Kindergarten

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Creative Writing Activities

— Bruce Van Patter

K-5 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://brucevanpatter.com/funstuff.html Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This site offers FREE creative writing activities for kids, teachers, and parents plus information on writing and inspiring creativity. Students will love the "What If Genie" who poses intriguing what if questions. The Wacky Headline Maker challenges students to fill in the details for enticing headlines. MugShots provides students with a great pre-writing task that helps with character development. Even the most reluctant writers will enjoy this great place to find writing ideas. Build creative flexibility and originality with the What If questions and increase elaboration skills with the Mug Shots activities. Want to know more about creativity skills? See TeachersFirst’s <a href="/istecre8/">Dimensions of Creativity</a>.

In the Classroom

Using Mugshots, have students work in small groups to complete the writing activity. Have students put together information in a text document. Read each group’s mugshot (without noting the authors to prevent biases) and vote on the one that offers the most creative and developed character. Highlight what made winning mugshots using an interactive whiteboard or projector. Continue using this process to encourage character development in student writing. Challenge students to create their stories into online books using a tool such as Bookemon, <a href="/single.cfm?id=10404">reviewed here</a>.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
Tag(s): characterization, creative writing, writing, characterization,

All About China

— EnchantedLearning.com

K-4 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.enchantedlearning.com/asia/china/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This page from EnchantedLearning has basic information about China, as well as map activities, printable booklets, information on Chinese culture and review activities. The map activities are as basic as coloring a map of China, to a more difficult plotting activity of major Chinese landmarks, rivers and geographic regions.

In the Classroom

Use the mapping activities from this site as a classroom activity during a unit on Chinese geography or history. Print out the mapping worksheets, and have student pairs or cooperative learning groups complete the activity. This would be a great way to review Chinese geography, or bring in contextual information about the geography during a unit on Ancient or modern China.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
Tag(s): chinese, china,

China - Mr. Donn

— Mrdonn.org

K-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices https://china.mrdonn.org/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This site from "Mr.Donn," hosts lesson plans, interactives, and other resources to supplement a unit on Ancient or Modern China. The resources are grouped by historical period, touching upon topics such as the Song Dynasty, Marco Polo, and the Communist Revolution. Though TeachersFirst does not usually recommend lists of resources, this site has so many it made the exception!

In the Classroom

Save this site as a favorite and use it as a resource to find supplementary materials or lesson plans for a lesson or unit on China. Several of the activities would make great learning centers or stations as a review tool before an assessment or after immediate instruction. Be sure to save the sites as favorite on classroom computers, making it easier for students to navigate there.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
Tag(s): evolution, china,

Ancient China Online Games and Activities

— Mr. Donn

K-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices https://china.mrdonn.org/games.html Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Though we don’t often recommend "lists" of links, this site hosts 19 links to games about or related to Ancient China. The games vary in age level and topic, ranging from Tangram squares, to review games and Calligraphy how-to’s.

In the Classroom

Browse through this site to find activities to fit your specific class during a unit on Ancient China. After you’ve found games that can work, save them as favorites on classroom computers and use them as learning centers or stations. This would be a great way to review before an assessment or immediately after a lecture introducing the topic.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
Tag(s): china,

geoGreeting

— Jesse Vig

K-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.geogreeting.com/main.html Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This site is an engaging way to send greetings to friends via Google Maps. The creator became interested in seeing how many buildings looked like letters of the alphabet when viewed in Google Maps so he decided to put them together as a way to send messages to friends. Just type in your message and it will be created using various buildings from around the world, your message can then be emailed to your friends. Each letter also includes a pop-up showing the name of the building and its location. Click <a href=" http://www.geogreeting.com/view.html?yrovvyUpBywUDokmroBCUpsBCDU#t">her…; for an example of a message that can be created.

