TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Jul 28, 2024
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
iGradePlus Online Gradebook - iGradePlus
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
iGradePlus Online Gradebook offers an easy-to-use, FERPA-compliant interface with many options for busy educators. Create a grade book, add classes and students, and then assign students...more
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iGradePlus Online Gradebook offers an easy-to-use, FERPA-compliant interface with many options for busy educators. Create a grade book, add classes and students, and then assign students to the appropriate courses. iGradePlus includes several options to modify or set custom grading scales, such as grade weights for exams, quizzes, or other assignments. Free accounts include adding grades, tracking behavior and attendance, parent/teacher communication tools, custom report generation, and more.
tag(s): classroom management (122), Teacher Utilities (157)
In the Classroom
If your school doesn't provide a required gradebook, consider using iGradePlus. This resource is also helpful for sharing feedback for after-school programs or with tutors to share information on student progress. Modify class information as needed to adjust grade weights to fulfill requirements for special needs and gifted students.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Reading Coach - Microsoft
Grades
K to 8
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Reading Coach uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help students improve reading fluency and comprehension through personalized practice. It incentivizes learners to earn achievements...more
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Reading Coach uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help students improve reading fluency and comprehension through personalized practice. It incentivizes learners to earn achievements and unlock new story elements through enhanced reading skills. Multilingual support is included in over 100 languages. View Reading Coach by scrolling down the page to find Get started, enter as Individual learners, Student/Educator, or IT Administrator. For a quick preview, choose the Individual learners option. Begin by selecting from the options to create a story using AI, read a passage from the library, or add a passage of your own. Options in the resource library allow you to select passages from eight levels, including beginning readers through readers comfortable with complex text. After allowing microphone access, readers read aloud for up to ten minutes, then stop to get feedback and suggested practice steps. Results provide feedback on pronunciation accuracy, reading time, and words to practice.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (139), fluency (25), literacy (112), multilingual (69), reading comprehension (143), reading strategies (99), Teacher Utilities (157)
In the Classroom
Share Reading Coach with students and parents to use as a support tool for improving reading skills independently. Reading Coach includes support from Immersive Reader, reviewed here, making it perfect for use with multilingual learners. Demonstrate how to use Immersive Reader to view text in different languages, hear passages read, and display text broken into syllables. Be sure to watch for additional updates to Reading Coach, which include integration with learning management systems and feedback on prosody (reading with expression).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Crowd Buzzer - Crowd Buzzer
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Crowd Buzzer is a virtual game buzzer that lets players buzz in from any digital device and lets others see who buzzed in first and the order of other players. ...more
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Crowd Buzzer is a virtual game buzzer that lets players buzz in from any digital device and lets others see who buzzed in first and the order of other players. No more wondering who hit that buzzer first! Begin by giving your game a name, then look for the game code in the upper left portion of the page. Next, provide players a link to the Crowd Buzzer site, located here, and ask them to enter the game code. In addition to the game code, players add their name and the optional team name if desired before joining. Next, turn the buzzer on and off from the hosting site; for example, turn off buzzers while reading a question, and turn them on when ready for responses. Finally, players click the buzz button on their screens, and the host receives a list of names in the order they buzz in. Crowd Buzzer allows up to 100 players per game.
