Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

The Asian Americans Collection offers a rich selection of videos, lesson plans, and classroom activities that explore the history, contributions, and challenges of Asian Americans in the United States. This collection, based on the PBS documentary "Asian Americans", covers key historical events, personal narratives, and themes such as immigration, identity, and civil rights. Many of the videos include support materials for teachers and students. Educators can use these resources to enhance diversity, inclusion, and American history discussions while engaging students with primary sources and thought-provoking questions.

tag(s): asia (124), civil rights (216), identity (33), immigrants (41), immigration (77), japan (60), japanese (52), politics (119), racism (81), railroads (15)

Celebrate the contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans by exploring this rich collection of digital exhibitions, educational resources, and cultural stories highlighting the history, art, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Teachers can access lesson plans, primary source materials, and multimedia content to integrate AAPI perspectives into their curriculum. The site also features interactive experiences and virtual programs that engage students in exploring diverse narratives. This resource fosters inclusive learning and deepens students' understanding of AAPI heritage in social studies, history, and language arts classrooms.

tag(s): artists (87), asia (124), cultures (206), japan (60), japanese (52), multimedia (54), poetry (196), virtual field trips (132)

The AAPI History Hub is a valuable educational resource that provides lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive materials to help teachers incorporate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history into their curriculum. The site offers engaging content for various grade levels, including biographies, historical events, and cultural contributions that highlight the rich and diverse experiences of AAPI communities. With classroom-ready resources and discussion prompts, the AAPI History Hub supports educators in fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of U.S. history.

tag(s): asia (124), biographies (95), courts (23), cultures (206), diversity (42), famous people (21), japan (60), japanese (52), scientists (69), women (152)

This page provides a brief and engaging overview of Mali's geography, history, culture, and economy, making it a valuable resource for elementary and middle school classrooms. The site highlights key aspects such as Mali's location in West Africa, its historical significance as part of the Mali Empire, and famous figures like Mansa Musa. It also covers the country's modern economy, climate, and traditions in a student-friendly format. In addition to the information on this site, you can download worksheets and coloring pages and watch a video about Mali. Teachers can use this resource to introduce Mali through fact-based reading, discussion prompts, and interactive activities to support geography, history, and social studies lessons. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): africa (170), cultures (206), deserts (17), flags (20), maps (225)

This video tells how the Mali Empire rose to power by conquering the Ghana Empire in 1234 and seizing control of major trade routes, allowing its rulers, known as "Mansas," to amass great wealth. Unlike Ghana's warrior kings, Mali's rulers expanded their empire by directly controlling gold and salt mines, ensuring economic dominance in West Africa. This video shows how Islam played a significant role in spreading their empire through trade and gaining influence under Mansa Musa, who converted to Islam and promoted religious and educational institutions. The empire's control over key trade centers, including Timbuktu and Gao, solidified its status as a powerful economic and cultural hub. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): africa (170), cultures (206), religions (108)

Visit this kid-friendly overview of one of West Africa's greatest civilizations to learn about key topics such as the empire's rise to power, its wealth from the gold and salt trade, famous rulers like Mansa Musa, and the significance of cities like Timbuktu as centers of learning. The website presents information in a clear and engaging way, making it a valuable resource for introducing younger students to African history. Teachers can use this page to support lessons on trade, culture, and leadership in the medieval world.
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tag(s): africa (170), archeology (30), cultures (206), maps (225), medieval (33)

This interactive resource guides students through the histories of three powerful West African empires, focusing on their trade networks, cultural achievements, and political structures. The activity uses a cluster web format to help students organize and visualize key concepts, making it an engaging way to deepen understanding of historical connections. Teachers can use this resource to support lessons on African history, world civilizations, or trade and cultural exchange.

tag(s): africa (170), cultures (206), politics (119), worksheets (71)

Looking for a fun and engaging way to teach young children about money? The Sesame Workshop Financial Education site brings financial literacy to life with the help of beloved Sesame Street characters! Through songs, stories, and hands-on activities, young students can begin building smart money habits--like saving, spending wisely, and sharing--all while having a great time. One highlight is a two-minute video featuring Cookie Monster and his mom learning about choices, sharing, and saving. Additional resources include Elmo's Spend, Share, and Save Jar, a guide to making a spending plan together, lessons on wants and needs with Bert and Ernie, and tips for talking to kids during tough financial times. There's also a family-friendly game called "Lemonade Stand," printable play money, and a helpful webinar titled Bright Financial Futures, which includes a certificate of completion. Many materials are also available in Spanish, making this a comprehensive and inclusive toolkit for building strong financial foundations.

tag(s): financial literacy (95), money (114), preK (282), spanish (111)

At Arteater, you can create hand-drawn GIFs from your artwork by following three steps. First, print a template. Then, select templates from different ability levels, from beginner to advanced. Draw in each frame within the template, then take a photo and upload your work. After your image processes, download it as an animated GIF.

tag(s): animation (66), images (265)

Complete this short assessment to analyze the strengths of relationships and connections within your school community. Using a 0-5 scale, you can rank the strength of relationships and interactions between students and teachers and the inclusive celebration of student achievements. The results share suggestions for an action plan of implementation to strengthen and support Black male students in classrooms and schools.

