TeachersFirst: Examples of Ways to Differentiate

Examples of Ways to Differentiate:

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Lessons for All Grade K to 6 - TeachersFirst- 9522

This collection of lesson plans features multi-sensory approaches to help all learners, including special needs students who benefit from multiple experiences with concepts. All plans focus on consistency, repetitiveness, tactile and visual reinforcement—great for children with special needs. The original lesson plans were written by award-winning teacher Nora Coyle of Colorado, a KOAA-TV "Teachers First" Award winner.

Lesson content includes letter-sound relationships, parts of speech, paragraph writing, sequencing, earth science, animals, egg-laying animals, volcanoes, addition, and more. The staff of TeachersFirst has incorporated technology options, tips, and templates appropriate for younger students into the lesson plans to add yet another way for your students to experience and interact with new concepts.

Many of these ideas and templates can be adapted for use with almost any subjects and concepts, to differentiate for different learning styles. All lessons include national standards. Experienced and new teachers alike will find these examples helpful in designing multi-sensory, technology-infused lessons.

In the Classroom:
If your classroom includes special needs learners or simply students who need a multi-sensory approach in order to master new concepts, try these lessons or use them as prototypes as you plan for other curriculum content. If you mentor new teachers or student teachers, share these examples for infusing technology into lessons and for differentiating lessons.

Calculation Balance Grade 1 to 4 - WMnet- 8445

This mathematical balance activity has a super hero who challenges students to balance the scales by answering math questions. The topics include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and words as numbers. The website offers a variety of difficulty levels and can easily be differentiated to meet the various ability levels of your students. The entire activity requires Flash, get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
This website would work perfectly as an individual activity (differentiate the activities to the various levels of your students). If you prefer a group activity, get out the interactive whiteboard and treat your students to this engaging activity. Each challenge is only a few questions and could easily be incorporated into your daily math lessons. Add this as a warm-up or as part of your closure for a skill lesson.

Teaching with the Brain in Mind Grade 1 to 2 - PBS- 5034

This concise little article is packed with information on how the brain is structured and how teachers can be more effective in establishing "brain friendly" communication. Practical ideas on how to differentiate instruction are provided.

See user comments on this resource. -

Differentiating Curriculum for Gifted Students Grade 4 to 12 - ERIC- 3492

This ERIC Digest suggests strategies to provide curriculum differentiation for gifted and talented students. Includes reading and resource suggestions.

Save the Apples Grade 1 to 5 - PlayKidsGames- 8979

This math practice game is sure to excite your students. The challenge is to help a monkey swing on a vine across the water (and keep the apples from the crocodile). The best aspect of this game (besides the entertainment of the monkey), is that you can choose addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. You can also choose the difficulty level (easy, medium, or hard) to differentiate student practice levels. This website requires FLASH. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
What a wonderful tool to use to differentiate your lessons to meet the needs of your struggling students and your gifted students. Why not have the students work on individual computers and use the operation that they are currently learning (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division). And then have them work at their own individual difficulty level. If this isn't practical in your classroom, using this as a learning center on your class computer would also be beneficial. You WILL want to turn off the annoying sound!

Animal Lost and Found Grade K to 1 - PBS- 8772

This age-appropriate math activity challenges young students to identify various pets based on a set of criteria. The list of criteria requires students to count eyes, ears, mouths, and other body parts. There are two difficulty levels, which allows teachers to differentiate the instruction for less or more advanced students in a primary class. This website requires FLASH. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
One concern: non-readers will not be able to READ the criteria. The game is intended for sharing with at least one reader (child or adult). This website could be incorporated in many ways: First, use an interactive whiteboard and include the entire class, asking them to raise their hands or use clickers to vote on whether you have "found" the pet as someone reads the criteria aloud. Second, you could use this website as a learning center for cooperative groups (including a reader)to investigate together. Third, you could differentiate the instruction by having students work on their own laptops (or in the computer lab). Turn off the irritating sound with the little speaker icon.

Flick's Adventure Grade 2 to 5 - BBC- 9326

This highly engaging and diverse website offers interactive activities in the areas of language arts, math, and science. The site was created by the BBC, especially for ages 7-9. For differentiation purposes, there are links to activities for ages 5-7 or 9-11 on the left-side of the website. Attention Teachers - there is a link with lesson plans, printable pages, lesson ideas and more available if you click on Home and then Teachers .

This interactive website features topics such as friction, what dissolves, newspaper headlines, poetry, coordinates, time, and several others. Some of the motivational interactive activities include Looping the Loop, Escape Route, & On the Trail . There are also links to create comics, music mixers, planning a party, and skating. Be aware, since this site was created by the BBC, Americans may notice some slight spelling and language differences. Nearly all of these activities require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Wow - there are so many possible uses for this website in an elementary classroom. The lesson plans (at the Teachers link) offer standards and ready-to-go ideas. Check these for the direct connections to your curriculum. The interactive activities are perfect for computer lab time, cooperative learning, or class challenges using your interactive whiteboard or projector. Be sure to list this site on your class website so students can access these wonderful and enriching activities at home. If you are looking to differentiate instruction, allow your more advanced students to explore the activities listed for ages 9-11.

Top Ten Tips for Working With ESL/ELL Students Grade K to 12 - TeachersFirst- 6928

Teaching ESL./ELL students in your regular classroom can be a challenge. You feel great empathy for the children who enter your room, bewildered, but you have the rest of the class to think of, too. TeachersFirst offers these Top Ten Tips for Teachers working with ESL/ELL students to help you find appropriate ways to differentiate instruction and make minor adjustments for the individual student and maximize the benefit of having these new students in the class.

Lesson Plan: Volcano Grade 4 to 6 - TeachersFirst- 9531

This lesson on volcanoes and paragraph writing is part of a collection of lesson plans featuring multi-sensory approaches to help all learners, including special needs students who benefit from multiple experiences with concepts. The plans focuses on consistency, repetitiveness, tactile and visual reinforcement—great for children with special needs. The original lesson plans were written by award-winning teacher Nora Coyle of Colorado, a KOAA-TV "Teachers First" Award winner. The staff of TeachersFirst has incorporated technology options, tips, and templates appropriate for younger students into the lesson plan to add yet another way for your students to experience and interact with new concepts.

