Ideas and resources for parent conferences
These reviewed resources offer information so share with parents at conferences or suggested activities to share at conference time. Read "In the Classroom" ideas to display and other creative approaches for parent conferences. Parents will appreciate your sharing of educator-reviewed resources at conferences and on your TeachersFirst public page so you can work as a team in support of their child's learning.
60 Results | sort by:
Caffein - Caffein Team, Nota, Inc.
Grades
7 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Create a video chat room site quickly and easily. Choose the name of your room and invite others through the sharing of a link. Video chat rooms are private by ...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:
Create a video chat room site quickly and easily. Choose the name of your room and invite others through the sharing of a link. Video chat rooms are private by default and can be changed easily. Share your chat room easily by link, embedding, or sharing on Twitter or Facebook. Controls for the chat room are easy to find and use.
In the Classroom
Some schools may block this tool. If you set up a room for currculum use, you may be able to request that specific url be unblocked. Use this tool as an easy video chat when collaborating with other students in different schools. Set up a chat space to interview older people about events in history. (You may need to have someone tech-savvy help set up the webcam at their end.) This resource would also be beneficial for students who are home for an extended illness or on vacation when discussion with group members may be necessary. Use this tool in any subject that requires collaboration and video chats. Save this link for snow days when you would like to set up a quick update chat with your students. You might even have webcam parent conferences!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!).
Sign up genius - Skylark Productions
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Create private or public sign ups for easy creation of snack lists, volunteer sheets, party planners, parent/teacher conference planning, or project preparation. Sign up for free using...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:
Create private or public sign ups for easy creation of snack lists, volunteer sheets, party planners, parent/teacher conference planning, or project preparation. Sign up for free using an email address (email verification not required.) View your created sign ups under "My Account." Be sure to view the Frequently Asked Questions for help in using this simple resource. Find complete guides for an even smoother sign up process under the "Planning Resources" tab. Follow the directions for creating your sign up including all the details. "Invite" and "Publish" to set your privacy options as well as enter the email information to send to others. Add a web button to your site to take users directly to your home page to find active sign ups (find this function under "My Account").
tag(s): charts and graphs (113)
In the Classroom
The possibilities are endless. Use this for planning parties, bringing in materials for projects, and any other activity that requires coordination. If you have limited technology availability, this is a great way for teachers or students to sign up for time slots to use laptops, iPads, video cameras, or a podcast recording station. Go paperless with your signups! Organize your parent/teacher conferences. Plan student research of class projects using this resource. Help students build organizational skills by having them "plan" a mythical event such as a museum opening for their Famous Americans exhibit.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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!).
My Young Child - Early Parenting Foundation
Grades
K to 3
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Find online stories to read with young children and help build values. Each title states the value taught: honesty, patience, self-esteem, respect, forgiveness, and fairness. Stories...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 online stories to read with young children and help build values. Each title states the value taught: honesty, patience, self-esteem, respect, forgiveness, and fairness. Stories can be read together or children can watch a video and follow along with the story. The site includes a section for parents with tips on reading with children and promoting good values. The educators section of the site has tips for using the site in the classroom and includes more ideas for parents.
tag(s): bullying (38), child development (15), literacy (99), parent conferences (14), parents (15)
In the Classroom
These short videos/audio books are perfect to share on your interactive whiteboard or projector during class meeting or lesson on honesty or other character values. Share this site on your classroom website or newsletters for students to access at home and to share reading tips with parents. Videos can be embedded on your website or blog for review. This is a winner to share at parent conferences in primary grades!
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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!).
