Ideas and Resources for Substitutes from TeachersFirst
This collection of ideas and reviewed resources is selected to help both substitute teachers and regular teachers leaving instructions for a substitute. The list includes useful time-fillers for when plans are not a perfect fit as well as teacher-friendly suggestions to make subbing a positive learning experience for all. Be sure to check "In the classroom" suggestions for practical tips and ways to use these offerings.
80 Results | sort by:
Vmaker - Animaker
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Vmaker is an all-in-one screen recorder, video recorder, webcam recorder, and video editor. Use Vmaker to create, edit and schedule recordings without time limits or watermarks. Create...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Vmaker is an all-in-one screen recorder, video recorder, webcam recorder, and video editor. Use Vmaker to create, edit and schedule recordings without time limits or watermarks. Create a free account to record unlimited videos for free. Download Vmaker to your computer or install it as a browser extension following the directions upon signup. Once the extension or download is complete, access the included features to choose settings and begin recording. When finished, your video is available to edit or share. When ready to share, download the video to your device, copy the link for your video, or share by email.
tag(s): Online Learning (33), remote learning (53), tutorials (47), video (243)
In the Classroom
Use this handy screen recording tool in a variety of ways in your classroom. Record tutorials for students to demonstrate how to access and use online sites; create recordings for substitutes to explain how to find and use the software on your computer, or make a how-to demo to find information on your class website to share with students and parents. Help students understand how to use the different features of documents, such as creating a tutorial showing students how to format cells in Excel, adding comments to a Google document, or finding and inserting images in slides. Share this tool with students to use when analyzing websites as part of your ongoing digital safety lessons. Ask them to include a video as part of a larger multimedia presentation. After exporting their video, ask students to include it within a presentation created using Sway, reviewed here, or Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Involve.me - Involve.me
Grades
5 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Involve.me is a platform for creating and sharing personalized, digital interactive content. Quickly build quizzes, surveys, and online forms with the included templates. Create and...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Involve.me is a platform for creating and sharing personalized, digital interactive content. Quickly build quizzes, surveys, and online forms with the included templates. Create and activate your account to begin using Involve.me. Add images, files, links, and other features to your project. When finished, publish and share by using the project URL provided.
tag(s): assessment (122), calculators (38), polls and surveys (44), quiz (62), quizzes (82)
In the Classroom
Use Involve.me templates and designs in a variety of ways in any classroom. Create short, interactive quizzes for students and receive feedback immediately through an email or within your Involve.me account. For example, modify the Literature Pop Quiz template for any novel or substitute questions about your latest science experiment to assess student understanding. Use the How Well Do You Know History? template to ask questions about important events during your social studies unit. Have students incorporate the survey templates to use as an interactive portion of classroom presentations. Include the inflation calculator during an economics lesson to help students understand the effects of inflation. As students create multimedia projects using resources such as Sway, reviewed here, or Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here, ask them to include a link to a quiz or survey created using Involve.me.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
RecordCast Screen Recorder - PearlMountain Ltd
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
RecordCast Screen Record is a free, easy to use screen recorder that doesn't require registration or downloads. RecordCast is more than a screen recorder; it also includes editing tools...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
RecordCast Screen Record is a free, easy to use screen recorder that doesn't require registration or downloads. RecordCast is more than a screen recorder; it also includes editing tools to add text, music, and transitions after downloading your recording. Use RecordCast's options to record your entire screen or just a tab or application. When finished, save to download to your device. Although registration isn't required, it allows you to save recordings and export completed videos in different formats for easier sharing.
In the Classroom
Use this handy screen recording tool in a variety of ways in your classroom. Record tutorials for students to demonstrate how to access and use online sites, create recordings for substitutes to explain how to find and use the software on your computer, or make a how-to demo on where to find information on your class website to share with students and parents. Help students understand how to use the different features of documents, such as creating a tutorial showing students how to format cells in Excel, add comments to a Google document, or find and insert images in slides. Share this site with students to use when analyzing websites as part of your ongoing digital safety lessons. Ask them to include a video as part of a larger multimedia presentation. After exporting their video, ask students to include it within a presentation created using Sway, reviewed here, or Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Kwanzaa - Sandbox and Co.