Many of these ideas and templates can be adapted for use with almost any subject or concepts, to differentiate for different learning styles. The lesson includes national standards.

In the Classroom:
Experienced and new teachers alike will find this example helpful in designing multi-sensory, technology-infused lessons.

Lesson Plan: Egg-Laying Animals Grade 2 to 6 - TeachersFirst- 9530

This lesson on egg-laying animals and research is part of a collection of lesson plans featuring multi-sensory approaches to help all learners, including special needs students who benefit from multiple experiences with concepts. The plans focuses on consistency, repetitiveness, tactile and visual reinforcement—great for children with special needs. The original lesson plans were written by award-winning teacher Nora Coyle of Colorado, a KOAA-TV "Teachers First" Award winner. The staff of TeachersFirst has incorporated technology options, tips, and templates appropriate for younger students into the lesson plan to add yet another way for your students to experience and interact with new concepts.

Many of these ideas and templates can be adapted for use with almost any subject or concepts, to differentiate for different learning styles. The lesson includes national standards.

In the Classroom:
Experienced and new teachers alike will find this example helpful in designing multi-sensory, technology-infused lessons.

Lesson Plan: Egg Hatching Into Sequencing Grade 1 to 3 - TeachersFirst- 9529

This lesson on egg hatching and sequencing is part of a collection of lesson plans featuring multi-sensory approaches to help all learners, including special needs students who benefit from multiple experiences with concepts. The plans focuses on consistency, repetitiveness, tactile and visual reinforcement—great for children with special needs. The original lesson plans were written by award-winning teacher Nora Coyle of Colorado, a KOAA-TV "Teachers First" Award winner. The staff of TeachersFirst has incorporated technology options, tips, and templates appropriate for younger students into the lesson plan to add yet another way for your students to experience and interact with new concepts.

Many of these ideas and templates can be adapted for use with almost any subject or concepts, to differentiate for different learning styles. The lesson includes national standards.

In the Classroom:
Experienced and new teachers alike will find this example helpful in designing multi-sensory, technology-infused lessons.

Lesson Plan: Tactile Parts of Speech Grade 1 to 3 - TeachersFirst- 9528

This lesson on parts of speech (noun, adjective) is part of a collection of lesson plans featuring multi-sensory approaches to help all learners, including special needs students who benefit from multiple experiences with concepts. The plans focuses on consistency, repetitiveness, tactile and visual reinforcement—great for children with special needs. The original lesson plans were written by award-winning teacher Nora Coyle of Colorado, a KOAA-TV "Teachers First" Award winner. The staff of TeachersFirst has incorporated technology options, tips, and templates appropriate for younger students into the lesson plan to add yet another way for your students to experience and interact with new concepts.

Many of these ideas and templates can be adapted for use with almost any subject or concepts, to differentiate for different learning styles. The lesson includes national standards.

In the Classroom:
Experienced and new teachers alike will find this example helpful in designing multi-sensory, technology-infused lessons.

Lesson Plan: Nouns and Adjectives Are Not Just Words Grade K to 3 - TeachersFirst- 9527

Many of these ideas and templates can be adapted for use with almost any subject or concepts, to differentiate for different learning styles. The lesson includes national standards.

In the Classroom:
Experienced and new teachers alike will find this example helpful in designing multi-sensory, technology-infused lessons.

Lesson Plan: Dinosaur Math Grade K to 1 - TeachersFirst- 9525

This lesson on simple addition is part of a collection of lesson plans featuring multi-sensory approaches to help all learners, including special needs students who benefit from multiple experiences with concepts. The plans focuses on consistency, repetitiveness, tactile and visual reinforcement—great for children with special needs. The original lesson plans were written by award-winning teacher Nora Coyle of Colorado, a KOAA-TV "Teachers First" Award winner. The staff of TeachersFirst has incorporated technology options, tips, and templates appropriate for younger students into the lesson plan to add yet another way for your students to experience and interact with new concepts.

Many of these ideas and templates can be adapted for use with almost any subject or concepts, to differentiate for different learning styles. The lesson includes national standards.

In the Classroom:
Experienced and new teachers alike will find this example helpful in designing multi-sensory, technology-infused lessons.

Listen and Write Grade 6 to 12 - listenandwrite.com- 9506

Listen and Write is a listening/dictation site that allows ESL and ELL students to click on their choice of oral transmissions and then write the words they hear in a box. Clicking the play button will repeat the sentence. There are also choices for hints or a version that provides a separate text box for each word, helping listeners to distinguish and separate the words they hear. When students write the correct sentence, a red "good" appears at the end of the line. Students can submit their own oral recordings as part of the bank of recorded items. Many of the items they can do dictation to come from VOA news. Students can also select other languages for dictation: Korean, Basque, Estonian, and Hebrew. Dictations are available at a total of 16 levels. Students must sign in and establish an account in order to save their scores, share and save audios, and collaborate with others on dictations or audio recordings.

In the Classroom:
Check school policies about establishing a "class" log in with an official email address instead of having the students use their own. You may want to create your own Gmail account with up to 20 subaccounts for each group of students (by code name or number) within your classes. Here is a blog post that tells how.

Refer students to improve their oral comprehension or applied spelling skills at this site. Teacers can also create or assign recordings for required listening and dictation, differentiating for each student’s level. There are some French recordings that could be used in a world language class, as well. Why not have your students create their own recordings to challenge their classmates?

Number Pyramid Grade 1 to 3 - BBC- 9245

Help Molly free herself from a pyramid by answering additional and subtraction questions. There are three levels of difficulty. The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (that can be turned off), and animations. Be aware, this site was created by the BBC, so you may notice some beautiful accents and spelling differences than in American English. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate addition and subtraction practice for your students. Share this website with your class on an interactive whiteboard or projector and show the students HOW to use the program. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers. Play a game of "Around the World" using this activity. Or divide your class into teams and have some healthy competition. You may want to list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice their math skills at home.

