TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Jul 30, 2023
Here are this week's features. Clicking the tags in the description area of each listing will present a list of other resources with this topic. | Click here to return to the Featured Sites Archive
Classroom Management: Face-to-Face, Hybrid, & Virtual - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Discover many resources and ideas for creating positive and effective learning environments in any classroom using the learning modules provided by TeachersFirst. Choose from modules...more
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Discover many resources and ideas for creating positive and effective learning environments in any classroom using the learning modules provided by TeachersFirst. Choose from modules offered by grade levels, virtual classroom management, or technology that provides specific procedures utilizing age/grade-appropriate classroom management tools and techniques in your classroom. If desired, receive a professional development certificate by signing up and completing the course questionnaire.
tag(s): classroom management (127), professional development (364), remote learning (62)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the learning modules shared on this site to learn new classroom management ideas or revitalize your current classroom management procedures. Share this information with peers during your grade-level planning sessions to support fellow educators and collaborate on best practices. If you would like to document your understanding and participation in completing the learning modules, complete the course questionnaire and share it with your school or district's professional learning team to obtain professional learning documentation.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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OK2Ask: TeachersFirst Tech Tools Smackdown - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Many technology...more
Many technology...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Many technology tools are available for classroom use, but which are teachers' favorites? This session will share and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite resources. Help us decide which tool is this session's winner of our Smackdown! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite technology tools; 2. Evaluate uses for one or more tools for classroom use; and 3. Share ideas for using resources with other participants. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Many technology tools are available for classroom use, but which are teachers' favorites? This session will share and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite resources. Help us decide which tool is this session's winner of our Smackdown! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite technology tools; 2. Evaluate uses for one or more tools for classroom use; and 3. Share ideas for using resources with other participants. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): classroom management (127), professional development (364)
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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Along - Gradient Learning
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Along is an online tool for providing digital check-ins and reflection activities with students using audio, video, or text. Share a question with some or all students to encourage...more
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Along is an online tool for providing digital check-ins and reflection activities with students using audio, video, or text. Share a question with some or all students to encourage making connections and check in on student wellness. Students select an option to share their responses, and the teacher views reflections within the Along dashboard. Follow up with students as desired to continue the conversation or to make personal connections with all students. Use the tips and content provided by Along to select research-based questions designed to help students build life skills and confidence. Teachers with students under 13 years of age will need to send home a letter of consent, which Along has provided in Spanish and English and for print or to email. There is also a code of conduct which all students must agree to. To find this information and the forms - from the home page scroll down to and click Code of Conduct from the bottom menu.
tag(s): classroom management (127), communication (134), social and emotional learning (72), Teacher Utilities (134)
In the Classroom
Along makes it easy for you to implement this tool into your classroom with their many free resources. Resources include guides to introducing Along to students and fellow educators. Share the privacy information guide with parents as you begin using this tool. Begin by using the customizable calendar as a method for planning to introduce and use Along. Consider using the information found on the site to create and share a presentation about this product using Google Slides, reviewed here, or by creating a short video using Adobe Creative Cloud Express Video Maker reviewed here. Be sure to show students how to prepare for their responses. If you find some students are reluctant to use one of the modes, for instance, the video, work with that student to help them feel comfortable. Uses for this tool are only limited by your imagination! Check-in with students during long projects or reports to see where they are in the process and if they have any frustrations, check-in after a science lab to see who has questions, ask students at the end of a project or lab what they would do differently next time. Check-in with Language arts book groups to see how students are doing with the novel, their group, the project at the end, etc.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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Teacherstack - Teacherstack
Grades
K to 6
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Teacherstack helps manage and organize simple classroom tasks such as center rotation schedules, seating charts, and displaying to-do tasks for students. Create your account and add...more
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Teacherstack helps manage and organize simple classroom tasks such as center rotation schedules, seating charts, and displaying to-do tasks for students. Create your account and add students and classes. This site is beneficial for creating Station Rotations. Personalize options within the program to create student groups, add schedules, allot time for each session, add transition time, and more. Display information on your whiteboard for you and your students to view and remain on track.
tag(s): classroom management (127), Teacher Utilities (134)
In the Classroom
Use Teacherstack to manage everyday classroom routines easily. Display on your whiteboard to help students understand group rotation schedules, use the time and transition sound to keep everyone on schedule. Start with longer transition times as you introduce station rotations, then reduce the time as students understand rotation procedures. Create a to-do list to display and share with reminders of upcoming events throughout the day. A to-do list is beneficial for use on days when there are disruptions to normal routines and schedules, such as early release days or special events.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Wheel of Names - Martin Omander and Google
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Do you need to make random selections of names, items, places, or other items? This tool is for you! Customize the slices on the wheel to include names and/or images. ...more
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Do you need to make random selections of names, items, places, or other items? This tool is for you! Customize the slices on the wheel to include names and/or images. Because Google hosts this wheel, it allows you to save customized wheels onto Google Drive for easy access anywhere. Another handy option offers you the ability to import names from a spreadsheet or Twitter users by importing a hashtag. Although the Wheel of Names allows you to add as many names as you like, the maximum number of names showing at any time will be 48. If there are more, the names change each second until starting to spin the wheel.