Grades
K to 1
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Enjoy the many ideas and activities for learning about and celebrating Kwanzaa at this site. Learn the terms used about this holiday through an interactive quiz, make a pasta necklace...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Enjoy the many ideas and activities for learning about and celebrating Kwanzaa at this site. Learn the terms used about this holiday through an interactive quiz, make a pasta necklace or chain, and see 10 decorations to put you in the mood for Kwanzaa.
tag(s): cross cultural understanding (151), holidays (125), kwanzaa (13)
In the Classroom
Introduce your students to Kwanzaa by taking the quiz to see how much they know about Kwanzaa. Then in pairs or small groups, have students research the terms. As students research, substitute paper and pen journals by asking younger students to create a blog using a tool like Penzu, reviewed here, to share what they are learning with fellow students. A great blogging tool for older students is Telegra.ph, reviewed here. With Telegra.ph have students click on an icon to upload related images, add YouTube or Vimeo, or Twitter links. Engage older students, by having them create a poster about Kwanzaa using a tool like DesignCap, reviewed here, and then upload the poster to their blog about the terms and what they've learned about this December holiday.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Thematic - Thematic, Inc.
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Find free music for YouTube video backgrounds with Thematic. Thematic offers a large variety of content shared by original artists for free use on YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Find free music for YouTube video backgrounds with Thematic. Thematic offers a large variety of content shared by original artists for free use on YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms. Browse the site to find or filter by genre, mood, tempo, and more. Save and organize selected music for your projects or download to your computer as an mp3 file. Copy the included information to credit the file's author within your presentation. Use your Google account to register as a content creator and connect your YouTube and other social media accounts.
tag(s): copyright (43), multimedia (41), sounds (44)
In the Classroom
As you introduce this site to students, it is the perfect opportunity to remind students of the importance of providing proper credit when sharing media online. Share a link to Thematic on your class website for students to use when creating video presentations (with proper credit, of course). Ask students to create a slideshow using Renderforest, reviewed here, or other presentation software as a substitute for a written book report or research paper. For example, as students learn about states of matter ask them to find images on a sharing site like UnSplash, reviewed here, demonstrating the different properties and transformation of matter. Have students add text information to their slides and upload their slide presentation to YouTube as a video including background music found on Thematic. Be sure to have students include a slide with credits for all images and music included in their video. On a professional level, use this site to find background music when sharing images from your classroom with parents.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
The Adventures of Kara, Winston and the SMART Crew - Childnet International
Grades
2 to 6
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Here you will find 5 e-safety SMART cartoons for ages 7 to 11. These videos are all about being SMART online. Click on Teachers & professionals and slide to resources ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Here you will find 5 e-safety SMART cartoons for ages 7 to 11. These videos are all about being SMART online. Click on Teachers & professionals and slide to resources to search by age or topic for other activities. The suggested recommendation from the creators is to implement activities throughout several weeks; however, it is possible to complete as a one-time activity.
tag(s): character education (74), digital citizenship (82), internet safety (112)
In the Classroom
Any teacher will benefit from the free materials and activities on this site to teach online safety to students either directly through these materials, or as additional resources to your current online safety materials. As a substitute for links on paper or in a word processing tool, use a bookmarking tool like Symbaloo, reviewed here, to share online resources with students on classroom computers and your class website. Enhance student understanding by challenging students to create digital books teaching online safety using Book Creator, reviewed here. Book Creator includes tools for adding videos, images, and more into books.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Expii Solve - Expii, Inc.