Math Baseball Grade 1 to 6 - Funbrain- 9201

This is an on-line game in which students advance runners and score runs by completing math problems of varying difficulties. Students can select easy or difficult problems, either non-algebraic or algebraic, and operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or a combination).

In the Classroom:
Have you students work on individual computers and "take a swing" at this math activity. It offers a highly motivating review activity on various difficulty levels, enabling the teacher to differentiate the instruction based on the math levels of the individual students.

Around The World in 80-Seconds Grade 1 to 5 - Scholastic- 8948

This interdisciplinary math/ geography practice activity challenges students to answer several math questions in 80-seconds. Each correct answer flies Maggie and her helicopter to a new destination in the world. Students can choose a difficulty level of easy or hard. They can also choose to play the game using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or a mix of all four. This activity is also available in Spanish. This math journey requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Use your interactive whiteboard or projector to make this "flight" a class challenge. Assign a few students to be "recorders." Have them record the names of the cities, countries, and/or continents that you visit. Make this into a thorough geography lesson by having students complete research the locations that Maggie visits during her journey.

This website is also ideal for individual computers. This allows students to practice the particular math operation that they need most help with AND differentiates so that students can work at an easy or difficult math level. Provide a link to this site in your class newsletter or on your class web page, so students can practice their math and geography skills at home.

Subtraction Grade K to 3 - Dositey- 8521

This is a fabulous site for subtraction. It includes interactive games, challenges, and printable worksheets. Topics all relate to subtraction and include basic subtraction facts up to 20, subtracting with regrouping, subtracting without regrouping, and subtracting 3-digit numbers. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Use this website to differentiate subtraction instruction. This website would be a wonderful learning center activity. List this site in your class newsletter or on your class website.

Addition K-2 Grade K to 2 - Dositey- 8520

This is a useful site for addition practice. The website includes interactive games and challenges, as well as printable worksheets. Topics all relate to addition and include levels: basic addition facts, adding 2-digit number with regrouping, adding 2-digit numbers without regrouping, adding 3-digit numbers and more. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Use this website to differentiate addition instruction. This website would be a wonderful learning center activity on your classroom computer or cluster, with each student assigned the appropriate section for practice.

Fractions Grade 1 to 5 - BGFL- 8505

This is a fabulous website for all levels of fraction instruction (there are five difficulty levels). The website offers both interactive challenges and printable worksheets. Students will love the pizza fun and other graphics used at this website - check it out. Level 2 is a TERRIFIC way to help students read fraction markings on a ruler, always a challenge for some. Some of the activities require Flash, get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Use an interactive whiteboard to introduce this activity. Then differentiate the instruction and allow students to work on their own computers at their own levels. For more instructions on how to use this website, visit the "support materials" link.

Woodlands Math Zone Grade 2 to 6 - Woodlands Junior School- 8323

This comprehensive math site provides countless math activities (nearly all interactive). Topics vary from basic number skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), to shapes and space skills, to data and probability, to measurement skills, and even math investigations. There are worksheets to print. There are also interactive activities to use with an interactive whiteboard or individual computers. Some of the activities require FLASH, get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Use an interactive whiteboard to introduce your class to this site's activities. Then differentiate your math lessons by allowing students to work independently on the math skills they are currently acquiring. Even if you have only a single classroom computer, you can provide practice and challenge at all levels. This is also a wonderful site to share as a link from your teacher home page or in your classroom newsletter.

Math Arcade Grade K to 5 - FunBrain- 7403

This interactive "arcade" consists of 25 math games. At the introduction page, students are asked to choose a level and game piece. Each game is interactive, "kid-friendly," and quick. There is a feature that the students can "log-in" if they are returning. So, this would be a great practice activity for computer lab time. Since there are eight difficulty levels, there are a variety of math skills/operations included in the games, allowing you to differentiate for student levels. This site requires FLASH.

In the Classroom:
Your students are sure to enjoy these math "arcade" games as they practice their skills. Use an interactive whiteboard or projector to introduce the games as a class, then have your students use a classroom computer or the computer lab to work at their individual levels. Check your school's acceptable use policy befoe allowing students to set up personal log-ins.

NumberNut - Advanced Grade 2 to 6 - Andrew Rader Studios- 7211

This useful website provides teachers with over 50 interactive mathematical activities. All activities require FLASH. The activities include fractions, decimals, estimation, rounding and money. There are also links to "kid-friendly" instructions for each operation. There are graphics used to help explain the concepts.

In the Classroom:
Teachers could use the activities at this website to differentiate mathematical instruction. Teachers do not need to search the site for activities; the specific topics are already listed with each activity, so the site is extremely easy to use. Be sure to include this one on your teacher web page for students to use as a review tool.

Zoo Matchmaker Grade 6 to 10 - Minnesota Zoo- 6923

Try this online simulation to teach about genetics, biodiversity, and disease resistance among tigers. This is a "hands-on" activity that forces students to think about the repercussions of environmental and genetic factors. You can turn off the sound, if it starts to get to you, but the animated simulation both displays and reads the text, a helpful touch for differentiating for ESL or learning support students.

In the Classroom:
Let students navigate the activities themselves on lab or laptop computers. You could even assign it as homework if everyone has internet access. Be sure to follow up with some discussion or written activity to hold students accountable for more than click-madness.

Exercise Central Grade 6 to 12 - Bedford/St. Martin's- 6583

It's not the kind of "exercise" you might expect, but if you're looking for a resource that can strengthen and tone your students' grammar and writing skills, you've come to the "write" place! Browse the many activities that focus on grammar concepts, punctuation, writing style, and editing. To use all of the site's many interactive features, you must complete a free registration. Also includes a nice collection of practice exercises for ESL students.

In the Classroom:
This might be a viable option for formative assessment in your language arts classroom. Use the resources on this site to test student knowledge before beginning a grammar unit, then differentiate your instruction based on the results.