Jotform - Interlogy, LLC
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
1 Comments
Use JotForm to quickly build a professional online form. Build contact forms, surveys, and many other forms in a matter of minutes. Customize to meet your needs. Use the large, ...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:
Use JotForm to quickly build a professional online form. Build contact forms, surveys, and many other forms in a matter of minutes. Customize to meet your needs. Use the large, empty canvas by dragging and dropping elements. Generate and post your form online and receive an email for every survey response.
tag(s): polls and surveys (8)
In the Classroom
Use in the classroom for a survey, collecting student information, or any time you are looking for feedback. Use this site for checking student knowledge quickly and easily. Use in projects, including graduation projects. Students can collect data for analysis. Teachers can collect input from parents or students, including conference concerns to know about in advance or questions students have about current curriculum topics. Students who might never speak up in class may be willing to share their questions online, especially if it is anonymous.Comments
Jotform is really easy to use! But there are some limits regarding how long and often you can use it without paying. I also use Google forms/ spreadsheets in my class to make forms. Google spreadsheets also have gadgets that let you graph the results!Elise, CO, Grades: 0 - 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!).
The Explorers' Graveyard - TeachersFirst
Grades
3 to 6
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Combine writing, an explorers' study, and fall celebrations using this activity which asks students to compose an epitaph for an explorer of their choice. Writing and art opportunities...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:
Combine writing, an explorers' study, and fall celebrations using this activity which asks students to compose an epitaph for an explorer of their choice. Writing and art opportunities abound, and the end product makes a great display for parent-teacher conferences.
In the Classroom
Take advantage of this free and interactive lesson plan! Just be sure to save it as a favorite to allow for easy retrieval later on!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!).
Volunteer Spot - Volunteer Spot
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Manage classroom helpers, conference nights, and much more with this easy to use web service. This is a real time saver since everyone schedules their own time online - no ...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:
Manage classroom helpers, conference nights, and much more with this easy to use web service. This is a real time saver since everyone schedules their own time online - no more gathering and sorting papers, and preparing schedules! After signing up for free at the site, teachers can create items and add to a calendar along with different length time spots, as needed. Once the event has been set up, share the url with parents and others via a web page link, email, or school newsletter. Once a participant has signed up for a time spot they receive email confirmation, and an email reminder close before their assigned time. (WOW!) They can also go in and cancel their assigned time completely or choose another time. This feature can be locked if you don't want changes close to the event. Schedules are printable so that they can be posted and used during the event period. For a quick overview of how to use the site, be sure to watch the short video tour included on the home page.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): calendars (17), parent conferences (14)
In the Classroom
Teachers can use this for conference night sign-ups; parents can see time slots available immediately and choose what is best for them. This is also great to use for classroom volunteer schedules, class snack sign-ups, and more. School organizations such as PTO's can use this to schedule volunteers for fundraisers, library helpers, and any other activities requiring a volunteer pool. After creating an event, be sure to post the link to the sign up on your class webpage, blog, and in class newsletters. Teachers will also love using this to organize faculty events and more.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!).
Cycles vs. Checklists: Fostering Creative Process in an Accountability World - TeachersFirst/Candace Hackett Shively
Grades
6 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Accountability for curriculum creates a tug-of-war with creativity in the data-driven world of education. Find ideas and examples for respecting and incorporating students' creative...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:
Accountability for curriculum creates a tug-of-war with creativity in the data-driven world of education. Find ideas and examples for respecting and incorporating students' creative process as an overlay to even the most restrictive curriculum in these pages, originally part of a presentation by Candace Hackett Shively at the ISTE 2011 conference. Take a high-level look at what theorists and practicing "creative people" say about creative process, and find practical ways to make that process a habit in your classroom. Download customizable assignments and rubrics as examples to use with middle and high school students. This resource is a "macro" overview of creative process, companion to the "micro" (skills based) analysis offered in our Dimensions of Creativity pages.
tag(s): creativity (53)
In the Classroom
Teachers in any subject will find ideas for fostering creativity in their classroom, especially with students developmentally ready to talk about their own creative process (usually middle school and up). Make this professional information a discussion item among your teaching peers and with parents. Share it with colleagues for an informal inservice session. Use the many resources to help students discover their own creative process just as you would help them discover their learning styles. Make creative process a habit in your class assignments through electronic idea bins and more.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!).
