Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Freckle Education is a Common Core-aligned program with resources for math, ELA, science, and social studies for K-8 that adapts to individual student skills. Freckle has over 50,000 math questions matched to all math standards and more than 500 ELA non-fiction articles that often cover social studies and science standards as well as all ELA standards. There are five reading levels offered for each article. Sign up to create a class account and add student information. Students login in through an iPad app or with the online web version and the class code. Students complete a diagnostic pre-test and then begin working at their individual level. Awards of coins for completion of levels promote student engagement and enjoyment of the program. Freckle also promotes student collaboration through their inquiry-based, cross-curricular lessons. Other features include a scratch pad for working through problems, virtual manipulatives, and individualized printables for practice. Receive detailed analytics and student reports on your dashboard. You may encounter a warning about how Freckle may not work on your browser and to use the Chrome app. For this reviewer Mozilla FireFox and Microsoft Edge seemed to work fine for a student pre-test and the teacher dashboard. This program is great for supplementing your instruction, differentiating, blended learning classes, and remote learning. Freckle was titled Front Row.
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tag(s): collaboration (94), differentiation (85), independent reading (82), inquiry (30), reading comprehension (150), Research (88), Teacher Utilities (203), writing (325)

Fake iPhone text is a tool to create fake screenshots of a series of iPhone text messages. Enter your conversation including name and message. Click the link "Create" to view the picture. Take a screenshot or copy the URL to share.
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tag(s): creative writing (125), digital storytelling (155), gamification (85), writing prompts (61)

The Fun Theory is a collection of experiments captured on video to find out if making tasks more fun can change people's behavior. One of the most popular videos on The Fun Theory is a staircase in a subway station. The stairs were converted into working piano keys as a way to convince commuters to take the stairs over the escalator. Another test uses a game-based scenario to recycle bottles. Students and colleagues at all levels are subject to the same ineffective carrots-and-sticks. Why search around for methods to motivate when fun is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities? A contest also encourages visitors to upload their own applications of The Fun Theory. After watching the videos, you will see the evidence that appealing to an individual's intrinsic motivation is better on many levels. Make the road less traveled FUN! The collection of Fun Theory videos is an excellent resource to support game-based learning in your classroom. If your district blocks YouTube, they may not be viewable.
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tag(s): psychology (65), science fairs (20), scientific method (48), video (267)

Greg Tang Math offers a nice selection of math games for elementary grades. Each game offers different levels and options for play. In addition to practicing basic math facts, these games promote thinking and problem skills through different game options. Try your hand at Math Limbo, Funny Numbers, ? Missing, and others.
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tag(s): addition (128), calendars (37), division (97), fractions (160), logic (161), multiplication (121), subtraction (109), time (91), volume (33)

ComSlider is free online slideshow creator. Upload your images up to 3mb each, choose a template, then let comSlider work its magic! Customize your slideshow with other options such as width, height, and transition options using controls on the left. Register to save and receive html code for embedding and sharing.

tag(s): images (263), slides (43)

Explore the progressions of the Common Core math standards throughout the grade levels. Look at different areas of mathematical standards, numbers and operations, base ten, counting cardinality in algebraic thinking, numbers and operations for fractions, geometry, and measurement and data in grades kindergarten through grade five. In grades six through eight explore statistics and probability, expressions and equations, the number system, ratios, and proportional relationships. In high school discover the progressions in algebra, functions, and modeling. Find resources for further development of programs offered to support Common Core mathematics. Discover research, periodicals and groups using Common Core math.

tag(s): commoncore (73)

Dynamic Learning Maps are assessments that are being created to administer to individuals with disabilities to inform instruction. The field test will be completed in the fall of 2014. There is tons of information to look at for Dynamic Learning Maps. Three different types of professional development modules are available now, and are about which students have the most significant disabilities. Get professional development on the Universal Design for Learning. Training modules include Principles of Effective English Language Arts Instruction and Standards of Mathematical Practice. Included are facilitator's guides and handouts. Find some exemplar text supports for students with disabilities. Parents and students with disabilities can also find suggested resources to aid in educational pursuits.

tag(s): assessment (146), disabilities (32)

Math Mistakes is a site devoted to mistakes we make in math. Find common mistakes, assumptions behind mistakes, and ways to target instruction for improvement. Categories range from elementary school to Calculus.

tag(s): conversions (37), data (150), decimals (85), equations (119), fractions (160), functions (52), measurement (123), money (114), multiplication (121), negative numbers (13), patterns (61), place value (34), professional development (392), subtraction (109), time (91)

Looking for best practices and ways to provide evidence for current practices? Discover Doing What Works! Find research and resources in the subject areas of reading, math, science, English fluency, and how to teach effectively for teachers and administrators. Current national reports reflect recent trends in education. Information is also geared to educating parents.

tag(s): grants (15), parents (56), professional development (392)

Explore over 111 different visual patterns and determine what the 43rd step in the pattern would be. Find the equation, use a table, or draw it! This is a fun way to work with patterns, equations, problem solving, and geometry. There is a teacher tab with an explanation about assigning patterns to students and an idea for a form to create for students to fill out. Some patterns have a link with additional information.

tag(s): equations (119), geometric shapes (134), patterns (61), problem solving (234)

Are you looking for other educators to follow on X (formerly Twitter)? Check out this lengthy list of educator X (formerly Twitter) handles arranged by subject. The easiest way to view the full document is to click the link located under the heading "A Twitter Win." This link leads to a Google document with headings for all content areas as well as Ed Tech, Counselors, Administrators, and more. Use the scroll bar at the bottom of the document to view all categories. Add your own Twitter handle in the appropriate category for inclusion on this document.
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tag(s): social networking (61), twitter (13)

Frustrated when trying to transfer files from one device to another? This resource is a free service that easily transfers files between devices without creating any kind of account. Use this resource in Opera, Chrome, or Firefox (not Safari or Internet Explorer!). It will work on your laptop, desktop, tablet, or mobile device. Please note: both devices must be connected to the same wireless network. Simply drag files into ShareDrop on one device and then open it on the other. For users familiar with AirDrop on Apple products, this tool looks and works similarly.