Learning Resources to Promote Literacy Grade 5 to 8 - Western/Pacific Literacy Network- 6448

This literacy resource provides students with full texts of a wide variety of news stories, then challenges them with related interactive activities testing reading comprehension. Each full text is accompanied by an abridged version, and a story outline - great features for differentiating instruction as needed.

In the Classroom:
Use for independent, self-paced reading practice. An excellent preparation activity for state standards testing.

Learning Resources Grade 8 to 12 - CNN- 6435

Improve reading comprehension of non-fiction text with this online activity that uses actual CNN news stories to strengthen skills in making inferences and drawing conclusions. Differentiate your reading instruction by allowing students to choose a story of interest, then select the full or abridged version, based on reading ability. Follow-up activities testing vocabulary and comprehension are provided (see links to the left of each story).

S.O.S. Math CyberExams Grade 9 to 12 - MathMedics- 6119

Send your students to this site for interactive practice with math concepts ranging from algebra to differential equations. These "cyber exams" provide instant feedback and multiple chances to rethink incorrect responses. Browse the choices for the topic that matches your curriculum.

In the Classroom:
Include this link on your teacher web page for outside practice and skill reinforcement.

Hypermath Grade 8 to 12 - - 5341

This is truly a unique math resource. A concept map on the home page serves as an interactive navigational system for the site which focuses on trigonometry, calculus, differential equations, algebra, geometry, exponents, and more. Formulas, functions, and examples stress basic mathematical principles and fundamental understanding. A great site for refreshing or reinforcing math skills.

AAA Math Grade K to 8 - - 5286

Students can practice math skills independently (and in both English and Spanish) with this collection of challenging, interactive practice activities, organized by grade level and topic. Click Spanish version at the top for your ESL/ELL students to have access to the same valuable resources! The website says the activities are designed for students in grades K through eight. Topics vary greatly and include algebra, statistics, counting, comparing, decimals, basic operations, exponents, fractions, and many others. Nearly every math topic taught in elementary or middle school, will be found at this site. Once you click on the general topic area, be prepared for a HUGE list of specific choices to explore. Each math concept is explained in a simple paragraph and then students are presented with practice activities about the specific concept. The practice activities are timed.

Be aware there are several advertisements at this website (all appropriate). But considering this site is free (and full of ready to go math activities), the advertisements are worth the minor annoyance.

In the Classroom:
This site has countless possibilities in the classroom. Use the descriptions and activities as an anticipatory set for a new topic in math class. Share the activities on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Set up a learning station for students and differentiate the activities for your lower and higher level math students. Provide this link on your class website for students to use to review at home.

Disabilities Studies for Teachers Grade 6 to 12 - Syracuse University- 5242

Help your students to develop awareness, understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities. This searchable site offers a series of lesson plans and materials that can be easily integrated into secondary social studies, history, and literature curricula. Strategies for using differentiated instruction are also included.

Graphics for the Calculus Classroom Grade 10 to 12 - - 5152

This site provides first year calculus students and teachers with a collection of helpful graphics illustrating a variety of important concepts including differentials and differences, Archimedes calculation of pi, the number e, secants and tangents, and much more. Each graphic is accompanied by an overview and description.

Math Demonstration Applets Grade 7 to 12 - - 4543

Designed by a college professor, this site has helpful simulations for teaching a number of graphing topics for middle and high school students. There are applets for linear, quadratic, and exponential functions, as well as regression, trigonometric functions, differentiation, and integration demonstrations. The site is helpful for both demonstrations, and solving problems.

Sight Words with Sampson Grade 1 to 3 - Knowledge Want, LLC- 9594

When you arrive at the site, click Start to enter the world of Samson. There are four steps at this site: Learn Words, Build Words, Identify Words, and a Quiz. At the "Learn Words" step, the site includes 28 different lists of words for students to read at four levels. Mousing over the number of the list brings up the actual word list so it's easy to check if the student is working at the correct level. Students read, listen to the word, pronounce it, see the word spelled, and see the word used in a sentence. Step two has students spell the words themselves (after hearing them read audibly and being provided with several letters to choose among). Step three challenges students to click on the correct spelling of the word (several choices are presented). The final step is the quiz; students are presented with all letters and are asked to spell the word pronounced. The same list is used throughout all four steps of this activity. For example, if a student is working on list 1 of level 1, those same words will be repeated throughout all four “steps.” All steps provide immediate feedback on the students’ choices, and opportunities to try again. The Question/Answer steps have a Hear Again feature to repeat the word. The Resource center provides useful tools for teacher, including pdf files of the sight words used, lesson plans, and more. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Include this website on your class newsletter or on your class website so parents can encourage their students to enrich their spelling vocabulary and have fun at the same time. ESL and ELL students will benefit from having the opportunity to practice their listening and spelling skills simultaneously. This site is also useful in differentiating spelling lessons in a regular or special education classroom.

Lesson Plan: Silly Sentences Grade K to 0 - TeachersFirst- 9524

This lesson on letter-sound relationships is part of a collection of lesson plans featuring multi-sensory approaches to help all learners, including special needs students who benefit from multiple experiences with concepts. The plans focuses on consistency, repetitiveness, tactile and visual reinforcement—great for children with special needs. The original lesson plans were written by award-winning teacher Nora Coyle of Colorado, a KOAA-TV "Teachers First" Award winner. The staff of TeachersFirst has incorporated technology options, tips, and templates appropriate for younger students into the lesson plan to add yet another way for your students to experience and interact with new concepts.

Many of these ideas and templates can be adapted for use with almost any subject or concepts, to differentiate for different learning styles. The lesson includes national standards.

In the Classroom:
Experienced and new teachers alike will find this example helpful in designing multi-sensory, technology-infused lessons.