Invention at Play - Smithsonian Museum of National History
Grades
K to 6
3 Favorites
0 Comments
The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation offers this site as a way to explore and learn how to play. The site includes opportunities for play that ...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:
The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation offers this site as a way to explore and learn how to play. The site includes opportunities for play that develops visual thinking, problem solving, exploration, and collaboration. You can also create your own doodles to help develop creative thinking and invention. There is a link to inventor's stories, including stories from little known and well known inventors such as Stephanie Kwolek (Kevlar) and Alexander Bell (telephone). Each story includes background on the inventor and information on how their idea developed. Teachers may find the section entitled "Does Play Matter" useful as a resource to back up using play in the classroom. Several videos are included demonstrating play activities and skills developed through play and the use of common toys.
tag(s): biographies (22), inventors and inventions (88), problem solving (105)
In the Classroom
Create a link to the site on classroom computers for students to explore the games. Share the site with parents on your classroom website or blog as a resource for using play as a learning tool. Share the site at conferences or parent meetings as a resource for developing learning skills through play. Include the inventor biographies as a resource for students when researching inventors.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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!).
Plugged In Parent - Sharon Miller Cindrich
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This site offers many resources and links to information about internet safety for both parents and teachers. Each month there is a discussion of a Hot Topic concerning the internet....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:
This site offers many resources and links to information about internet safety for both parents and teachers. Each month there is a discussion of a Hot Topic concerning the internet. One recent topic was a site called Chat Roulette that many teenagers are now using. The resource page provides links to other sites about internet safety as well as safe sites for children to use as a resource for class work. There is also a blog by the site's author about internet issues; however, it is rarely updated.
tag(s): internet safety (62), safety (99)
In the Classroom
Share this site on your class website as a resource for parents to find internet safety information as well as links to academic resources. Include information from the site as short informational tidbits for parents on your weekly newsletter or with peers during staff meetings or conferences.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!).
Togetherville - Mandeep Singh Dhillon & Rajveer
Grades
K to 5
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Togetherville is a safe social networking site for parents and their children (age 6- to 10). This site provides the perfect opportunity for parents to teach their children how 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:
Togetherville is a safe social networking site for parents and their children (age 6- to 10). This site provides the perfect opportunity for parents to teach their children how to interact safely and appropriately on-line. Sign up for a free account through Facebook. Parents create their child's profile, decide who they can communicate with, supervise all on-line conversations, and -- most importantly -- have fun playing on-line with their child. There are kid friendly activities such as games, badges for good on-line behavior, virtual gifts, videos, and even a chance to create art. Since parents pre-approve all on-line "friends," children use their real names and pictures. The connection to Facebook makes it easy to link children to family and friends but all interactions occur only on Togetherville.
tag(s): social networking (40)
In the Classroom
Have your school sponsor a parent education night about online safety. Recommend this site to parents as way to develop digital citizenship skills with supervision. Together parent and students can practice how to communicate online with respect, interact responsibly, and enjoy the benefits of social networking. Encourage parents to use Togetherville before allowing their child to use the more popular social networking sites. As the topic of online behavior comes up during parent conferences, you may want to share this link with them in person or on your class web page.
This resource requires Adobe Flash and 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!).
Speed Grid Subtraction
Grades
2 to 6
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Speed Grid Subtraction challenges students to use two numbers on the grid to reach the given answer. Detailed instructions are provided at the website homepage. ...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:
Speed Grid Subtraction challenges students to use two numbers on the grid to reach the given answer. Detailed instructions are provided at the website homepage.
tag(s): subtraction (110)
In the Classroom
Have students try this activity as a warm up for skills practice. A great opportunity for informal assessment when used in a conference setting. Have student record the number of problems completed within the time frame given. Have students graph improvement over a set amount of time. Students can share graphs with parents. Create an online book using a tool such as Bookemon, reviewed here to share the class graphs.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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!).
Story Maker - British Council
Grades
2 to 4
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Students can write their own stories online. First they select the genre (fairy, horror, sci fi) and then select characters to be in the story, places, favorite animals, colors, etc....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:
Students can write their own stories online. First they select the genre (fairy, horror, sci fi) and then select characters to be in the story, places, favorite animals, colors, etc. The story maker then creates the short story. Students can read it there or select the printing option. At the end of the story, you can click to create another story, A dictionary is available on site. This might be useful for ESL and ELL students.
