" quizzes that provide immediate feedback and built-in remediation. Explore powerful features of Google Forms like branching logic and automated feedback that you can use to design assessments that support all learners. Leave this session equipped with the skills you need to transform your assessment practices, making them more engaging and effective. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Gain foundational skills for creating and customizing Google Forms for educational assessments. 2. Learn to construct quizzes that provide immediate feedback and remediation, helping students learn from mistakes in real time. 3. Explore how to use data from Google Forms to inform instructional decisions and enhance teaching strategies. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): feedback (17), Formative Assessment (48), Google (22), OK2Askarchive (51), professional development (307)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Google Mania - SEL Check-Ins with Google Tools - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Understanding students' attitudes and circumstances is crucial for fostering a supportive learning environment. This session will equip you with practical strategies that use Google tools to track changes in student well-being, enabling you to adapt to effectively meet individual student needs. Learn how to conduct SEL check-ins, interpret the data, and integrate this valuable feedback into your teaching practices. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) in education. 2. Explore various Google tools suitable for conducting SEL check-ins. 3. Gain practical tips for integrating SEL check-ins into daily classroom routines. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Google (22), OK2Askarchive (51), professional development (307), social and emotional learning (221)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Google Mania - Google Keep Basics - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists and scattered ideas? Discover the simplicity and power of Google Keep, a versatile tool that can transform your personal workflow and boost your productivity! In this one-hour session, you'll learn how to harness Google Keep's robust features to capture thoughts, manage tasks, and streamline your day-to-day activities. Experience the convenience of integrating text, images, audio, and sketches into color-coded notes and checklists that keep your personal and professional life perfectly aligned. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Discover the core functionalities of Google Keep. 2. Learn how to quickly capture thoughts, images, and voice memos using various devices. 3. Understand how to utilize color-coding, labels, and pinning features to categorize information and prioritize tasks. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): curation (27), Google (22), note taking (36), OK2Askarchive (51), organizational skills (92), professional development (307)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Google Mania - Game Templates with Google Slides - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12In this one-hour session, we'll explore the exciting world of premade game templates and learn how to use them to create engaging gameboards and dynamic educational games. Whether you teach math, language arts, science, or another subject, game-based learning can enhance student engagement and deepen learning. Discover how to transform your classroom into an interactive playground where students can actively practice and reinforce their skills. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the benefits of game-based learning. 2. Examine Google Slides templates that can be customized to create interactive learning activities. 3. Learn to integrate games across subjects. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): game based learning (309), Google (22), OK2Askarchive (51)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: No Passport Required: Cross-Curricular Learning Journeys with Google My Maps - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12While Google Maps helps us navigate from place to place, Google My Maps unlocks unlimited potential for dynamic, interactive learning experiences that transport students anywhere--whether they're learning about ancient civilizations, modern scientific discoveries, mathematical patterns in architecture, or historical events that shaped our world. In this session, you'll discover how location-based storytelling can revolutionize instruction in any subject and grade level. You'll learn practical strategies for empowering students to guide their own explorations, tell compelling location-based stories, visualize complex data, and demonstrate deep learning through interactive digital maps. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Create a functional Google My Maps project with multimedia elements that's aligned to curriculum standards. 2. Identify cross-curricular applications of location-based learning for enhanced student engagement. 3. Plan student-centered My Maps activities that promote collaboration and authentic assessment. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): map skills (68), maps (222), OK2Askarchive (51), professional development (307)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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What Do Snowmen Do In Summer? - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 8tag(s): commoncore (63), help article (63), literacy (122), summer (53)
In the Classroom