tag(s): african american (119), artificial intelligence (186), cross cultural understanding (176), multilingual (78), student-centered (8), Teacher Utilities (203)

Sesame Workshop's A Hurricane Comes to Sesame Street is a short, impactful video that helps young children process the emotional aftermath of natural disasters through the familiar lens of Big Bird and his friends. As Big Bird copes with the destruction of his nest, students learn about feelings like sadness, fear, and hope--and how community support can help rebuild both homes and hearts. The site also offers guided discussion questions to encourage emotional expression and understanding, making it a valuable tool for teachers addressing tough topics in a gentle, age-appropriate way.

tag(s): communities (39), hurricanes (33), preK (282)

Looking for a gentle, age-appropriate way to introduce emergency preparedness in your classroom? Sesame Workshop's Emergencies video is a quick 45-second clip that helps young children understand what to do during an emergency. But the learning doesn't stop there--the website also includes a variety of supportive resources such as a Wildfires Family Guide, Emergency Family Kit video, "Let's Pack an Emergency Kit" activity, tips for Rebuilding After a Hurricane, and guidance for Talking About an Unexpected Emergency. There's even a lesson on the importance of knowing your first and last name. Many of these resources are available in Spanish, making them accessible for a wider range of families and classrooms.

tag(s): communities (39), natural disasters (19), preK (282)

Meet the Emergency Helpers with Sesame Workshop! Sesame Workshop's Emergency Helpers offers a short video that teaches young students who helps in an emergency. Firefighters, doctors, teachers, and police officers are sung about in the video. Each of the emergency helpers' jobs is explained in the song. The video is available in Spanish.

tag(s): communities (39), preK (282)

With this AI-based generation tool, you can remix your traditional lesson plan to include culturally responsive teaching strategies and activities. Complete the form by adding the requested information, including grade, subject, learning objectives, students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and student assets. Completed responses include suggestions for resources, cultural awareness activities, inclusivity, and differentiated instruction. Use the options to request changes to adjust the output as needed, then download the response to your device or copy and paste it into a new document.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), cross cultural understanding (176), racism (81), Teacher Utilities (203), teaching strategies (52)

Providing meaningful feedback to students is key to helping them understand where they are in the learning process and providing guidance for the future. This AI-generation tool analyzes student work using your input on grade level, subject, title, and assignment description to provide specific feedback on the content. Feedback includes information on the student's ability to address the topic, how their writing supports the objectives, and specific ideas for enhancing and improving the content.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), assessment (146), feedback (13), writing (327)

This AI-powered tool generates social-emotional learning (SEL) plans for any topic and grade level. Begin by adding the grade level, then select the SEL competency to address from the five options: self-awareness, self-management, and others. In the final box, add the topic, standard, or objective to address and include additional details to consider when generating your lesson. After the lesson is generated, use the available options to request changes and modify the lesson to fit your needs. Download or save your lesson plan document using the options available at the Manage Content dropdown box.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), social and emotional learning (107), Teacher Utilities (203)

This engaging historical account traces the rise of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, from his humble beginnings in a fractured post-Ghanaian world to his triumphant leadership as Mansa of Mali. Born into a minor fiefdom after the collapse of the Ghana Empire, Sundiata overcame personal and political struggles--including exile, disability, and family betrayal--to unite warring factions against the tyrannical sorcerer-king Soumaoro Kante. Through strategic alliances and military prowess, he led a victorious rebellion in 1234, forming a powerful federation of twelve nations. Unlike its predecessor, Mali thrived under Sundiata's rule, benefiting from vast gold mines, controlled trade routes, and a strong military. His reign laid the foundation for one of West Africa's greatest empires, ensuring economic prosperity and political stability for generations to come.
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tag(s): africa (170)

This lesson plan, Dance: Sundiata--Mali's Lion King, integrates history and the arts to engage students in learning about the legendary West African ruler, Sundiata Keita. Designed for middle school students, the lesson explores the story of Sundiata through dance, movement, and storytelling, reflecting the rich oral traditions of the Mali Empire. Students analyze the themes, historical significance, and cultural impact while expressing their understanding through choreographed performances. The resource includes guided discussion questions, key vocabulary, and creative activities to deepen comprehension and make history come alive through the arts.

tag(s): africa (170), african american (119), dance (33)

Unlock the rich history of West Africa with this engaging instructional resource from the Virginia Department of Education. From the legendary rise of Sundiata Keita to the flourishing trade networks of the Mali Empire, this guide provides teachers with dynamic lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive activities to immerse students in African history. With a focus on storytelling, historical analysis, and cultural connections, this resource equips educators with the tools to make history come alive in the classroom. Plus, the included links offer even more ways to enrich student learning!

tag(s): africa (170), creative writing (125), journals (16)

This engaging video lesson helps students create a comic strip retelling the story of Sundiata while drawing connections to The Lion King. Students fold a blank sheet into eight squares (or use a provided template) and illustrate key moments from the story, incorporating twelve essential vocabulary terms. The lesson uses an adapted text from an African storyteller and highlights parallels between Sundiata and The Lion King, such as King Maghan representing Mufasa and Sundiata paralleling Simba. Accompanying resources, including a pre-made comic strip template and key terms, are available for teachers to support student engagement. If your district blocks YouTube, then this video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): africa (170), comics and cartoons (55), vocabulary (242)