In the Classroom
This activity would work well for individual or pairs of students in a lab or on laptops. Be sure to help your weaker readers and ESL/ELL students by sharing the vocabulary words (names of animals, pets, etc.) prior to using, either on a handout or by projecting on an interactive whiteboard and highlighting them in the text as you come to them. Teach parts of speech as students recognize how the story maker "plugs in" their word choices to create the stories mad-lib style. Share the printables with parents at open house or conferences. Have students record their stories on a podcast and share the podcasts using a site such as PodOmatic (reviewed here). Teach parts of speech as students recognize how the story maker "plugs in" their word choices to create the stories mad-lib style.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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!).
Basic Intergenerational Financial Literacy - National Center for Family Literacy
Grades
2 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This site provides tools for financial literacy including an introduction to basic financial ideas and vocabulary, budget decision practices, and ideas for including students in conversations...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:
This site provides tools for financial literacy including an introduction to basic financial ideas and vocabulary, budget decision practices, and ideas for including students in conversations about money. Although the page looks very text-heavy the linked activities are more interactive. Activities may be introduced at school but are well-suited for parents and students to do together at home.
tag(s): money (124)
In the Classroom
Use the resources on this site to enrich a mathematics unit on money or a mini-society social studies unit. Share the site links and printables with parents at open house or conferences, so students can further engage in financial literacy topics. Use the value ranking resource as a discussion starter for older students. Students can complete activities independently and then share with a peer.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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!).
Magazine Cover Maker - Big Huge Labs
Grades
3 to 12
5 Favorites
0 Comments
Create authentic-looking magazine covers sure to attract double-takes. Simply upload a photo to create your cover. If you do not need to SAVE the photo for online access later, you...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:
Create authentic-looking magazine covers sure to attract double-takes. Simply upload a photo to create your cover. If you do not need to SAVE the photo for online access later, you do not even need to join the site. Covers you create can be downloaded as completed images or sent via email and other sharing tools (Facebook, etc). Photos can be uploaded from your files, Flickr, your website, or other photosharing sites. Fill in your desired text for the titles and sub-titles and choose colors for them. It's that simple. Click 'Create' at the bottom and you have a magazine cover that will leave others in awe. For more creative ideas using Big Huge Labs, go to the top of the page and click on Big Huge Labs Blog or Forum. Big Huge Labs offers MANY similar tools, such as Mapmaker, reviewed here. Of course, this site offers advanced options for a fee or with free registration, but neither is necessary.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): bulletin boards (7), flickr (7)
In the Classroom
You need to know how to locate your photos on your computer or photo sharing site. Click the little white boxes to change text colors, etc. as you enter desired text. SAVE your completed cover when done. Be sure to give it a meaningful name if you are creating several covers on the same computer!If you and your students simply use the tool without joining the site, there are no problems with email, profiles, etc. You do need to demonstrate the tool and specifically explain which links students should NOT use, including ads and links to social networking sites that are prohibited in your school. These may be blocked, anyway. Make sure you watch and teach copyright issues in snatching photos from the web.
Have students create magazine covers of themselves as a getting to know you activity and classroom bulletin board. Print and laminate magazine covers to make them appear even more authentic. Or share the images (WITHOUT student names) on your class wiki or web page. When doing reports for any subject, have students create magazine covers that mimic the real thing instead of boring plain covers. Make covers about famous Americans, scientists, or historic figures. Make covers about objects, as well. Assign students to research a vegetable and create a cover about its nutrients, recipes, and more as part of your nutrition unit! Guidance teachers or principals can feature exemplary students using this tool. Bulletin board creativity will skyrocket using Big Huge Labs Magazine Cover. Why not offer a rotating PowerPoint slide show of student-made magazine covers for parents to view as they wait in the hallway for conferences?
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!).
TokBox - TokBox, Inc.