Browse through the suggested activities found in this article. Then, create a Wakelet, reviewed here, page of books and ideas, and post it on your teacher or school webpage. If the school library is open during the summer, ask them to post your Wakelet page, too. Wakelet gives you the ability to have a cover image and background for your wakes, which makes them much more engaging and easily identifiable, especially for young or visual students!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Building Background Knowledge with Reading Treks - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Revolutionize literature instruction with Reading Treks--interactive maps that chronicle characters' journeys while building critical background knowledge and cultural connections. Whether you're working with limited resources or seeking to make literature more accessible to all students, Reading Treks offer a powerful way to contextualize stories, connect learning to real-world geography and cultures, and provide visual supports that enhance comprehension for every learner. In this workshop, we'll explore proven instructional strategies for integrating ready-made Reading Treks into your classroom to support multilingual learners and strengthen family engagement--perfect for immediate classroom application. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Implement Reading Treks to build background knowledge and support diverse learners. 2. Use existing Reading Treks to design differentiated lessons for varied student needs. 3. Create family engagement opportunities that bridge home and school learning. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): OK2Askarchive (51), professional development (307), reading strategies (85), Reading Treks (56)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Nourishing Gifted Through Technology in Any Classroom - TeachersFirst/Melissa Henning and Candace Hackett Shively
Grades
K to 12tag(s): differentiation (103), gifted (61)
In the Classroom
Mark these pages in your Favorites as a reference whenever you have gifted students. These students may or may not be officially identified, but sometimes trying these strategies will save you and the student a lot of frustration. When it comes time to offer choices, share the handpicked tool collections in this article with your gifted students so they have a solid place to start. For more ideas about gifted, try the gifted tag in reviews, use a keyword search including the term "gifted," or browse for the subject "Gifted" in the TeachersFirst Subject/Grade pages.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Read, Tell, and Sell: CCSS through student book promotions - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6tag(s): book reports (26), commoncore (63), help article (63), listening (120), process writing (33), speaking (23)
In the Classroom
Save this article in your Favorites to have it ready. Use the comprehensive tips and resources to have students create book promotions as your next (traditional or digital) writing activity as part of your usual reading activities. Let this reading and writing activity do double duty to meet speaking and listening standards, too!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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You Are What You Eat - Examining Nutrition through Literature - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 7tag(s): commoncore (63), help article (63), nutrition (140)
In the Classroom
This is a thorough unit on food and nutrition. Start with activating prior knowledge on your interactive whiteboard or using your projector. Use Padlet, reviewed here, once students have sorted their favorites into categories and project the results on your whiteboard. When teaching science, social studies, or health content about nutrition, foods, plants, or farms, consider pairing fictional books along with informational texts (several are suggested) to maximize the potential of every unit of study. This article is a good starting point. What a perfect way to integrate healthy eating, whether during the holiday season or spring garden planting! Speaking of planting, whether you are considering or implementing a school garden unit you will want to check out this article.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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In a Manner of Speaking: Figurative Language and the Common Core - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 5tag(s): commoncore (63), figurative language (20)
In the Classroom
Read lesson ideas and learn more about the ambitious figurative language expectations of Common Core as you begin to implement the new standards. Mark this article in your Favorites. Many of the suggested resources may be helpful during curriculum planning sessions with other teachers or with your teacher -librarian if you DO have one. Click the "share" widget to send them to others!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Questions and Thinking in Common Core; Part 2: Students as Questioners - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 8tag(s): commoncore (63), help article (63), questioning (37), thinking skills (137)
In the Classroom
Read lesson ideas and explore the questioning strategies suggested as you begin to implement Common Core. Mark this article in your Favorites. Many of the ideas will be helpful during curriculum planning sessions with other teachers. Click the "share" widget to send them to others!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Questions and Thinking in Common Core; Part 1: Teachers as Questioners - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 8tag(s): commoncore (63), help article (63), questioning (37), thinking skills (137)
In the Classroom
Read lesson ideas and explore the question repertoire sources as you begin to implement Common Core. Mark this article in your Favorites. Many of the suggested resources may be helpful during curriculum planning sessions with other teachers. Click the "share" widget to send them to others!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teachers' Common Core Planning Toolkit: A guide for elementary teachers - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 5tag(s): commoncore (63), help article (63), professional development (307)
In the Classroom
This is perfect for teachers' summer reading or collaborative planning. As you face the daunting task of re-visioning your plans, find a process that you can grasp.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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