tag(s): game based learning (181), Teacher Utilities (157)
In the Classroom
Crowd Buzzer is perfect for many in-person and virtual activities. For example, use Crowd Buzzer to engage students at the start of a lesson to review previous concepts or as an exit ticket activity at the end of class. Enhance learning by including students as the host of activities, ask groups to share information with their peers, and host a Crowd Buzzer game to have other students provide answers to questions they create. Extend learning by asking students to become the teacher and share a project-based learning activity using Crowd Buzzer as a virtual learning activity that includes students and adults. An example would be a student project to understand food waste in the cafeteria. Students share a slide presentation created with Google Slides, reviewed here, or prepare a Wakelet collection, reviewed here, with information found in their research, and then provide an interactive presentation that includes opportunities for administrators and students to buzz in to respond to questions based on statistics learned as part of the students' research presentation.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Spinner Wheel - spinnerwheel.com
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Spinner Wheel isn't just your ordinary customizable spinner; it offers the ability to include several spinners to use simultaneously. Add spinners and customize colors, text, select...more
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Spinner Wheel isn't just your ordinary customizable spinner; it offers the ability to include several spinners to use simultaneously. Add spinners and customize colors, text, select images, and themes. Customize backgrounds by color or select images from Unsplash, reviewed here. Creating an account isn't necessary, but it allows you to save and share wheels. Scroll down the page for complete directions and a selection of examples shared for inspiration on using this resource. .
tag(s): preK (262), probability (97), statistics (119), Teacher Utilities (157)
In the Classroom
Simultaneously spinning multiple wheels opens the door to unlimited uses to engage students. For example, create six wheels with the numbers on dice as a virtual dice roller. In addition, customize wheels for creative story writing prompts that include options for random characters, setting, and story theme. Use this tool to practice math facts by creating wheels that prompt players to solve math problems based upon a spin of the wheel. Engage students when reviewing for upcoming quizzes and tests by creating wheels to check facts. For example, in social studies, create one wheel with names and another with characteristics such as date, place, important event, other characters involved, etc. Use during math lessons on probability to have students record outcomes when spinning the wheel.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teacherstack - Teacherstack
Grades
K to 6
5 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 (122), Teacher Utilities (157)
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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Classkick - Andrew Rowland and Peter Do
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
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Classkick is a classroom learning management system that offers several tools for guiding instruction from lesson planning through assessment. Create or customize lessons using your...more
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Classkick is a classroom learning management system that offers several tools for guiding instruction from lesson planning through assessment. Create or customize lessons using your own resources or combine with content available on the site's library. Deliver lessons to students for use on any device and monitor progress in real-time. Classkick includes a private chat for students to ask for help privately and also contains options for peer to peer feedback. This site also includes a number of video tutorials and resources for implementing the tool in classrooms and a variety of ideas on how to use it.
tag(s): assessment (148), collaboration (92), Learning Management Systems (20), Teacher Utilities (157)
In the Classroom
Use Classkick in class, for blended learning or remote learning since you can see all students working from anywhere. Use Classkick to differentiate instruction based on students' current performance. Many students are motivated to learn at their own pace using online tools, and Classkick is an option providing lessons in a different format than currently available. If not using Classkick whole - class, it provides many options for helping and enhancing learning for individual students, use for homework, or as a temporary option for providing instruction to home-bound or remote learning students . As students learn through this type of management system, ask them to use a portfolio tool such as Majara, reviewed here, to document and reflect upon their learning process.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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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 (122), disabilities (30), organizational skills (86), Special Needs (56), Teacher Utilities (157)
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 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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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 (45), classroom management (122), communication (138), DAT device agnostic tool (147), parents (59), Teacher Utilities (157)
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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Bloomz - Chaks Appalabattula
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Bloomz is a tool that has several free features that teachers need to communicate with their classroom community: share photos, schedule conferences, send reminders, and more. These...more
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Bloomz is a tool that has several free features that teachers need to communicate with their classroom community: share photos, schedule conferences, send reminders, and more. These features are all in one place. So don't use one program to share photos, one to send reminders, one to share calendar updates, and another to schedule volunteers and conferences. Just use Bloomz and do all of the work from the same site. Once you have signed up with your email, watch the introduction video and view the demo class to see how easy Bloomz is to use. This tool works with all mobile devices and computers. Be sure to check out Bloomz' Privacy Polixy to read about their FERPA and COPPA compliance.