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Video chat with teachers and students all over the world through this free video site, TokBox. All you need is a webcam and a connected computer. Simply do a quick ...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:
Video chat with teachers and students all over the world through this free video site, TokBox. All you need is a webcam and a connected computer. Simply do a quick sign-up and TokBox will give you a link to use to connect in a live video chat. Invite someone to join you by giving to them the link (email it, tweet it, etc). They click on the link and you both are ready to chat. If no webcam is available, you can use Tokbox for audio only. You can also put a recorded 'Tok box' or a link to your live Tokbox on your blog or personal webpage. Anyone can visit your page, press the "Push to Talk" button, and can connect to you in real time using live video and audio.
tag(s): professional development (9), speech (78)
In the Classroom
Join the site and immediately begin to explore the tools. You need to know how to enable your webcam ("allow" the site to access your camera and mike). It is also helpful to be able to use the set-up tools offered on the Tokbox site for setting video and audio levels,''"just the first time you use Tokbox. Once you join, you will see a screen for using an IM service. You can skip that and skip accessing friends from your email. Skip the profile and go to "Start or join your first video chat. "ALLOW your webcam and mike to be accessed by Tokbox. Once you see yourself on screen, click "Share" to copy the link to your chat. Paste it in an email or Tweet, wait for your contact to click and join, and Voila, you are on video chat! You will probably need to click the little tool icon and "configure audio and video" to be heard well. Your guest at the other ends does NOT need to join Tokbox but will probably need to do the tools adjustment, as well.No need to create a "profile" unless you want your class to have one together, such as "Mrs. Smith's class from Wyoming." Keep descriptions generic so people must actually know you to be able to find you. Important to note: You have control with whom you wish to communicate. Privacy settings allow you to make yourself known only to your "friends" list. If you have frequent contact with other classes, keep their email or Tokbox link in your friends info. If you do Tweet your Tokbox link, be sure to DIRECT message it so others do not see it on Twitter.
Applications for this site extend through all subject areas, as you connect with classrooms all over the world, exploring a vast array of subjects, languages, and social connections. Foreign language learners can talk in real-time to other language learners. Teachers, you may consider putting the 'box' on your webpage and host weekly parent conferences via TokBox for those tech-savvy parents unable to make face-to-face visits. Like fireside chats, this could be a way to communicate classroom happenings as well. Have weekly ToxBox sharing sessions during lunch so students have a chance to chat about what is happening at school with parents and others in your extended classroom community. Set up interviews with community officials, scientists, or military veterans. You are able to video conference with Tokbox, allowing 25-30 people to see you at one time. They simply need your link and your time to meet. Think about professional development opportunities using Tokbox, such as chatting with similar grade level or subject teachers at other schools. For more ideas on using webcams with ESL/ELL student and world language students, see Nik Peachey's 20 Web Cam Activities for ESL/EFL Students, reviewed here. See additional ideas in our discussion of Skype, reviewed here.
Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
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!).
Leading to Reading - Reading is Fundamental (RIF)
Grades
K to 2
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This interactive and chatty site from RIF shares activities for the preschool and early childhood set, including interactive books read aloud (see Preschoolers and click on "read"),...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:
This interactive and chatty site from RIF shares activities for the preschool and early childhood set, including interactive books read aloud (see Preschoolers and click on "read"), book and activity ideas (see "grownups"), audio songs and nursery rhymes with the words on screen, and much more. The entire site is available in Spanish by clicking Español at the top right. The interactive books then display with BOTH English and Spanish available! Many classic activities and nursery rhymes are included in the "Baby and Toddler" section but would work well in a kindergarten classroom, too. Monthly Activity calendars to promote literacy at home are available in both English and Spanish.
tag(s): nursery rhymes (14), rhymes (21), songs (37), spanish (73)
In the Classroom
The many activities on this site are ideal for an interactive whiteboard or computer center in a pre-K through primary classroom. You will need to turn up your speakers or provide headphones. Even ESL/ELL teachers may find the ability to play the activities and books over and over very helpful for your young students. After sharing the interactive books in a center, why not write a book together as a class, creating the pages in PowerPoint, then uploading to record the audio in Voicethread, reviewed here. Teachers will also want to share the parent handouts at back to school night or conferences and to share this link on your class web page for your readers and their siblings and parents to use at home. Share a regular "reading tip" with your parents. There are loads on this site! You might even send home the monthly activity calendar printables.
