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OK2Ask: Tech-Powered Vocabulary: Engaging Strategies for Long-Term Retention - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Effective vocabulary instruction is essential for academic success, but many students struggle to move terminology from short-term exposure to long-term retention. This workshop combines Marzano's research-based vocabulary strategies with engaging digital tools to create learning experiences that deepen understanding and application. You'll explore free, web-based resources that support concept development, visual representation, and self-assessment. Whether you're tech-savvy or still developing your skills, you'll leave with practical, classroom-ready activities to strengthen vocabulary instruction and boost student achievement. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Apply Marzano's six-step vocabulary acquisition model and use appropriate digital tools to move terminology from short-term to long-term memory. 2. Use free web-based tools to design interactive vocabulary activities that promote student collaboration and engagement. 3. Implement tech-enhanced formative assessments that provide immediate feedback on vocabulary comprehension. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (395), reading strategies (98), vocabulary (242), vocabulary development (97)
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. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.OK2Ask: AI for Educator Excellence: Reclaiming Time and Enhancing Instruction - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can streamline your teaching workflow and enhance instructional design. During this hands-on workshop, you'll learn practical strategies for using AI to automate time-consuming tasks like assessment creation and feedback generation while maintaining pedagogical control. Discover how to leverage AI as a thought partner for lesson planning, differentiation, and creating materials that engage diverse learners. Leave with ready-to-implement techniques for using AI to reclaim your time for what truly matters--building meaningful connections with students. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Implement AI-powered strategies to streamline administrative tasks, provide timely feedback, and create differentiated learning materials. 2. Evaluate and select appropriate AI tools based on instructional needs, ethical considerations, and pedagogical best practices. 3. Design AI-enhanced learning experiences that prioritize student agency and critical thinking while addressing diverse learning needs. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (189), professional development (395)
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. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Race Relations in the 1930s and 1940s - Library of Congress
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): african american (123), black history (138), civil rights (221), segregation (20)
In the Classroom
Have students select a photograph or document from the collection and complete a primary source analysis worksheet, focusing on context, audience, message, and historical significance. Using the primary sources, have students design a 1930s or 1940s-style newspaper front page reporting using templates on Canva Edu, reviewed here on an event or issue related to race relations, incorporating headlines, images, and articles. Ask students to write a fictional first-person account (as a soldier, worker, or community member) based on evidence from the sources, giving voice to underrepresented perspectives of the time.Eyes on the Prize - PBS Learning Media
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): african american (123), black history (138), civil rights (221), segregation (20)
In the Classroom
Assign students civil rights leaders or everyday individuals featured in the documentary. Students will research their background, contributions, and challenges, then present their findings as first-person narratives or digital posters using DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here. Use transcripts or footage from the series to practice analyzing primary sources. Students can identify the point of view, tone, historical context, and intended audience. Students can compare a civil rights issue covered in the series (e.g., voting rights, school integration) with a modern-day counterpart. They should analyze similarities, differences, and ongoing challenges, and share their findings in a short essay or presentation using Visme, reviewed here.AFT Human Rights Resources: The Legacy of Nelson Mandela - AFT Human Rights Resources
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): Nelson Mandela (10)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to compare and contrast Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. Students can use Padlet, reviewed here to post whether they believe Nelson Mandela is a hero and why. Finally, students can use TagCrowd, reviewed here to create a word cloud to define leadership.Teaching Nelson Mandela: Learning Experiences and Lessons to Support Grades 7-12 Classrooms - Canadian Museum for Human Rights: Brock University
Grades
7 to 12tag(s): Nelson Mandela (10), south africa (15)
In the Classroom
Students can use Padlet, reviewed here to share one fact that they learned about Nelson Mandela. Students can use the Time Graphics Timeline Tool, reviewed here to create a timeline of events for apartheid. Finally, students can create a word cloud using WordClouds, reviewed here to share a word associated with Nelson Mandela.Nelson Mandela Fast Facts - CNN
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): black history (138), Nelson Mandela (10), south africa (15)
In the Classroom
Students can use Kidrex, reviewed here to research more about the events mentioned in the timeline. Students can use Figma, reviewed here to compare and contrast Nelson Mandela to another historical figure. Finally, students can use Google My Maps, reviewed here to visit South Africa.Virtual Museum Tour - Museum of the American Revolution
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): american revolution (86), virtual field trips (132)
In the Classroom
Create a scavenger hunt where students search the virtual museum for key artifacts, symbols (like the Liberty Tree), or quotes. Students can work in pairs to answer guiding questions tied to historical themes. After exploring a section of the museum, have students write journal entries from the point of view of a historical figure they encountered, such as a soldier, a Loyalist, a woman in wartime, or an enslaved person seeking freedom. Students can design their own mini "virtual exhibit" using images, text, and narration to showcase what they believe are the most important parts of the American Revolution, inspired by the museum's layout. This can be done using tools like Google Slides reviewed here or Canva Edu reviewed here.Revolutionary Choices - The American Revolution Institute
Grades
5 to 10tag(s): american revolution (86), game based learning (208), simulations (26)
In the Classroom
Begin by having students play through a short session of Revolutionary Choices. Then lead a class discussion using questions like: "What choice was the hardest to make?", " Why?", or "What surprised you about the consequences?" Have students design their own Revolutionary Choices scenario based on a lesser-known event or dilemma from the Revolutionary War. They must create a decision, 2-3 options, and realistic outcomes grounded in historical research. Assign students roles such as George Washington, a Patriot soldier, a Loyalist, or a member of the Continental Congress, and have them research and present how their historical figure would have responded to the types of decisions faced in the game.Science of Reading - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): blogs (73), fluency (30), reading comprehension (152), reading strategies (98), science of reading (36), vocabulary (242), vocabulary development (97)