Lesson Plan: Billy Goats Gruff Grade K to 0 - TeachersFirst- 9523

This lesson for early literacy skills and creating a book is part of a collection of lesson plans featuring multi-sensory approaches to help all learners, including special needs students who benefit from multiple experiences with concepts. The plans focuses on consistency, repetitiveness, tactile and visual reinforcement—great for children with special needs. The original lesson plans were written by award-winning teacher Nora Coyle of Colorado, a KOAA-TV "Teachers First" Award winner. The staff of TeachersFirst has incorporated technology options, tips, and templates appropriate for younger students into the lesson plan to add yet another way for your students to experience and interact with new concepts.

Many of these ideas and templates can be adapted for use with almost any subject or concepts, to differentiate for different learning styles. The lesson includes national standards.

In the Classroom:
Experienced and new teachers alike will find this example helpful in designing multi-sensory, technology-infused lessons.

Tutpup Grade 2 to 8 - - 9474

With Tutpup, students can compete against students from all over the world in math or spelling contests. You are able to use the site without registration, but joining does allow you to save student accomplishments. Note that spelling is pronounced with a British accent, and spellings will be British! Teachers sign up and can create a class identity; only teachers have to put in their real names. Check out the Help for Parents link for additional information about registration and how to use the site. If necessary, check with your administrator about registering your own name as a teacher before you start the games with the class. Parents are supposed to grant permission for students to participate.

You can choose to allow students to compete with students outside their classroom, outside their school, or just within their own class. Teachers can also lock the class list to prevent anyone else from joining. Students must wait for an opponent to appear to participate in the activities.. As soon as a competitor appears, each student sees the same game and tries to answer each question faster than his opponent. Players can see their progress throughout the game, as well as the time remaining.

Be aware: this site is still in Beta and requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Use this site to encourage students to compete in math and spelling to to review and reinforce skills. Use the difficulty levels to differentiate in your classroom. Set up learning stations for language arts or math class. Include the link on your teacher web page for students to “compete” with classmates at night or on weekends. Require parent permission before completing the registration process so you can work together in supporting student learning. Learning support teachers will love this tool as a motivator for students to practice.

Math Moves U Grade 4 to 12 - Raytheon Company- 9443

Let math move YOU through different areas of math practice! Choose an animal character and customize the color of the collar, fur, and tail. Choose your grade range prior to play. Other options include saving your character to begin or registering to create a locker for extra benefits, including access to new characters and monitoring of your progress. . Use the arrows on the keyboard to move along to different math problems. Areas vary by age level, but examples include Music (Pythagorean Pavilion), Sports, Fashion and feature facts, quizzes, polls, flashcards, or a game that can be accessed for learning opportunities. Facts have links that allow students to connect to more knowledge. Tutorial help is available with the quizzes. Background music which is lively can also be turned off for better concentration. Enter Math Moves University for worksheet practice on many math topics downloaded as a pdf document. A math dictionary is also available. Clicking on the navigation along the top can also take you to various areas.

Opportunities to register pop up during play but are not required at this site.
If you choose to have your students register, please be aware of your district’s requirements and acceptable use policy for using student user names, passwords, and emails.
This site requires Flash and adobe acrobat. Get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Differentiate your math instruction easily! Use as assigned, independent study for students as needed. Use as a class resource on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students work collaboratively in groups to achieve the answers. Assign areas as homework practice; if computers aren’t available at home, print off the worksheets for homework practice.

Kung-Fu Sentences Grade 1 to 2 - BBC- 9434

This site challenges students to create sentences. One or several words are provided and students must click and drag them in the correct order to construct a sentence. There are three levels of difficulty. The main difference between the simple and more difficult levels are the amounts of words or statements to put into the correct order. Easier levels only have three words, while more difficult levels have five or more.

The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (with an option to turn the music off), and animations. Although this site uses British English, this activity is useful to practice American English. At the time of this review, all words were common in both forms of English. Be aware: the animation of this activity can be a bit distracting. The site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate for your students. Share this website with your class on an interactive whiteboard or projector and show the students HOW to use the program. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers. Be sure to provide headsets. Why not split your class into two teams and make this activity a class competition. Have students create their own Kung-Fu Sentences (minus the "karate kid") using WORD or good old fashion paper and pencil.

You may want to list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice creating sentences at home.

Alien Punctuation Grade 1 to 4 - BBC- 9433

Come along with Max and Molly and help them "talk to the aliens" and correct their punctuation. There are three levels of difficulty. The beginning level mainly focuses on capitalization, periods, and question marks. The more difficult levels delve into more complex punctuation (commas, quotation marks, and more). The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (which can be turned off), and animations.

Although this site uses British English, this activity is useful to practice American English. At the time of this review, all words were common in both forms of English. The site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Demonstrate this activity on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers. Be sure to provide headsets. Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate for your students. You may want to list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice punctuation at home.

Matching Word Golf Grade 1 to 4 - BBC- 9432

Max and Molly are golfing in outer space. This synonym activity provides a sentence asking students to figure out a word with a similar meaning (three choices are provided). Students must click on the word with the similar meaning, and then the golf club swings towards the ball. Although this site was created by the BBC, at the time of this review, all words included were used in both British English and American English.

This site offers three levels of difficulty. The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (which can be turned off), and animations. The site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Synonyms can be tough for young learners. Use this site to make synonyms simple. Use your interactive whiteboard or projector to share this website with your class. Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate for your students. This site is ideal to use with younger ESL and ELL students, and any class learning about synonyms. Create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers. Be sure to provide headsets. Why not print off the worksheet for additional practice or enrichment.

You may want to list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice at home.

Travelling Pronouns Grade 1 to 3 - BBC- 9431

Max and Molly are on holiday (vacation) and writing notes to friends back home. Can you help them choose the correct pronouns to complete their sentences? This site offers three levels of difficulty. The easier levels include fewer blanks to fill in.

The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (which can be turned off by clicking "music OFF"), and animations. Although this site was created by the BBC, at the time of this review, all words included were used in both British English and American English. The site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Pronouns can be tricky! Use your interactive whiteboard or projector to share this website with your class. Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate for your students. This site is ideal to use with younger ESL and ELL students, and any class learning about pronouns. Create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers. Be sure to provide headsets. Why not print off the worksheet for additional practice or enrichment.