This resource requires Adobe Flash and 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!).
DimDim - DimDim, Inc.
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
So you want to meet with other teachers around the globe and your school can't afford for you and your students to fly there? No problem. Sign up for free ...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:
So you want to meet with other teachers around the globe and your school can't afford for you and your students to fly there? No problem. Sign up for free video conferencing through DimDim. For the free version of this web conferencing site, up to 20 conference attendees can communicate with each other. No downloads are needed. Power point presentations, graphs, pdf documents, plus more, can be shared via DimDim conferencing.
Warning--this is a commercial site, so upgrades on services are offered prominently. As with most high-tech sites, these upgrades to the premium levels are offered for a cost (DimDim Pro). DimDim Free is free.
Warning--this is a commercial site, so upgrades on services are offered prominently. As with most high-tech sites, these upgrades to the premium levels are offered for a cost (DimDim Pro). DimDim Free is free.
tag(s): professional development (9)
In the Classroom
You should be comfortable exploring this website to see which features are free versus which features are offered for a fee. A fast connection for your computer is advantageous as you watch the various videos to learn about the site. After viewing the tutorials, why not experiment with friends or colleagues before embarking on a prestigious seminar. It is easy to use, however, the more you get acquainted with it, the easier it will be. You will need to impart knowledge of how to use this tool when setting up a conference with parents or colleagues.To get started, a quick registration is necessary. We suggest that you watch the tutorial videos after signing up to learn how to use the various features. If at any point you need to talk to a DimDim service employee, click on "Talk to Us." Type in your question and you will receive instant feedback. To host a web meeting, simply click on "Host Meeting." Create a name for your "Room" (that's the place you and your attendees will meet). Next, create a Meeting Name (that's the name of your seminar or meeting). Type in a description of the agenda so that others will know what information will be shared. Type in the email addresses of your invited attendees and an invitation will be sent to those people. Type in the Room Key (that's basically the password your attendees will need to enter your web conference. Now, you're ready to talk to a group of friends or colleagues. At the appointed time, your attendees will click on a link (sent to them via email) that will send them directly into your web conference. The free version lets attendees listen to each other.
While this site may mainly be for teacher usage, there may be occasions when older students will be using this site to conference with peers in other schools or countries. The content shared by others during the conference will need to be monitored closely.
Applications for this site extend through all subject areas, as you connect with classrooms all over the world, exploring a vast array of subjects, languages, and social connections. World language learners will appreciate this site to talk in real-time to other language learners. Professional development is easy when the presenter invites up to 20 attendees to learn more about various educational subjects. Offer web conferencing through DimDim for students' parents when you need to discuss details of upcoming projects or field trips. Save time and travel expenses, by chatting via DimDim! Have students "host" a DimDim session to "teach" others at another school about local history, news, or a current unit of study. Invite parents to learn from the students, too!
Edge Features:
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
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!).
Handsonscotland - Playfield Institute
Grades
9 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This site, designed in Scotland, is primarily for use by adults who have concerns about the behavior or emotional well being of children and teens. As it describes itself, it ...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:
This site, designed in Scotland, is primarily for use by adults who have concerns about the behavior or emotional well being of children and teens. As it describes itself, it is a "Toolkit of helpful responses to encourage children and young people's emotional wellbeing." It could also be useful for a high school health class, psychology class, or child development course. A newer section includes strategies to help children "flourish," specifically to "Learn how to: Build confidence; encourage gratitude; promote optimism; nurture good relationships; foster a sense of purpose; develop emotional balance...and much more!" This area is organized by specific positive characteristics and skills parents and others want to develop in children.