In the Classroom
View this collection of blog posts to learn more about the Science of Reading. Many of the blog posts offer ideas for classroom use. Share this post with colleagues who may be learning more about the Science of reading.Let's Talk About: Oral Language Development - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): african american (123), blogs (73), digital literacy (18), digital storytelling (156), fluency (30), folktales (36), literacy (122), podcasts (118)
In the Classroom
Use author events (e.g., Jason Reynolds or Stephen Curry on Flip) to spark a conversation about personal strengths. Students can then record a short video using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here story about a time they used their "superpower". After reading memoirs like Brown Girl Dreaming or Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom, students can research a personal or social issue and record a podcast using Acast reviewed here. Host a classroom or school-wide poetry slam where students perform original or selected poems by African American authors. Focus on expression, pacing, and audience awareness to develop public speaking confidence and cultural appreciation.Let's Talk About: 4 Activities for Oral Language Practice - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): blogs (73), digital storytelling (156), multilingual (78), vocabulary development (97)
In the Classroom
Bring the ideas from the blog post into your lessons! Have students work in groups to co-create a story using the audio or video feature on Padlet reviewed here. They'll practice expressive reading, descriptive language, and narrative development. Students can research a historical figure, write a first-person monologue, and record it using Vocaroo reviewed here. Students can take on the role of a book, historical, or fictional character and are interviewed by a peer or teacher. They can prepare responses based on their character's background, motivations, and experiences, then can perform the interview live or record it using Anchor reviewed here.Why All Secondary Teachers Need to Add Science of Reading to Their Lessons - TeachersFirst
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): blogs (73), fluency (30), reading comprehension (152), science of reading (36)
In the Classroom
Read this post and then put the ideas into action! Have students take turns reading a short passage (related to your content area) aloud for one minute. Pair them with a peer to time, track errors, and provide supportive feedback. Rotate passages weekly to build confidence, fluency, and content knowledge. After fluency practice, have students reflect in journals about what they read--summarizing key points, identifying challenging words, and noting how fluency affected their understanding. Consider writing the journals digitally using a resource like Book Creator reviewed here or Google Slides reviewed here. Ask students to record themselves reading passages from your subject (e.g., a science explanation, a history speech, or a math word problem) using tools like Vocaroo reviewed here. Have them submit recordings monthly to show progress. Include self-assessment rubrics to promote ownership of growth.Camp Fire Simulation - National Geographic
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): climate (86), climate change (101), fire (23), fire prevention (17), fire safety (17), simulations (26)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to design a wildfire prevention campaign based on what they learn in the simulation. They can create posters, videos, or social media posts educating the public on fire safety, preparedness, and mitigation strategies. An option would be to use Canva Edu, reviewed here. Assign students the role of wildfire incident commanders. Using the simulation, they can develop a fire containment plan, justifying their choices. After running the simulation, students can research how climate change affects wildfire frequency and intensity, create infographics or presentations using Canva Infographic Creator reviewed here or Google Slides reviewed here linking simulation data with real-world wildfire trends.Freedman's Bureau and Education: Teaching With Primary Resources - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): african american (123), civil war (142), primary sources (119), slavery (80)
In the Classroom
Provide students with letters, reports, or newspaper articles from the Freedmen's Bureau about education efforts. Have them work in groups to analyze the documents and answer questions such as: What challenges did freed people face in accessing education?, How did the Freedmen's Bureau support education?, and What biases or perspectives are present in the sources?. Students can investigate the history of African American education in their community or state. Have students present their findings in a timeline using Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here or Timeline reviewed here and include if there were Freedman's Bureau schools in their area, and what historical events impacted education access. Have students research and compare education barriers during Reconstruction with modern challenges, including segregation or a lack of resources in underserved schools, and present the information in an infographic using Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here.Native Americans' Contributions to American Culture - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): native americans (116)
In the Classroom
Explore this collection featuring the fascinating impact of Native Americans. Look at each resource's "Classroom Use" section for creative ideas on weaving these materials into your lessons.Hispanic Americans' Contributions to American Culture - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): hispanic (46)
In the Classroom
Help your students learn more about the countless contributions of Hispanic Americans. This list includes resources for all grades. Read each resource's Classroom Use section to learn ways to incorporate the information in your lessonsUnveiling Hidden Stars: remarkable Latino contributions in the history of the United States - UnidosUS
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): hispanic (46)
In the Classroom
Create cards with the names of lesser-known Latino figures on one set and their contributions on another. Students can work in pairs or small groups to match them correctly. As a class or in small groups, have students build a visual timeline featuring the historical events and figures mentioned in the article. Use Sutori, reviewed here or Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here and include images, dates, and impact statements. Students can review their current history textbook's index or chapters to see how (or if) Latino contributions are represented. They can compare it to information from the UnidosUS article.American Experience: Native Americans - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): civil war (142), native americans (116)
In the Classroom
After exploring topics like the Trail of Tears or Native American boarding schools, have students create a timeline using Timeline, reviewed here or Timelinely, reviewed here that includes both historical events and modern Indigenous rights movements or cultural revivals. After viewing a clip on government-run boarding schools, students can write a fictionalized journal entry from the perspective of an Indigenous child attending one of these schools, using historical details to guide their writing. Using inspiration from the We Shall Remain series, instruct students to create a digital collage using PhotoCollage, reviewed here or short video using Animoto reviewed here.Influential Hispanic Americans - Biography.com
Grades
4 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): famous people (28), hispanic (46)