You may want to list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice pronouns at home.

Pirate Spelling Grade 1 to 5 - BBC- 9430

Come aboard the ship with Max (and his pet parrot) to practice spelling. Although this site was created by the BBC, at the time of this review, all spelling words were included and used in both British English and American English. There are three levels of difficulty. The medium level challenges students to fill in the blank to correctly spell a word. (They are provided three choices). The more difficult levels challenge students to choose the correct word that Max pronounces (again, three choices are provided). Students may click "listen again" to hear the word again.

The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (which can be turned off), and animations. The site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate for your students. This site is ideal to use with younger ESL and ELL students. Create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers. Be sure to provide headsets. Why not print off the worksheet for additional practice or enrichment.

You may want to list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice spelling at home.

Alphabetical Adventure Grade 1 to 2 - BBC- 9429

Help Molly put five, six, or seven words in alphabetical order at this engaging website created by the BBC. Audio is available, so even beginning readers can participate in this activity. There are three difficulty levels.

Since this site is about alphabetical order, it is useful with both British English and American English. The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (which can be turned OFF), and animations. The site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate for your students. Share this website with your class on an interactive whiteboard or projector and show the students HOW to use the program. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers. Be sure to provide headsets. Why not print off the worksheet for additional practice or enrichment.

You may want to list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice alphabetical order at home.

River Rhyming Grade 1 to 3 - BBC- 9428

Help Max cross the river by finding the rhyming words. A word is displayed, and three options are provided. Click on the correct answer to "jump" Max to the next stone on the river. Although this site does use British English, this activity is useful to practice American English. At the time of this review, all words were common in both forms of English.

There are three levels of difficulty. The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects, and animations. There is also the option to turn music OFF. The site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate for your students. Share this website with your class in Full Screen on an interactive whiteboard or projector to show the students HOW to use the program. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers. Be sure to provide headsets. Why not split your class into two teams and make this activity a class competition.

You may want to list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice rhyming at home.

Animal Island Data Grade 1 to 4 - BBC- 9427

Help Molly count and organize data at the zoo. There are three difficulty levels. The easier level challenges students to count the specific number of monkeys, birds, rabbits, and other animals. The really hard level has students read and analyze data from a graph. The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (which can be turned off), and animations. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate practice for your students. Share this website with your class on an interactive whiteboard or projector and show the students HOW to use the program. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers. Why not list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice their math skills at home.

Shape Lab Grade 2 to 5 - BBC- 9426

Come to the Shape Lab to learn about shapes, fractions, lines of symmetry, and more! There are three levels of difficulty. The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (and an on/off switch for music!), and animations. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Use this site as an introduction for a lesson on fractions or lines of symmetry. Share this website with your class on an interactive whiteboard or projector and show the students HOW to use the program. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops/computers. Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate for your students. Print off the SHAPE worksheet for extra practice and/or enrichment. You may want to list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice their math skills at home.

Clock Works Grade 1 to 4 - BBC- 9425

Practice telling time at this site created by the BBC. Molly and Max (your child guides) are at Big Ben in London. They need your help to make sure the time is correct on this famous building. There are three levels of difficulty. Simple questions ask for the time, while the more difficult questions ask what time it will be in a specific amount of time (for example, what time will it be in 3 hours and 10 minutes). The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (music can be turned off), and animations. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

Harbour Measurements Grade 2 to 4 - BBC- 9424

Use the metric system to measure the height and weight of boxes being placed on a large ship. You are told the specific height and weight to locate. Then you are presented with three packages to weigh and measure. You click and drag the items onto an interactive scale that measures the height and weight. There are three levels of difficulty. You can play several times at each level. The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects, and animations. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Come to this website to practice the metric system. Share this website with your class on an interactive whiteboard or projector and show the students HOW to use the program. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers. Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate for your students. Play a game of "Around the World" using this activity. Or divide your class into teams and have some healthy competition.

Igloo Shopping Grade 1 to 5 - BBC- 9423

It is time to go shopping at the Igloo with Molly. Your challenge is to choose the correct coins to pay Pablo. Since this site was created by the BBC, the MONEY is UK pounds not American dollars. There are three levels of difficulty. You can play several times at each level. The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (which can be turned off), and animations. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Use this site to practice counting money (pounds). With older students, practice higher-level thinking skills by introducing them to a different form of money than they may be accustomed to using. Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate the activity for your students. Share this website with your class on an interactive whiteboard or projector and show the students HOW to use the program. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers.

Safari Units Grade 1 to 3 - BBC- 9422

Come to the safari and choose your difficulty level. This balancing challenge has students add numbers together (weights) to balance out the "Safari" animal or object on the other side of scale. The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects, and animations. Be aware, this site was created by the BBC, so you may notice some simple spelling differences than in American English. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate "weight and balance" practice for your students. Share this website with your class on an interactive whiteboard or projector and show the students HOW to use the program. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers. Play a game of "Around the World" using this activity. Or divide your class into teams and have some healthy competition. You may want to list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice their math skills at home.

Adventure Sequences Grade 1 to 3 - BBC- 9421

Help Molly swing across the jungle by figuring out the correct sequence and clicking on the next number in the sequence. There are three levels of difficulty. You can play several times at each level. The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (which can be turned off), and animations. Be aware, this site was created by the BBC, so you may notice some simple spelling differences than in American English. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
If you are trying to teach your class about sequencing, take advantage of this "quick and easy" web activity. Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate the program for your students. Share this website with your class on an interactive whiteboard or projector and show the students HOW to use the program. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual computers. Play a game of "Around the World" using this activity. List this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice their math skills at home.