Grades
8 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Solve interactive math and science puzzles based on current events with Expii Solve. Choose from over 70 sets of questions with topics including the Super Bowl, Star Wars, holidays,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Solve interactive math and science puzzles based on current events with Expii Solve. Choose from over 70 sets of questions with topics including the Super Bowl, Star Wars, holidays, and more. Each topic includes a set of five problems with each question increasing in difficulty. If you need help, use links to tutorials at the bottom of each question. Registration isn't required; however, registering allows you to track progress in completing puzzles.
tag(s): cultures (106), holidays (125), logic (163), problem solving (217)
In the Classroom
Be sure to save these puzzles for use throughout the school year. Use these problems as a substitute for your typical homework assignments. Include questions as part of math or science centers. Replace pencil and paper journals or notebooks by having students blog about their learning and understanding using Tumblr, reviewed here. Ask groups of students to work on topics together then share their results with the class. To enhance student learning and understanding, consider instituting a recurring podcast for students to share problems and discuss problem-solving strategies. Use a site such as podOmatic, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Is That a Big Number? - Andrew Elliott
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
As you might guess from the title, this site is all about numbers. Their goals are to promote numeracy, develop number sense, and have fun along the way. Use the ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
As you might guess from the title, this site is all about numbers. Their goals are to promote numeracy, develop number sense, and have fun along the way. Use the search bar to ask about any number; the results provide context and relationships to your query. Results might include comparisons to items that are bigger or smaller and equivalent items. Choose other links to learn number facts about countries, ratios, or take a number quiz.
tag(s): measurement (129), number sense (70), numbers (120), ratios (52)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site to use for reference throughout the year. Use it as a 5-10 minute fill-in when you have a little bit of extra time. Get your interactive whiteboard or projector ready and challenge students to provide numbers to use as a comparison or take the numbers quiz together to learn more about numbers. As a substitute to paper and pencil, have students create explainer videos using Binumi, reviewed here, to demonstrate the power and size of large numbers. To extend student learning and understanding, challenge students to create a web page using Carrd, reviewed here, to share information learned after researching numbers and statistics found on this site and others.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
eStory - A Timeline Creator - Jean-Benoit Malzac
Grades
6 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
eStory is a timeline creation tool offering features for including images and links to media. Register for an account using email, Facebook, or Google account. Follow the prompts to...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
eStory is a timeline creation tool offering features for including images and links to media. Register for an account using email, Facebook, or Google account. Follow the prompts to add each event including dates, descriptions, and images. After adding your desired information, save and submit to create your timeline. Once submitted, wait for your timeline to be approved for publication. Share your timeline with the URL provided or use the embed code to embed into your class website or blog.
tag(s): timelines (45)
In the Classroom
Before using eStory browse through the site to find examples to share with students. Use eStory to create timelines to order events in stories, visualize and compare historic events or outline steps in a science experiment. Ask students to create a timeline as a substitute for a handwritten research paper. Include student timelines in multimedia projects that include video, images, and maps. Find ideas for multimedia presentation tools and redefining student learning at TeachersFirst Edge tools reviewed here. Some tool suggestions are (click on the tool name to access the review): Visme, Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, Kizoa, and simpleshow video maker.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
For the Teachers - For the Teachers
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
For the Teachers contains an incredible number of lesson ideas, differentiation tips, instructional strategies, and much more for all teachers. Search for specific content using the...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
For the Teachers contains an incredible number of lesson ideas, differentiation tips, instructional strategies, and much more for all teachers. Search for specific content using the keyword search or scroll down the home page to find some of the site's most popular content. There is a great deal of useful content on the site to explore, of note is the Reading Skills for Big Kids and Differentiation links. The Reading Skills for Big Kids includes skill-based lesson plans for use with the many included leveled articles. The Differentiation portion of the site provides specific ideas and tools to differentiate content, assessment, and lesson activities and materials.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): characterization (16), charts and graphs (165), constitution (85), differentiation (69), graphic organizers (44), inferencing (5), mean (20), measurement (129), median (16), mode (13), multiplication (123), patterns (62), place value (36), plot (7), reading comprehension (126), rubrics (30), sequencing (17)
In the Classroom
Be sure to bookmark this site to save as a favorite to find lesson ideas and activities throughout the school year. When planning for a substitute, look through the site to find useful ideas for lessons and planning organizers. There is so much material here to use, consider exploring the site with peers using techniques similar to a book study. Divide the site into sections to discuss at different times of your study. Organize your favorite materials from this site and your other resources using Padlet, reviewed here. Share your Padlet with peers to collaborate and create a useful time for organizing and sharing your favorite teaching materials. Supplement information included on report cards by using a site like Seesaw, reviewed here, to create portfolios for your students to demonstrate progress in reading, math, and other content areas. Include student-created projects based on activities found on For the Teachers.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Semantris - Google
Grades
4 to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Semantris is an engaging pair of word association games offered as a Google experiment in predicting the use of words by players. Arcade is a quick-thinking game; write a word ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Semantris is an engaging pair of word association games offered as a Google experiment in predicting the use of words by players. Arcade is a quick-thinking game; write a word associated with the shared selection to drop words to the bottom of a list as quickly as possible. Block is a slower paced game; try to provide a short phrase to describe one of the words in the blocks to drop the blocks and prevent them from reaching the top of the page.