tag(s): calendars (37), communication (138), DAT device agnostic tool (147), images (260), parent conferences (21), parents (59), Teacher Utilities (157)
In the Classroom
Use Bloomz for all your communications with your classroom community. Not only that, but share important documents (field trip permission slips, a syllabus, etc.) for others to access; post photos of special projects in class or from field trips. P.E. teachers and coaches can use this tool to post what skills students are learning and action pictures of student involvement in games and activities. Parents can download the free app or receive updates via email. Currently, there are three ways to invite parents and other class members. Email, enter the information manually, or upload an Excel spreadsheet and send a bulk invitation. Create groups within your Bloomz class and invite members. These groups might be volunteers in the classroom, volunteers for driving on a field trip, and more. Then you can communicate just to that group when necessary. Introduce Bloomz to parents at Back to School Night in the fall, Open House in the spring, or during parent conferences. Encourage resource teachers and others to join your class community to see what your class is doing. Update Bloomz on the go with your mobile device!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Future Me - Write a Letter to the Future - Matt Sly and Jay Patrikios
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Future Me is an email service that allows you to write an email and have it delivered in the future (up to 50 years later). Insert your email address, subject, ...more
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Future Me is an email service that allows you to write an email and have it delivered in the future (up to 50 years later). Insert your email address, subject, and write your email. Choose a future date for delivery, and it's ready to go! Options include adding an image and making the email public or private. Note - the public gallery is unmoderated so may contain content not suitable for school.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): back to school (61), creativity (90), digital storytelling (151), letter writing (19), Teacher Utilities (157)
In the Classroom
Future Me is a wonderful tool to use at the beginning of the school year. Ask students to send themselves (or you) a "future" email with what they would like to learn this year, subjects they do and don't like, and goals for the school year. Send and share the emails on a date near the end of the year to see how they have changed. High school seniors may want to write a letter to themselves four years in the future with their goals for college and the future. Share with parents, and ask them to write a letter to their student for future delivery. Have students write an email to you describing what they know about any topic or person before beginning a unit, have the email delivered upon completion of the unit as a reminder of how much learning has occurred. Have middle schoolers write emails with summer goals before summer break and have set them for delivery in September so students can see whether their summer was as productive as they had hoped. What a great way to teach goal-setting!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Instant Classroom Seating Chart - Instant Classroom
Grades
K to 12
10 Favorites
0 Comments
This free site makes classroom management more accessible by allowing you to create a seating chart easily. There is also a Random Name Generator and a Classroom Group Maker. You ...more
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This free site makes classroom management more accessible by allowing you to 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. Under the Help/F.A.Q. on the top menu bar, discover a 1 page PDF for quickly getting started. Once you have set up your seating chart, click SuperTeacherTools on the top right menu bar to find games and activities you can create.
tag(s): classroom management (122), Teacher Utilities (157)
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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Icebreakers, Games, and Fun Group Activities - icebreakers.ws
Grades
K to 12
22 Favorites
0 Comments
Start the first day of school or a new marking period with a getting-to-know-you activity from this great, searchable collection. The activities are designed for all ages, so some will...more
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Start the first day of school or a new marking period with a getting-to-know-you activity from this great, searchable collection. The activities are designed for all ages, so some will not work well with very young ones (such as writing things on slips of paper). The site is easy to navigate and sorts ideas by group size and activity level for easy retrieval. There are also activity suggestions for distance and remote learning. You are invited to submit your own ideas. Since the site is designed for general use, not for schools, some ideas may be impractical in a classroom setting but could be easily adapted. Substitutes - check out some of these icebreakers, the kids will love them....and you!
tag(s): back to school (61), firstday (21), newbies (12), remote learning (56), substitutes (26)
In the Classroom
New or veteran teachers who want students to get to know each other as they enter a new school (starting middle school, for example), want to observe them so YOU get to know them, or need to build better team skills with a challenging class or club, will find ideas to try. Mark this one as a Favorite so you can find it again, since "first day" activities tend to get lost in the flurry ---and in the fading memory-- during the year.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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