tag(s): classroom management (127), preK (247), Teacher Utilities (134)
In the Classroom
Use the Wheel of Names to randomly call students during class discussions. Add images instead of names to make the wheel more interesting. In addition to the obvious use for calling names, use this random wheel in a variety of different ways. Add dates onto the wheel when reviewing events in history, review vocabulary, instead of student names add character names from novels for students to discuss, add books to determine the next read-aloud, the list goes on and on! Be sure to save the wheel with the names of class members so that it is ready to go at any time.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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ClassroomQ - Kyle Niemis and Dan Martinho
Grades
4 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
ClassroomQ is the digital solution to organizing help with student questions. The premise is very simple - the teacher creates a class code and gives it to students, as students ...more
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ClassroomQ is the digital solution to organizing help with student questions. The premise is very simple - the teacher creates a class code and gives it to students, as students work and find they need help they provide their name and class code along with a comment, and they add their name to the help queue providing the instructor with a list in the order of help requested. If students find they don't need help after requesting it, they use the cancel option to remove their name from the list. This tool is exceptional for the shy or special needs student who won't have to raise their hand and get the attention of the entire class.
tag(s): classroom management (127), disabilities (28), organizational skills (88), Special Needs (47), Teacher Utilities (134)
In the Classroom
Simplify and organize your time with ClassroomQ. Use this resource during student work time in class, or for your blended class as a simple and quiet way to provide student help in a timely manner. Ask students to create a comment including their specific question to help you prepare to provide them the appropriate help (perhaps that is in the form of help from another student). Use ClassroomQ during review games and have students buzz in using this site and add their answer as the comment. Using it this way helps you know who came in first, didn't answer, or took longer to find the response. ClassroomQ also helps you understand the kind and number of comments created and assess areas where students need more help. Use this information to guide instruction. Consider taking common questions as a starting point for a follow-up lesson and have students complete some research on their own. Ask them to share links to additional help using a bookmarking tool like Raindrip.io, reviewed here. In addition to creating and sharing bookmarks, use Raindrop.io to add comments to supplement the provided links. As students become more confident in the material, enhance their learning and modify classroom technology by asking them to create simple explainer videos using Adobe Creative Cloud Express Video Maker, reviewed here, not only as a reflection tool but also as a guide for other students with similar questions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Classroomscreen - Laurens Koppers
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Classroomscreen is a background utility for use with interactive whiteboards or projector screens. Choose from circles at the bottom of the screen to add 13 widgets including a random...more
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Classroomscreen is a background utility for use with interactive whiteboards or projector screens. Choose from circles at the bottom of the screen to add 13 widgets including a random name picker, text, timer, and clock. Drag items to place them on the screen as desired. You can use Classroomsceen without signing up, but will get more features, for free, if you create and account. There is also a premium version, but this review is only for the free versions.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): classroom management (127), emotions (45), functions (53), iwb (32), multilingual (57), social and emotional learning (72), Teacher Utilities (134), time (92)
In the Classroom
Use Classroomscreen on your interactive whiteboard for quick access to many commonly used tools. Add to student computers for access to a calculator and text box for notes. ENL/ESL teachers will enjoy the multi-language feature, set it up under Personalize. Use the different backgrounds as inspiration for creative writing projects.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Class123 - Choong Hee Lee
Grades
K to 6
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Class123 is a classroom management tool containing several features for organizing classrooms and communicating with students and parents. Tools include a timer, seating chart, attendance...more
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Class123 is a classroom management tool containing several features for organizing classrooms and communicating with students and parents. Tools include a timer, seating chart, attendance manager, random name picker, and more. Sign up for free to add your rosters and avatars. Parents and students sign up with a code provided. Once enrolled, members receive or send communications privately or within groups. Please be aware that Class123 falls under the FERPA laws for "directory information" and "educational records." Any school getting funds from the Department of Education (public schools) is required to disclose to parents and get written consent to use Class123 with their child.