tag(s): game based learning (158), logic (163), puzzles (143), vocabulary (229), vocabulary development (85), word study (52)
In the Classroom
Share Semantris with students on classroom computers or devices for use as a quick word association and vocabulary building activity. Challenge students to become more proficient in "beating" Google by earning as many points as possible. For younger students, this site is an excellent way to build vocabulary skills. Have older students take this site a step further and research how machine learning works through this Google activity. Enhance learning by asking them to substitute a traditional report or presentation by making a video explanation tool like Binumi, reviewed here, to describe the concept of machine learning. After spending some time practicing this game, take it a step further and extend student learning by having students create their own vocabulary learning game using a tool such as Scratch, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Ruff Ruffman - Humble Media Genius - PBS Kids
Grades
1 to 6
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Ruff Ruffman is a comical canine who sets out to teach kids (ages 6-11) about being a responsible digital citizen. Short animated video clips answer questions about posting photos,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Ruff Ruffman is a comical canine who sets out to teach kids (ages 6-11) about being a responsible digital citizen. Short animated video clips answer questions about posting photos, texting, and searching, reminding kids to ask an adult for help with the more difficult undertakings like finding a kid-friendly search engine. This program also has discussion questions for parents and teachers and interactive quizzes. Creating an account isn't required to use any material on the site. To create an account, you will need a username and a random password will be assigned, which can you can change later.
tag(s): digital citizenship (82), internet safety (112)
In the Classroom
Introduce Ruff Ruffman with a projector or interactive whiteboard, showing students all of the different questions Ruff will answer. Then either view the video shorts and quizzes as a class, or allow students to view the video shorts and take the interactive quizzes at a computer center. As a substitute for paper and pencil, have students use a video response tool like Flip, reviewed here, to reflect on their learning and share tips for their peers. To extend student learning, require students to view their peer's reflections and make thoughtful comments.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Stay Safe Online - Stay Safe Online - NCSA
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Stay Safe Online offers resources to help keep yourself, others, and your computer safe online. Visit the Resources page to find infographics, videos, logos and graphics and more. Click...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Stay Safe Online offers resources to help keep yourself, others, and your computer safe online. Visit the Resources page to find infographics, videos, logos and graphics and more. Click Stop.Think.Connect in the upper left corner of the menu to take you to page with tips and advice and even more resources. The tips and advice include Safety Tips for Mobile Devices (in many languages), doing a Digitial Spring Cleaning (with a checklist), What LGBTQ Communities Should Know About Online Safety, and many other practical tips about taxes, shopping online, Cyber Trip Adviser, etc. Before doing a task online, double check with Stay Safe Online and fight off the dark side of the web by using good cyber habits!