Forest Ordering Grade K to 2 - BBC- 9420

Max needs help in the forest! He needs YOU to put the numbers in the correct order - can you help? This simple game only takes a few minutes and offers some terrific sound effects and animation (which can be turned off). There are three levels of difficulty. Some levels ask you to put the numbers from least to greatest, while other levels challenge you to go from greatest to least. The website also features a "full screen" option and printable worksheets. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Share this website with your class on an interactive whiteboard or projector and show the students HOW to use the program. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual laptops or computers. Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate for your students. Be sure to list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice their math skills at home.

TeacherTube Grade K to 12 - Teacher Tube, LLC- 9419

TeachersFirst Edge Review: for any technology user comfortable with video. Move over YouTube! Teachers now have their own place to learn, to laugh, and to cry: TeacherTube.com. Since this site is designed specifically for education, there is not as much concern about “public” contributions and appropriateness for school! Teachers will find videos suitable for classroom instruction, such as Ben Franklin chatting with a group of students, or they will find hilarious sites that only teachers could appreciate. There are also professional videos ideal for staff training (such as Classroom Strategies for Differentiated Instruction). Just click on the subject area that interests you, and then click on a video. To leave comments or to upload your own video, you will need to register. It’s all free. Obviously, this isn’t a site for students; however, there are many educational videos suitable for all subject areas that you could share with your students. If your school blocks streaming video sites, consider accessing this site and choosing videos at home, using a tool such as Vixy (explained here) to bring them in for class use. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Skills Needed: no special technological skills are necessary to view the videos. If you are looking for a specific topic, save time and use the search option If you wish to add comments or upload your own Teachertube video, you must register as a user at the site. Registration is free, but does require an email address. If you don't want to provide your personal email address, set up a gmail account or other “extra account” to use for site memberships. Then log in. Create and save your edited videos where you can find them on your computer. (Windows Movie Maker or iMovie are great, free tools for video). Then upload to TeacherTube. You will also receive comments on your uploaded videos.

Safety/Security Concerns: If the teacher is the one uploading, the only potential concerns include posting videos with identifiable information or images about your students, school, or class. Check your school policies about posting pictures of your school. If you post student videos, obtain written parent permission to post student work, again within school policies. Any student visible in a video should also have parent permission in accordance with school policies.

Possible uses: The most common classroom use would be viewing many videos that match curriculum content. Rap math, visit Anne Frank’s historical locations, or view a grammar lesson—these are just a sampling of videos that you may want to use to enhance your curriculum lessons. Use your interactive whiteboard or projector to share the videos with the class. Use the site's videos as an anticipatory set to a new unit or lesson on a specific topic. Have your students create their own TeacherTube video together as a class on any lesson/topic that you are teaching. Have a contest for the best videos and upload the winners to the site (within school policies, of course). Once the class has videos hosted at TeacherTube, you can also embed them in your class bog or wiki for easy sharing with those in your extended online “community.”

Kids Memory Grade 1 to 8 - kidsknowitnetwork- 9393

This site claims to improve memory with its interactive games. The highly interactive games include one that's similar to the game Memory. Others include remembering a series of numbers, one in which you click on bulbs that light up after the lights turn off, and one that has you click on parts of faces to improve sequential memory. Most of the games have several levels so these activities can easily be differentiated for your students. The site provides specific ideas for ways teachers can use the activities.

There are some minor advertisements included at this website. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Have a team competition as students use the site on an interactive whiteboard, projector, or computer station for higher scores or better times than another team. Learning support teachers may want to try it as a memory improvement tool. Our editors really do not know if it works or not. Leave a comment on this review if you try it(TF members can do this)!

Save this site in your favorites. Use the site for enrichment, or test it out as a memory tool as you try out different study skills. You may want to list this site in your class newsletter and on your class website for students to use at home.

Kids Numbers Grade K to 5 - kidsknowitnetwork- 9392

This site provides math foundation activities for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. After students learn the basics, there are a number of review activities for them to try in each operation area. In addition, there are practice activities with flashcards, telling time, money, fractions, algebra, and geometry. All of the activities are educational, but some seem to focus more on entertainment than education.

This site includes a worksheet generator so teachers can prepare their own review work. There is a calculator one click away for those who need it. There are some minor advertisements at this website. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Display this site on an interactive whiteboard or projector to create an anticipatory set for a new concept in your elementary math class. Once students are familiar with the activities, allow them to explore this website if they finish early or for extra practice. Put this site in your classroom newsletter or on your class website so students can explore and learn at home.

ESL students will enjoy this site since it will help them learn the vocabulary for math operations in English, and it will also allow them to succeed at something in school. This site can also be used to differentiate for your learning support and/or gifted students based on their current level of math instruction.

Sprat's Adventures Grade 4 to 7 - BBC- 9327

Sprat's Adventures offers age-appropriate exciting activities in math, language arts, science, music, and more. The language arts activities all center around a group of kids being on a vacation (called a holiday, at this BBC site). While at a museum a statue is stolen. Students complete three interactive challenges to find the missing statue. In the math section, Sprat and his friends visit a circus to go quad biking and they get stuck in a strange tent. Students must complete various math activities to help them get out of the tent. The science link takes students on a rocky adventure into outer space. In addition to the numerous interactive activities, there are also printable pages, comics, songs, e-cards, and more. Attention Teachers - there is a link with lesson plans, printable pages, lesson ideas, and more available if you click on Home and then Teachers . Be aware, since this site was created by the BBC, you may notice some slight spelling and language differences. Nearly all of these activities require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
This website is geared towards ages 9-11; however there are links to similar activities for ages 7-9 on the left side of the site. Use this feature to differentiate for your special education, ESL, or ELL students.

Be sure to visit the Teachers Link for some excellent ideas. All of the activities are perfect for learning stations, individual computers, or on an interactive whiteboard or projection screen. The offerings available are so diverse, that this website could be used throughout several language arts, math, science, art, and music lessons. Feature this website in your class newsletter or on your website so students can practice these educational activities at home.

Higher Bitesize Revision - Calculus Grade 9 to 12 - BBC- 9324

Although this website doesn't appear especially engaging, there is a wealth of information and activities just waiting to be explored. The two main topics, Differentiation and Integration, both include numerous subtopics with a great deal of information. This website, created by the BBC, includes review information (referred to as "revise") and online tests created specifically for calculus students ages 16+. Some of the material would be useful in pre-calc.