In the Classroom

Share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Introduce students to Google Maps by creating messages with geoGreeting. Art teachers can use this tool to show the flexibility of letter forms created by real objects via satellite view. Primary reading teachers may even want to expose students to alternate letter forms created from satellite views! Use this site to expand your students’ understanding of geography. Create messages, then explore and research the buildings and areas that are used in the creation of the message. Have students work with a partner to research a building and create a multimedia presentation to share with the class. How about an interactive online poster using Genial.ly, <a href="/single.cfm?id=17621">reviewed here,</a> or narrate a picture using a tool such as ThingLink, <a href="/single.cfm?id=13216">reviewed here</a>. If you want to use another geography tool, have students use an online mapping tool to create their own "tour" for the class. Try a tool such as Tour Builder, <a href="/single.cfm?id=15331">reviewed here</a>.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
Tag(s): maps, architecture,

Dude’s Dilemma

— Scholastic

K-5 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/adventure/math1.htm Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Maggie’s dog, Dude, is trapped on a rooftop and needs to be rescued! Students can rescue Dude by correctly answering a series of math questions. Students can choose addition, subtraction, multiplication, division or a mix of all four. They can also pick a level (Easy, Hard, or Extreme). Each question that is answered correctly will bring the rescue helicopter closer to Dude. Each error decreases the helicopter’s fuel supply. There is also a Spanish version of this game.

In the Classroom

Dude’s Dilemma is a simple and fun way for students to practice their math skills. Share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Use this site as a math center or for independent practice. This site would be a great reward incentive. Why not post this link on your class website.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
Tag(s): addition, division, multiplication, subtraction, vision, addition, division, multiplication, subtraction, vision,

Diigo - Education

— Diigo, Inc. 2010

K-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.diigo.com Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This interactive social bookmarking and collaboration tool does so much more than any ordinary bookmarking tool. It is a research tool, knowledge-sharing community, website annotation tool, and social information network all rolled into one "cloud" package. To get started, check out the About link. You will find information and videos on the uses of Diigo. Set up an account, being sure to click the FREE education edition upgrade. This is a device-agnostic tool, available on the web but also available for free as both an Android and iOS app. Use it from any device or move between several devices and still access your work. App and web versions vary slightly.rn<br><br>rnThis tool can be used as a basic bookmarking tool, simply allowing YOU to save, sort, and access your own bookmarks from ANY computer or mobile device (once you are logged in). You have the choice whether your bookmarks are public or private. You can gradually ease into more advanced and interactive features: highlight parts of sites and save or share those annotations, add sticky notes to parts of websites, pictures, screen-shots, documents, audio, and more. Do group collaborative research. Organize your bookmarks by tags. Unlike sorting bookmarks into file folders, adding tags permits you to put multiple tags or "labels" on one site. The same site you tag for book reports could also be tagged for biographies, for example. Additional Diigo features include groups (a way to share and exchange bookmarks with a certain group of Diigo users), messaging, and search features. You can search all the public bookmarks made by others and discover other people with similar interests, already bookmarked and ready for you to mark as your own. There are many groups you can join, such as those with a specific teaching interest or hobby. See "Tools" for many helpful options, including bookmarklets to make bookmarking instant on multiple devices. Bookmarklets drag directly to the toolbars on your computer and are well worth it. It goes beyond simple bookmarking and adds options like highlight, capture, send, read later, comment, search bar and Diigo message options. You decide your own level of use and desired tools to be shown on the bar. If choosing not to install the toolbar, then there is an applet called Diigolet that will be used in its place. It is not as strong a tool as the toolbar, but will work well if the toolbar installation is not possible. Check our <a href="http://groups.diigo.com/group/teachers_first-sample">sample group</a>. You can also install a widget on your blog (or class web page) that will show your bookmarks there.

In the Classroom

Teachers even in very early grades can use Diigo simply to share links with students and parents. To get more ideas on the potential education uses of this site, see this SlideShare powerpoint <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/cliotech/dig-deeper-with-diigo-presentation?t…; here.</a> Use this tool easily in your Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) classroom since all students will be able to access it for free, no matter what device they have.rn<br><br>rnAssign students a research topic and allow them to use Diigo collaboratively to collect and share resources. Share teacher-selected options (complete with comments or directions) easily using Diigo. The research and conversations created through highlighting and annotating what they read can greatly enhance both their research skills and their online interaction on academic level skills. Or use Diigo to post discussion assignments on specific articles or even parts of articles using the highlighting tool. Find a relevant article for your subject, highlight the part that you want students to read. (If students are younger, keep it short to reduce the intimidating reality of too much information for kids.) Attach a sticky note with a discussion question for the students. Have them comment on the link in a "class discussion" as a homework assignment. If you are fortunate enough to have all students with computer access in your class and at home, such as in one to one laptop program schools, you can organize many assignments using Diigo. Use this site to help all of your students stay organized. Share this resource with your (not so organized) gifted students to help them manage projects and not "lose" the information they "found somewhere." Post assignments, readings, online interactive labs, and more. The site even allows students to submit responses by adding a comment. Of course others will see what they said, so you may not want the comments to be the only thing they do! If you assign gifted students to do projects beyond the regular curriculum, consider having them curate and annotate a collection of resources on a higher level topic. For example, extend your study of World War II by having them collect web-based primary sources showing the propaganda leading up to the war, political cartoons during the war, and advertisements from the time. Have them annotate the collection explaining each artifact and how it reflects the sentiments and biases of certain groups. That same collection could provide other students a class opportunity to interact with "objects" from the time. If you have contact with other teachers of gifted students, they could collaborate across different schools or classrooms.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
Tag(s): organizational skills, bookmarks, forum, collaboration, social networking, DAT device agnostic tool,