tag(s): digital citizenship (82), internet safety (112)
In the Classroom
Introduce this site or the accompanying pages of Stop.Think.Connect to show students how to navigate the resources. Then, allow pairs or small groups to choose from the tips and advice for further study and exploration. As a substitute for handwritten notes, have students document their learning and understanding by taking notes online with SuperNotecard, reviewed here. SuperNotecard can then be turned into a storyboard and used to create a multimedia digital story for students' siblings, parents, and peers. Show your students how to embed media modifying their work into a true digital story with one of these tools (click on the tool name to access the review): PicLits, Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, Kizoa, and simpleshow video maker.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Ryeboard - Ryestory
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Ryeboard is a virtual whiteboard for desktop computers. This tool currently includes options for adding images, text, and drawings using the widgets on the menu. Choose any option and...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Ryeboard is a virtual whiteboard for desktop computers. This tool currently includes options for adding images, text, and drawings using the widgets on the menu. Choose any option and drag it onto the whiteboard surface. Follow the prompts to add information. Grab the corner on your entries to resize or move around to a different spot on the whiteboard space. Ryeboard also includes a basic photo editor to rotate and crop images. Whiteboards automatically save to your account, turn on the sharing option to copy the URL and share with others.
tag(s): iwb (32), organizational skills (92)
In the Classroom
Ryeboard is perfect for those times that you need to organize information and ideas in one place, but you don't need a lot of fancy options. Use this tool to save and organize images for use with class digital projects. Create a whiteboard with an image of each student in your class, add a text box with notes then share with a substitute to have a quick overview of the class. Ryboard is easy enough to use with younger students and ESL/ELL students. For technology integration at the substitution level, create a board with images and have students use the text box to label the images and add additional information. For example, when studying animals upload several images of animals and have students add a text box naming the animal and sharing information about their habitat or adding a label to classify as birds, mammals, reptiles, etc. Augment the this by having older students create a whiteboard for a group project, and share the URL with their partner or group members. Those students can then take a screenshot of the whiteboard using Screencast-o-matic, to insert their comments and ideas, and post the screenshot on their own Ryeboard.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Substitutes - Ideas and Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Peruse this collection of ideas and reviewed resources selected to help both substitute teachers and regular teachers leaving instructions for a substitute. The list includes useful...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Peruse this collection of ideas and reviewed resources selected to help both substitute teachers and regular teachers leaving instructions for a substitute. The list includes useful time-fillers for when plans are not a perfect fit as well as teacher-friendly suggestions to make subbing a positive learning experience for all.
tag(s): substitutes (16)
In the Classroom
Whether you are a substitute looking for some "filler" ideas or a classroom teacher looking for new sites, check out this list of resources. Share this list on your class website for families to use at home. This list includes resources for young readers and secondary students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Whooo's Reading - Whooo's Reading
Grades
K to 8
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Whooo's Reading is an alternative to traditional reading programs by offering short response options to book quizzes instead of multiple choice answers. After reading, students answer...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Whooo's Reading is an alternative to traditional reading programs by offering short response options to book quizzes instead of multiple choice answers. After reading, students answer three quick higher-level questions, that are automatically scored, and earn coins for correct responses to spend on personalized "owlvatars." Teachers receive scores in real-time and have the option to provide feedback through conversations with students within the program. In addition to quizzes, Whooo's Reading also offers standards aligned journal activities for use in between quizzes and book recommendations upon completing quizzes.
