Hello Bloggers,
There are times when I come to a lesson and think one of two things: 1) How can I make this lesson more relevant for this group of students or 2) I have taught this lesson roughly five gabillion (yes, that's number) times and I want to change it up a little before I go insane. In an attempt to remedy one, or both, of these dilemmas I often get on the web and open up Google. I always think I can scour the web for a quick addition to a lesson plan, but more often than not this consumes much more time than than originally allotted. This leads us to the focus for this week.
Teachers First is a teacher resource site that can eliminate the pain and agony of investing a great deal of time trying to figure out how to spice up a lesson. The resources found on this site are endless; from entire grade and subject-specific lesson plans to the "websites of the week" section, this is a website that should be on your favorites list. In fact, earlier today I was curious if this site had student-friendly games related to electricity (my current science unit). From the home page I just scrolled over "classroom" at the top. Next, I clicked on "by keyword." Then I typed in Electricity. Bingo! Several suggested sites popped up, each with their own description. Before long I found a site dedicated to electricity games. This is a link I can email my parents so
they can play the game together with their child at home.
Your assignment for this week is to check out the website and post about a tool, lesson plan or idea from the site you found useful or that you could possibly use in the future.
There are times when I come to a lesson and think one of two things: 1) How can I make this lesson more relevant for this group of students or 2) I have taught this lesson roughly five gabillion (yes, that's number) times and I want to change it up a little before I go insane. In an attempt to remedy one, or both, of these dilemmas I often get on the web and open up Google. I always think I can scour the web for a quick addition to a lesson plan, but more often than not this consumes much more time than than originally allotted. This leads us to the focus for this week.
Teachers First is a teacher resource site that can eliminate the pain and agony of investing a great deal of time trying to figure out how to spice up a lesson. The resources found on this site are endless; from entire grade and subject-specific lesson plans to the "websites of the week" section, this is a website that should be on your favorites list. In fact, earlier today I was curious if this site had student-friendly games related to electricity (my current science unit). From the home page I just scrolled over "classroom" at the top. Next, I clicked on "by keyword." Then I typed in Electricity. Bingo! Several suggested sites popped up, each with their own description. Before long I found a site dedicated to electricity games. This is a link I can email my parents so
Your assignment for this week is to check out the website and post about a tool, lesson plan or idea from the site you found useful or that you could possibly use in the future.
Tina McDaniel · 786 weeks ago
It is the "Reading Games".
http://www.teachersfirst.com/getsource.cfm?id=107...
The site has many interactive computer games that help students learn to read. It would be a great tool for computer lab where students could still learn/read at his or her own level. The site has includes prefix/suffix information as well as games for sight word recognition. There is even a choice to create a rap song and learn about rhyming.
I copied this site and added it to my favorites as the links for math, science (which is great for ideas for last minute science fair projects--and could have been sent earlier to my parents!)
I am pretty excited to have a resource that is useful, up to date, and relevant to the classroom for all grade levels.
Amy Cassady · 786 weeks ago
I also looked at some of the writing sites and found Explore.org (about half way down in the writing sites!) This site has wonderful pictures that I am planning on putting up on the document camera at the start of my writer's workshop and having the kids write about what they see as an "entry task" or warm up. Very cool site!!!
Molly Klemkow · 786 weeks ago
Kimberly Fitzpatrick · 786 weeks ago
denise strom · 786 weeks ago
Samantha · 786 weeks ago
Now on topic, there is a lot of information on Teachfirst.com and also teachersfirst.com so make sure you go to the right place. I loved the Barnaby Australian story for 1st graders and Mama Lisa's songs. There were some other sites but they cost money and I am cheap. Good hunting friends!
Ruth Cerna · 786 weeks ago
debbieo · 785 weeks ago
mark lange · 785 weeks ago
http://www.teachersfirst.com/getsource.cfm?id=108...
Evelyn · 785 weeks ago
dmitchell · 785 weeks ago
It had math, reading and even grammar games. It was nice to see several games at one website. It makes navigating with 23 first graders much easier. I can't wait to have my kiddos practice math facts!
Callie G · 785 weeks ago
Or maybe I'm just grumpy because I have to do 22 report cards today. :)
Callie G · 785 weeks ago
Callie G · 785 weeks ago
Melissa M · 785 weeks ago
Mona Best · 785 weeks ago
I used the keyword search regarding activities for 'Grammar' and found so many fun games for children of all ages. I know someday with SMART boards these games could probably be projected on a screen and the students could participate as a group since I only have 1 computer in my speech therapy room.
I'm also running into an issue today where I am given a certain amount of time to search the site and then Outlook 'times out' and I have to enter my password/username and start all over again.
But, to end on a good note, loved this new website!
Rosemary L · 785 weeks ago
cheryl reilly · 785 weeks ago
Wendy Ward · 785 weeks ago
Teresa Eccles · 785 weeks ago
but finding it was not any easier than a well directed google search.
I actually found myself spending a lot of time surfing through various links and sites, I am easily distracted. I would like to investigate whether or not the tool at www.prezi.com might be helpful with my students or perhaps when doing teacher presentations.
Kim Schmitz · 785 weeks ago
Renae Hanson · 785 weeks ago
P.S. I think Denise AND Ruth are funny.
Beth Belmondo · 785 weeks ago
I searched under the holiday lesson/activity ideas because I had ST. Patrick's Day on my mind. I loved how they listed the relevant grade levels near the titles and had a little blurb about what type of link it was (art projects, printable worksheets, games etc.) so it saved me a lot of time clicking through multiple links. I was satisfied with the first link I clicked, and there was a lot of good information (some with pictures!) that I can use on Wednesday.
Thanks for the new resource!
Jessica Cooper · 785 weeks ago
Corrie Blechschmidt · 785 weeks ago