tag(s): behavior (41), classroom management (127), communication (134), DAT device agnostic tool (138), parents (59), Teacher Utilities (134)
In the Classroom
Use this tool to communicate specific behaviors with parents - both positive and negative feedback. Share this site with students on the first day of school as you go over class expectations and your behavior plan for your classroom. Take advantage of the other tools to take attendance or rearrange your seating chart quickly and easily.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Class Responder - Teacher Created Resources
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Interact with students in real-time with Class Responder. Assign lessons, create quizzes and activities, then view student responses on any device. Create your account with email, then...more
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Interact with students in real-time with Class Responder. Assign lessons, create quizzes and activities, then view student responses on any device. Create your account with email, then follow prompts to add students, create groups, and choose response options. Class Responder activities are for grades 1-6, however, you can create your own for older students. Activities offered on the site include correlation to state and national standards. This is a terrific tool for differentiation and keeping abreast of how special needs students are understanding an assignment.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): classroom management (127), DAT device agnostic tool (138), polls and surveys (46), substitutes (27), Teacher Utilities (134)
In the Classroom
Be sure to click the "Help" link at the bottom of a page or the upper right corner of any page for information about using and setting up Class Responder. Use Class Responder in a 1:1 classroom, then have students provide feedback in real-time to demonstrate understanding. Use as an exit slip, to identify material that needs to be retaught, or to locate specific students that need remediation. Class Responder is perfect for use in flipped or blended learning classrooms to share videos and ask questions before students come to class. Create several activities to save just in case you need an extra lesson on short notice, need to have a substitute, or to use as an at-home lesson for snow days.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Free Online Stopwatch - Ummay
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Free Online Stopwatch offers an assortment of popular clock tools - all ad free, simple, and easy to share! Choose from the Stopwatch, Alarm Clock, Current Time, Timer, or Date ...more
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Free Online Stopwatch offers an assortment of popular clock tools - all ad free, simple, and easy to share! Choose from the Stopwatch, Alarm Clock, Current Time, Timer, or Date Countdown. Also, find emoticons for social media and email at the bottom of the page. Click on any of the social media links at the top to easily share your countdown. Download the program to begin.
tag(s): classroom management (127), organizational skills (88)
In the Classroom
There are many uses for this practical online tool. At the beginning of the school year, display on your interactive whiteboard or projector to time or count down any classroom activity. This will get the students in the habit of checking how much time they have left. Project the Stopwatch or Timer while students take a test, solve a drag and drop, practice speeches, rotate between learning centers, or join cooperative learning groups. When rotating between centers or taking turns in a cooperative learning group, schedule the time sequence to keep everyone on track. Use the Date Countdown to share days until any important event via social media. Share this tool on your class website for students to use at home (to practice taking timed math practice tests, practice for a speech, and more).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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GoNoodle - Abby Pecoriello, John Herbold, Scott McQuigg
Grades
K to 5
5 Favorites
2 Comments
Give yourself a brain break using the interactive classroom resources at GoNoodle. These activities promotehealth, fitness, and mindfulness and are based on cutting edge research....more
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Give yourself a brain break using the interactive classroom resources at GoNoodle. These activities promotehealth, fitness, and mindfulness and are based on cutting edge research. These engaging games and activities provide short bursts of movement leading to improved focus and energy within the classroom. Sign-up using your Google account, or create an account with your email. Signing-up with Google, allows you to sign-in with your Google Classroom account. If you have multiple groups of students (or classes) start by naming your class(es), since each class will show progression on this tool. Choose from Topics, Activities and Routines, Channels, Skills and Knowledge, or New on GoNoodle (directions for registering and other features). Each title has multiple sub-categories. Some options are for paid memberships only. None of the games takes longer than five minutes. While most of these are physical tasks, a few are mental/logic activities. Time required for the activity is shown with each option. Registration does require an email address. If your district blocks YouTube, some activities may not be viewable.
tag(s): classroom management (127), fitness (51), logic (162), preK (247)
In the Classroom
Share these short activities on your projector or interactive whiteboard for your entire class to view together. Bookmark and save GoNoodle as a before class (or before the bell) activity, perfect for those long winter days inside. These would be great activities as you head into high stakes tests. When your class needs to refocus, use GoNoodle as a short brain break. Use GoNoodle to motivate and reward class accomplishments. Share with learning support teachers (or emotional or autistic support) for use in motivating and reinforcing behaviors with their students.Comments
My students and I love using GoNoodle for brain breaks. GoNoodle tracks your minutes for you and your mascot "grows" as you use the site.Paula, LA, Grades: 3 - 5
Paula, LA, Grades: 3 - 5
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Instant Classroom Seating Chart - Instant Classroom
Grades
K to 12
10 Favorites
0 Comments
This free site makes classroom management easier by letting you create a seating chart easily. There is also a Random Name Generator and a Classroom Group Maker. You can create ...more
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This free site makes classroom management easier by letting you create a seating chart easily. There is also a Random Name Generator and a Classroom Group Maker. You can create many groups with up to 100 students in each group.
tag(s): classroom management (127)
In the Classroom
Use this site at the beginning of the year to create a seating chart for your classroom. Use the drag and drop technology to configure the desks the way you want them. Use the Random Name Generator to choose a student for an activity or to answer a question. If you need to create groups of 2, 3 or more, use the Classroom Group Maker to automatically split your class into even groups.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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