tag(s): classroom management (136), independent reading (106), reading comprehension (126)
In the Classroom
Although recommended for students in grades K-8, teachers of younger students should review questions and consider writing ability levels before including them in the program due to the written responses required. Consider using Whooo's Reading as an alternative to Accelerated Reader due to the use of short response answers instead of multiple choice questions. After reading books, substitute paper and pen journals by asking younger students to create a blog using a tool like Penzu, reviewed here, to share a book review with fellow students. Engage older students, or literature circle groups, by having them create a poster for the book using a tool like DesignCap, reviewed here, and then upload the poster to their blog about the book. A great blogging tool for older students is Telegra.ph, reviewed here. With Telegra.ph have students click on an icon to upload related images, add a YouTube or Vimeo, or Twitter links. This blog creator requires no registration. For all age students, enhance learning by creating a class book review site using Flip, reviewed here, where students create short video book reviews and can comment on each others reviews.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Free Online Screen Recorder - AceThinker
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
1 Comments
Capture your entire screen, or just a part of it with this easy to use screen recorder that includes audio. Download and install the launcher required for your operating system ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Capture your entire screen, or just a part of it with this easy to use screen recorder that includes audio. Download and install the launcher required for your operating system then follow prompts to set up your recording. Save in several popular video formats or directly upload your recording to YouTube, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
tag(s): communication (135), tutorials (47), video (243)
In the Classroom
Any subject area teacher can use this tool to record instructions for using websites. Share how to solve problems, step by step directions for any project, and much more. Leave a video message for a substitute teacher or even your class! Create a video message for parents about current projects, clips from field trips, and more. Put a link to your recording on your class website for students to view at home. Demonstrate how to use this tool for students with a projector or interactive whiteboard, then have them record questions they have when using websites or online programs.Comments
waoh. I love this.Babalola, IN, Grades: 7 - 12
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
A Year of Picture Prompts - New York Times
Grades
5 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Do you need some ideas for writing projects? The New York Times offers an archive of 160 images published during the 2016-2017 school year as inspiration for writing across many ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Do you need some ideas for writing projects? The New York Times offers an archive of 160 images published during the 2016-2017 school year as inspiration for writing across many genres. Scroll through the site to find categories for images based on the form of writing encouraged for students. Also, a lesson idea bank inspires using pictures and writing in the classroom.
tag(s): creative writing (118), descriptive writing (37), journals (15), writing prompts (57)
In the Classroom
Save this website to your favorites or link from your class web page. These inspirational ideas are perfect for journals, quick writes, or to develop into a full story or essay. There are plenty of unusual ideas to give even your most reluctant writer or artist an inspirational nudge. ESL/ELL students can be motivated easily with picture prompts. Share these prompts with your gifted students for some "out of the box" writing ideas. Keep these creative ideas in your "emergency" lesson plan folder for substitutes, or for your own spontaneous writing needs. Extend student learning and challenge them to share writing aloud in a podcast format using a site such as Buzzsprout, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
simpleshow video maker - simpleshow
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
simpleshow video maker creates dynamic and professional-looking video explanations easily (and for free!). View examples for an overview of the different available templates. Create...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
simpleshow video maker creates dynamic and professional-looking video explanations easily (and for free!). View examples for an overview of the different available templates. Create an account using your email to make your own videos. Start by writing a script or uploading a PowerPoint. Follow simpleshow's step-by-step directions for using templates and adding images and text to create a video. Record your own soundtrack, or choose from provided voice-overs. Simpleshow works on any device with a web browser. simpleshow recommends uploading published videos to your YouTube account for the easiest sharing. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): animation (64), digital storytelling (133), movies (55), multimedia (41), slides (41), video (243)
In the Classroom
Challenge older students to create their own simpleshow. Have students use this tool to share their ideas or to "prototype" an idea. Students can modify their learning and create videos to show math processes, explanations of complex concepts, review new learning, teach others, explain scientific processes, tell stories, or present research. The possibilities are endless, and students will come up with hundreds of more uses. Use simpleshow presentations in blended learning or flipped classrooms. Use simpleshow to create teacher-authored animations for students in ANY grade. This tool is an excellent way to present new information or ideas for discussion. It is an easy way to share information with the class when a substitute is in your classroom. Embed your simpleshow creations on your website or blog for students to review at home. Use a Simpleshow video on the first day of school to explain class rules or to give an exciting introduction to the year ahead. Use Simpleshow to create presentations for back to school night or conference nights to display on your interactive whiteboard or projector.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
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
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
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 (136), DAT device agnostic tool (136), polls and surveys (44), Teacher Utilities (127)
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
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form