Google Drive: A Teacher's View

I use Google Drive nearly everyday.  This video gives a quick peek into some of it's features and uses.

Learn more here:
Google Docs for Teachers from Free Tech 4 Teachers

Google Drive Help

Turn a Web Article into a Mini Ebook

Finding the perfect online content can be a chore, but the process of sharing that content in a meaningful way is also a pain.  When I found some wonderful (but wordy) web articles that I just didn't feel like reading off of my monitor (or printing a million pages), I devised a way to reformat the pages I wanted to read into a small, easy-to-read ebook.  Enjoying the article on my Kindle made me realize that this could be a valuable tool for teachers.

Many times, I find juicy educational information online, and it's not in a kid-friendly place.  There may be related articles and videos with more adult tones, weird advertisements, or profane comments left below the article.  By using a free tool, Print What You Like, you can easily remove the inappropriate extras, enlarge or reduce text size, save the article as a PDF, and more.  You can then easily convert the PDF to other file types for use on Kindle, iPad, Nook, or other e-readers.  Great for 1:1 schools.

Possible applications:

• Make informational or procedural articles easier to read and use in Language Arts
• Load current events articles without iffy comments and related stories onto iPads or ereaders for a reading center
• Create materials with larger text and less distracting elements for special needs students
• Make PDF or e-reader articles available for students without internet access to download and read at home

This free tutorial shows you how to save and reformat a web page for reading on a tablet, e-reader, Kindle, Nook, iPad, etc.

The Brain and Neuroscience for Middle School

I'll be teaching my 6-8 graders a little bit about how their brain works.  I found some wonderful resources at Kid's Health.  I plan on using this neat "parts of the brain" interactive as well as this short cartoon about the nervous system. 
I think middle-school kiddos are totally ready to learn about themselves, including their anatomy that makes learning possible. 


Kid's Health has lots of other resources related to health, body systems, emotional and mental health issues, and some cool yoga for students.

Word Wall Pack: Prefixes, Roots, Suffixes

After searching for a word study resource to no avail, I decided to make exactly what I wanted!

This free resource pack includes 20 of the most commonly used prefixes, roots, and suffixes.  I created this using Google Docs, and I'll be sharing the links to the files here.  All files can be modified or used as you like for educational purposes.  You can print from the Google Docs file, share the file, or save/print as a PDF.

Included:
Prefix Chart
Suffix Chart
Root Chart
     Lists all the included morphemes with examples.  Print/share a copy for student or teacher use.

Prefix Cards
Suffix Cards
Root Cards
     Created as a Docs presentation with each term as a slide.  Print/share as flashcards by printing (on paper or as PDF) with 6 to 4 slides per page.

This should work well with the word study component of CSCOPE, which is a popular curriculum in Texas.  I will be working on quizzes for this resource pack.  Once again, this is totally free for all teacher, tutors, parents, anybody!

Free Graphic Organizers from ReadWriteThink.org

These are great printables for the language arts or reading classroom.  

Character Map

Compare and Contrast

Concept Map

Conflict Map

Essay Map

Seed Discussion Organizer

Book Review Template

RAFT Writing Template

Anticipation Guide

Peer Editing Checklist

I Learn Technology: My Favorite Ed Tech Resource Site

I Learn Technology by K. Tenkley is absolutely chock-full of interactive websites, free resources, and tips for integrating technology into the classroom.  A great read that is well worth your time.

Be sure to use the drop-down boxes on the right so that you can quickly pull up resources for your subject area or interest.  There is a wealth of information on this site; I recommend spending some time browsing.  You might be surprised at what you will find.

My favorites:
Virtual Field Trips
Tips to Help You Go Paperless
Alternatives to Book Reports