One Day on Earth: 10.10.10

— Kyle Ruddick

K-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices https://www.onedayonearth.org/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

<b>This site is archived and may take a few minutes to load, but it is still worth a look and can make for an interesting class disscussion.</b> On October 10, 2010 (10.10.10), <i>One day on Earth</i> documents the human experience over a 24-hour period. Through <i>One Day on Earth</i> you and your students can participate in making history and, have a shared learning experience with schools in over 500 different locations around the world. Participation is free, but you need to sign up to get the toolkit to use with your students. The toolkit will provide a grade level appropriate video to introduce your students to the project, slide shows to help students brainstorm and plan their 10.10.10 experience, PDFs with lesson plans, and a step-by-step guide on uploading footage to the <i>One Day on Earth</i> website. After the date, the site remains as a living documentary of one day on Earth. You will be able to use your toolkit to show the documentary which will be the end result of the One Day on Earth project.

In the Classroom

Use your projector or interactive whiteboard to show the students the introductory video and the brainstorming slides. This project is the perfect opportunity to bring out students talents! Those who have good organizational skill can create the storyboard or illustrated timeline for the project. Sutori, <a href="/single.cfm?id=16349">reviewed here</a>, is an interactive timeline tool that can include images, text, and collaboration. Those who draw well can help with the storyboard or illustrated timeline art and help design titles and transitions for the project. Your more advanced technology students can create a website for storing and displaying the content. A wiki would be great tool to use as website to help students stay organized and to collaborate! Not familiar with wikis? Check out the<a href="/content/wiki/">TeachersFirst’s Wiki Walk-Through</a>. Students should submit their work without identifiable names according to your school policy. Of course you will want written parent permission before submitting student work to this online documentary.rn<br><br>rnYou don’t have to create anything. You can still apply for the toolkit, use your projector to show the introductory video, and use the interactive map on the home page of One Day on Earth to find out where information will be coming from. You and your students then choose a place that will be submitting to the project and go to the 100 People project, <a href="/single.cfm?id=10817">reviewed here</a>, to see a little about the people of that area. This should elicit a rich discussion about diversity and possibly predictions about the type of information that will be submitted for the One Day on Earth project or what other communities that did not participate might have included.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
Tag(s): diversity,

Flag Day Resources

— Fact Monster

K-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.factmonster.com/spot/flagday2.html Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

TeachersFirst doesn’t normally review lists of "links," but this hotlist from Fact Monster was good enough to pass our review team. The links here provide all kinds of ideas for classroom activities for Flag Day, including quizzes, puzzles, and a flag timeline. There’s also additional information about the national anthem and Betsy Ross.

In the Classroom

Use the U.S. flag quiz on this site as a learning center or station during a Flag Day celebration or national symbol unit. Have students complete the quiz in cooperative learning groups, allowing them to assist each other when there is confusion.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
Tag(s): american flag, american revolution, evolution, flag day,

Digital Citizenship: Using Technology Appropriately

— Mike Ribble

K-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.digitalcitizenship.net Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This site contains all the information that educators and parents need to know about keeping kids safe online. There are resources, publications, and links to help teach children about digital citizenship. The site also breaks down digital citizenship into nine themes.

In the Classroom

Share this link on your class web page and/or in a parent newsletter to help parents learn about internet safety. Use the lessons that are found in the resources section with your students. The activities are cooperative and scenario based. Use the activities for adults to run a parent information night. Use the general internet safety presentation and present it to your staff or at back to school night. Have the students and parents both sign the family contract of digital safety.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
Tag(s): safety, internet safety,