The "Troubling Behaviors" area follows a problem-solution format: first describing the behavior, pointing out things to consider, questions for further self-understanding, ways to help, and signals that a mental health professional ought to be involved. There are video clips with many of the topics. The site is notable for its straightforward and non-judgmental tone.
The "Troubling Behaviors" area follows a problem-solution format: first describing the behavior, pointing out things to consider, questions for further self-understanding, ways to help, and signals that a mental health professional ought to be involved. There are video clips with many of the topics. The site is notable for its straightforward and non-judgmental tone.
tag(s): behavior (29), mental health (9)
In the Classroom
Consider sharing the video clips (relevant to your class) on an interactive whiteboard or projector. In health (or psychology) class have students investigate one topic and present their findings to the class in a multimedia format: wiki, blog, podcast, or video. How about having students create a podcast using Podomatic (reviewed here). They might even role-play some of the scenarios. If students create a video, share the videos using a site such as Teachertube (explained here).While this site might be useful as a resource for a high school health, psychology, or child development class, its main benefit is for teachers, parents, and other adults who care for and work with children and teens. Consider adding this link to your class web page as a resource for parents or sharing specific ideas with parents at conferences.
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!).
Helping Children Cope in Unsettling Times:The Economic Crisis; Tips for Parents and Teachers - NASP
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This informative and friendly article from the National Association of School Psychologists provides easy-to-implement suggestions for teacher and parents in helping children and teens...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:
This informative and friendly article from the National Association of School Psychologists provides easy-to-implement suggestions for teacher and parents in helping children and teens cope tough economic times. Many of the tips are similar to what we may already know about helping students in times of stress, but this article refocuses adults to tune into the economic crisis from the point of view of the child/teen.
In the Classroom
Take the time to read and implement the classroom suggestions for all ages, including taking time to note any signs of students "at risk." Share this printable pdf with your colleagues and with parents via a link from your teacher web page or as an insert in a school or classroom newsletter. If you have an information table at PTO/PTA functions or in your conference waiting area, this is a good handout to include.
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!).
Lexile - MetaMetrics, Inc.
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Whether or not your school uses the Lexile system to measure reading levels, you will want to become familiar with it as one way to measure the reading level ...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:
Whether or not your school uses the Lexile system to measure reading levels, you will want to become familiar with it as one way to measure the reading level of a book. Lexile level information, along with the student's own participation in the choice, can make book selection a positive experience for any reader. Many publishers are now offering Lexiles to measure the reading levels of their materials. Many schools use Lexile measuring to determine the precise reading level of their students. Explore "About Lexiles" menu for more information on 'how' the measuring is done. On the homepage, click on the Tools menu to find a Lexile Analyzer that allows you to cut and paste text into an entry box to determine its Lexile readability level. (You will need to register for the free use of the Analyzer.) Choose English (or another language) book database to find the Lexile level of your classroom books. The Lexile Calculator lets you figure out the rate of comprehension based upon Lexile scores. Lexile leveling is also available for Spanish text. Explore the variety of tools to help analyze and match books for your students.
Registration is free. An email address is required, as is some other information. Some materials on this site require Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
Another helpful resource in understanding Lexile levels is this pdf comparison chart from Harcourt (opens in Acrobat Reader).
Registration is free. An email address is required, as is some other information. Some materials on this site require Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
Another helpful resource in understanding Lexile levels is this pdf comparison chart from Harcourt (opens in Acrobat Reader).
tag(s): readability (7)
In the Classroom
Make Lexiles one of the tools you use to make reading a positive experience for your students. The more you know about the student and the actual content of the books, the more helpful the Lexiles can be in assisting a match. If your school reports data to parents using Lexile scoring, download the white papers to give to them at conferences to explain Lexile scores in 'parent friendly' language. Include this link on your classroom web page. If your students know their Lexile level, you will want Lexile levels on your classroom library materials so students can match a book to both their reading level and their interests. As an FYI, SOME books listed on Barnes and Noble's online site include Lexile levels in the descriptions (just after age level). Lexile connects to Barnes and Noble directly from this site.
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!).
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form