Tizmos offers a student-friendly bookmarking and home page dashboard tool that works for even the youngest of students. Small screenshots provide a visual representation of each link for ease of choice. Choose the "Try it now" link to get started then scroll to the bottom of the page and choose the free plan. Sign up using your email. The free account offers two folders and up to 15 Tizmos (bookmarks), 5 videos, and 3 custom photos for an unlimited period of time. Add sites by pasting in the URL. Add Tizmo's bookmarklet to your browser to easily add sites at any time. Drag and drop your bookmarks to arrange in any order. Make sure your page is marked public to share using your unique URL.
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tag(s): bookmarks (43), Learning Management Systems (20), Teacher Utilities (203)

Creating online surveys just became easier and quicker using Zoho. Simply use the survey editor to add questions, edit, and modify your survey. Choose from 15 different question types such as multiple choice or more advanced options such as a matrix. Use logic within responses to skip or present questions based on user response. Use social media to share surveys and feedback via links to X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and more. Add a QR code on print material if desired to access surveys.

tag(s): polls and surveys (49)

Supplement math instruction in the classroom using OnLineMathLearning. Find videos explaining concepts, worksheets for practice, games, and activities. The site material correlates to Singapore Math but is assessable to all learners. Explore math by grade level, or by topic. Find math worksheets by grade level or even by topic. There is also Test Prep for SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, ESL, IELTS, or TOEFL. Furthermore, this site has instruction on Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Animal facts, Programming, or English help. Find many science project ideas, listed by subject area.
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tag(s): parents (56), video (267), worksheets (71)

Prepare your students for success with Common Core Math skills at this excellent site presented by Khan Academy. 50,000 unique questions cover conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and real world applications. Use the link to "Browse Our New Common Core Map" to find interactive math problems for grades K-12. Each activity lists the number of skills and problems available for each level. View step by step solutions to each problem. Many problems even include video explanations. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium and Illustrative Mathematics partnered with Khan Academy to ensure the rigor of materials and full alignment to the Common Core Standards. Learn more about Khan Academy reviewed here. Videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): addition (128), angles (52), base ten (5), coordinates (15), counting (61), data (150), division (97), equations (119), factoring (25), fractions (160), functions (52), geometric shapes (134), measurement (123), mixed numbers (8), multiplication (121), negative numbers (13), number lines (33), number sense (68), polynomials (20), prime numbers (26), probability (99), quadratics (27), rounding (8), square roots (15), statistics (121), subtraction (109), transformations (12), vectors (16), whole numbers (9)

Search Creative Commons images by COLOR(s)! Choose up to five colors. As you choose each color, the tiled squares fill with a myriad of images that include that color. Click a second color to view images that have both colors in them. Choose up to five colors. Click on "Next" in the lower right hand corner to view more pages of images. Click on the image you like to go to its Flickr site. Use CTRL-click (or right click) to view the different sizes of images and download pictures. Our editors did not notice any inappropriate photos. However, we highly recommend previewing this site before sharing with students. You will want to discuss what to do in the unlikely event that an image comes up that is not classroom appropriate. As with all Creative Commons images on Flickr, you will want to look at the details of the license to be sure you can use any image as you intend to. Some have limited use (such as no "derivative works"). Click the Rights link at the right when viewing an individual image to see the specifics.

tag(s): colors (63), creative commons (28), design (79), graphic design (49), images (263), media literacy (109), psychology (65)

Get lost in the world of Mathigon - a visually beautiful, interactive online library of math animations, games, illustrations, and more. Choose to begin with the World of Mathematics e-book or explore one of several slideshows, movies, and explorations. The Mathematical Origami and Panorama math applications sections are fabulous, though a little text-heavy. Take a trip with Alice in FractalLand using Disney clips to learn about sequencing, fractals, and triangles. Explore Mathigon Ideas containing short video explanations of important math ideas using only graphics and animations. There is much to explore and see on this interesting and colorful site. Be sure to allow plenty of time to find it all! Check back often as new explorations are currently under development. If your district blocks YouTube, then parts of this site may not be viewable. The site operates well on any mobile browser, too!

tag(s): charts and graphs (171), fractions (160), geometric shapes (134), origami (15), probability (99), problem solving (234), tangrams (8)

Find crafts and activities for both home and in the classroom. First, figure out which are ads and which is actual site content! Discover activities for families or after school. Find your area by searching within your state or area code. Discover party ideas, theme ideas, crafts, classroom helpers, puzzles and games. Free personalized printouts include; blank checks, thank you cards, coupon books, and bookmarks. Find fun worksheets for holidays.
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tag(s): crafts (74), directions (11), holidays (194), mothers day (23), parents (56)