The website includes a Site Guide (to assist teachers, parents, and students in navigating the site) and an "Ask a Teacher" link for students to read previous questions from students (and the answers) about specific difficult concepts. Since this site was created by the UK, you may notice some slight language differences. Much of the information is available in a printable format. A few of the activities require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Use this website in your Calculus class on an interactive whiteboard or projector. The "Revise" information would work as an anticipatory set for a new lesson or a review prior to the test. Have students work on individual computers to try the online quiz. Students will need a piece of paper to complete the online quiz, it is not interactive. Be sure to include this link on your class website, so students can access the site for practice at home.

Nash's Adventure Grade K to 2 - BBC- 9290

This interdisciplinary website was created by the BBC and features interactive and highly engaging math, language arts, and science activities. Some of the topics include "Get Up and Go," "Float and Sink," "An Invitation," and about ten other topics. This website is geared towards students ages 5-7, there are also "sister sites" with similar activities for older or more advanced students (see the left side of the site). In addition to the numerous interactive activities, there are also printable pages, stories, songs, painting, and more. This website offers an eclectic listing of activities that can easily be differentiated for your lower and higher students.

Be aware, since this site was created by the BBC, you Americans may notice some slight spelling and language differences. Nearly all of these activities require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
The possibilities at this website are endless! They scream "interactive whiteboard or projector" but would also work as a learning center or even on individual computers. The offerings available are so diverse, that this website could be used throughout several language arts, math, science, art, and music lessons. Attention Teachers, there is a link with lesson plans, printable pages, lesson ideas and more available if you click on Home and then Teachers . Check these for the direct connections to your curriculum. Feature this website in your class newsletter or on your website so students can practice these educational activities at home or during vacation breaks.

Division Mine Grade 3 to 5 - BBC- 9269

Help Max and Molly, both miners, choose the correct number of wagons necessary for each set of stones by using your division skills. This website doesn't just show the answer, but also demonstrates how division works. There are three levels of difficulty. The website also features a "full screen" option, printable worksheets, engaging sound effects (that can be turned off), and animations. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Share this website with your class on an interactive whiteboard or projector and show the students HOW to use the program. Then, create a learning center for students to use this website, or provide individual computers. Use the three difficulty levels to differentiate for your students. Play a game of "Around the World" using this activity. Or divide your class into teams and have some healthy competition. You may want to list this website in your class newsletter and on your class website so students can practice their math skills at home.

Activity Bank for Literature Resources Grade 3 to 12 - S.C.O.R.E.- 9250

Need a quick activity to enhance a literature lesson? Schools of California Online Resources for Educators amassed an activity bank of useful suggestions for teachers. Just click on the links at the left from this homepage, and you will find a wide array of teacher and student activities: Graphic Organizers, Journaling, Literature, and Rubrics. Although the site is intended for California teachers, most teachers across America will find the resources conducive to their state's requirements.

NOTE: SCORE Cyberguides announced that they are no longer checking links and maintaining these excellent resources as of April 2008 due to lack of funding. You will want to verify all links before using the cyberguide in class. You may want to use portions of this cyberguide in combination with other online resources.

In the Classroom:
Use these fabulous resources to introduce your students to new styles of graphic organizers. Find many new ideas and approaches at this website to use to differentiate your curriculum and keep your students interested in the topic. Allow students to choose among several types of graphic organizers to use for a project, rather than having the entire class use the same format. Many of these organizers can easily be created on PowerPoint slides or in Word using Autoshapes, then right-clicking to "add text." They also work well in Inspiration software. Collect electronic copies of organizers on your classroom computer or teacher web page for students to see as examples in the future.

ESL Gold Picture Dictionary Grade 1 to 6 - ESL Gold- 9166

ESL Gold's "Words and Phrases" page is a listing of vocabulary, grouped in categories ideal for learning a new language. The categories are divided by levels from Low Beginning to Advanced. Many of the categories provide a picture dictionary of all items. Some of the more advanced levels do not include pictures. All levels have audio pronunciation. The higher levels contain vocabulary in context, word phrases, and other vocabulary development activities without definitions. This site requires Windows Media Player or Quicktime to play the audio. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Use this site to share vocabulary by category, using pictures, audio, and written words with your ESL/ELL students, primary students, special ed students, or speech/language students. Include this link in a newsletter that goes home with ESL/ELL students. Mark it as a Favorite on your classroom computer. Demonstrate how to use this website on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Then have students work alone (or with a partner) at their current speaking level. This website could also be used in a regular education class with emerging readers. The five difficulty levels allow teachers the flexibility to differentiate the instruction. Note: small type fonts and some advertising may make this site difficult for some younger students to use. Preview and decide what your class can handle.

Autism4teachers Grade K to 12 - Autism4teachers.com- 9129

This comprehensive website, written by four teachers, offers an excellent starting point and whets the appetite for anyone seriously looking into autism. Autism4teachers offers a snapshot of many of the current and research-based concepts in the area of autism. The information provided It provides enough information to enable you to research even further. There are numerous specific topics highlighted at this website including - Communication, Social Skills, Classroom Structure, TEACCH, Inclusion, Behavioral Support, Parent Support, Visual Support, Community Support, Autism Awareness, Assistive Technology, Sensory Based Activity Room, Thematic Units, Data Sheets, & several others. Don't miss the MANY lesson ideas and activities provided with the topics. This website requires Windows Media Player. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Use this free website (and the many tips) to help your autistic students succeed, whether you are in a regular classroom or special ed. Share this link in your class newsletter and on your class website. Be sure to provide this link to any colleagues helping autistic students in and out of the classroom.

The Art of Teaching the Arts Grade 9 to 12 - Annenberg Media- 9064

This is a wonderful site for high school educators who are interested in teaching the arts through theatre, music, art, or any of the humanities. It is a professional workshop site that offers 8 one-hour practical video seminars on