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Community Resource Roundup: Math Fact Fluency

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

Ali Worsham, an Instructional Coach at Pine Tree ISD, recently asked the TCEA community, “What do y’all use for practicing math fact fluency? We currently use Xtra Math for our morning math drills, however a lot of our students have completed all of it. We have some using GimKit and paper based practices, and we chose not to renew our Reflex math subscription this year. We’re just looking for other options to keep it fresh!”

Well, that post got a ton of great answers that are jam packed with fun and engaging resources — so we’re sharing them with you! Check out some of our top community responses to that post below.

Math Fact Fluency Resources for Your Classroom

Karen Eden, a third grade math and science teacher at Georgetown ISD said…

“I have my students play games. I have played Pop-it multiplication with a 10×10 pop-it and students roll a dice (or two) to get their multiplication fact and then create the array on the pop-it. They also play Trash, which is a card game. I made 40 index cards with the multiples on them (so, 4 sets of multiples), and the kids lay the cards out face down in a ten frame. The first player picks a card from the draw pile and places that card in the correct spot where it would go in the ten frame, and then flips that card over and places it in the correct spot. Play continues like that until the first player gets a duplicate multiple, which then “goes in the trash”. The next player can then take that multiple out of the trash or pick a new card from the draw pile. The first player to reveal all 10 multiples wins that round. Circles and stars is also another great game to practice fact fluency and just requires a pair of dice. Students can fold their paper into 8ths and then draw the circles and stars in each box on their paper. I have students place a check or an x whether they win or lose the round (highest product wins). Games are great, fun ways to get students practicing their fact fluency!”

Jo Ellen Clive, a technology instructional coach at Scarborough Public School said…

“We are using Multiplication by Heart. They were bought out by Desmos recently, so the login is different than previous years, but it still works the same from the student end. Basically, it’s a daily 30-problem practice set of facts. It uses the concept of Spaced Repetition for frequent review and building mastery. The teacher can view student progress from their dashboard. In addition to multiplication, there are also practice decks for Number Recognition, Addition & Subtraction, and Division.”

Tiffany Crosson from Northside Christian School said…

“Boddle Math is free and you can assign addition/multiplication/etc. math facts for kids to practice.”

Sanna Elza, a third grade math and science teacher at Friendswood ISD, said…

“SplashLearn is what I use! It is free and has a gamified curriculum that is aligned to the TEKS! The kids love it!”

Dina Francisco, an instructional technology coach at the Memphis Business Academy, said…

“MobyMax is great for Math Facts, it starts with addition, then subtraction, multiplication, and then division. The nice thing about it, I really liked was the report you could print and send home to show progress.”

Katie Endorf, an educational technologist at Christ Community Lutheran School, said…

“Number Hive is another great math practice resource. No data tracking on the free version but it’s a very reasonably priced program. Works on any device, there is an app. Good math fact practice and they can compete against a classmate.”

Which resource is your favorite?

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this discussion in the TCEA Community! Which resource are you excited to use first? Let us know (and keep the suggestions coming!) in the comments below.

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Increase annotation skills with these 11 no-login, free websites to find short articles for your classroom
Classroom ActivitiesContent AreasEnglish Language Arts Reading (ELAR)Reading

11 No-Login Websites to Find Short Articles for Classroom Bellringers

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

Bell ringers: the holy grail of classroom management. They get your students settled, focused, and ready to roll — all without you breaking a sweat (hopefully). But what if your bell ringer could also help your students sharpen their critical thinking skills and become annotation wizards? Enter short articles. Adding annotation practice to your bell ringer routine is a win-win. Students engage with thought-provoking texts while mastering the art of marking up, questioning, and analyzing. Here’s how you can pull it off and where to find short articles to keep your class hooked.

Why Annotation?

Annotations are like having a conversation with the text. When students highlight key ideas, circle tricky vocabulary, or jot down questions, they’re actively engaging with what they’re reading. This active engagement promotes deeper understanding and retention of the material. Additionally, annotating prepares students for class discussions, writing assignments, and standardized tests by enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills. In essence, annotating isn’t just a skill; it’s a superpower that transforms passive reading into an interactive learning experience.

Bell Ringers Made Easy

Here’s the game plan for making article annotation your new favorite bell ringer: 

1. Find Short Articles: Go for something that’ll grab their attention but won’t take up half the period. Think quirky science discoveries, current events, or relatable stories. 

2. Set Annotation Goals: Give students a mission: Highlight the main idea. Circle words they don’t know. Underline evidence or supporting details. Write a question in the margin. 

3. Set a Timer: Keep it short and sweet. Five to ten minutes tops. 

4. Quick Share-Out: Pair students up to compare notes or have a lightning round of discussion.

Find Short Articles Your Students Will Love

Good news: You don’t have to scour the internet for hours. These sites have you covered with engaging, student-friendly articles—and no logins required.

DOGOnews
Fun and quirky current events for kids and teens. Perfect for grabbing their attention.

Tween Tribune (by the Smithsonian)
Topics range from science and tech to pop culture. Adjustable reading levels for differentiation.

The New York Times Learning Network
Current events with a student-friendly twist. Critical thinking prompts included. This one is my favorite because it always brings relevant, high-quality articles that can spark great discussions in class!

Kids Discover Online
Offers free articles on science, history, and culture. Designed to spark curiosity in students of all ages.

Time for Kids
Engaging and relevant articles on current events, science, and social studies.

Fact Monster
Great for quick, student-friendly articles on a variety of topics, from history to science and pop culture.

Scholastic Kids Press
Written by kids, for kids. Relatable and fun.

Science News for Students
A great source for science-focused articles written in an accessible way for students.

Wonderopolis
Encourages curiosity with short articles answering fun and interesting questions about the world. Students can even submit their own wonder questions and vote on which ones should be answered next, making it an interactive and engaging experience!

BBC Newsround
A student-friendly site covering global news, entertainment, and fun features. Perfect for keeping students informed and engaged.

HowStuffWorks
Short, fascinating articles explaining how things work in science, technology, and beyond.

Pro Tips for Annotation Success

  • Break Out Those Highlighters: Encourage students to use different colors for specific tasks—yellow for main ideas, green for supporting details, and blue for vocabulary words. Instant rainbow, instant clarity.
  • Symbols FTW: Create a simple annotation key, like stars for key points, question marks for things they don’t understand, and exclamation marks for anything mind-blowing. Keep it simple, but make it fun.
  • Show Them How It’s Done: Model your own annotations on the first article. Let them see your thought process—mistakes and all. It makes the whole thing feel less intimidating.
  • Let Them Get Creative: Doodles? Emojis? Absolutely. If a smiley face helps them remember why a detail is important, let them roll with it. Annotation doesn’t have to be boring.

Why Your Students Will Actually Enjoy This

Short articles mean they won’t feel overwhelmed, and the variety of topics keeps things fresh. One day it’s a bizarre animal discovery; the next, it’s a debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. (Spoiler: it does.) When students see that reading and annotating can be fun, they’ll dive in with enthusiasm. Well, most of them. We all know there’s always that one kid…

I get it because I used to be that kid. I loved to read but felt overwhelmed at the thought of big projects or tackling long texts all at once. Short articles made the task feel doable and gave me the confidence to dive in. I could focus on the details, pick out key points, and feel like I accomplished something. It’s this sense of success and control that makes short articles a great choice for students who might otherwise feel overwhelmed.

Bringing It All Together

Adding short article annotations to your bell ringer lineup is a simple way to boost reading comprehension, critical thinking, and classroom engagement. When you find short articles with resources like DOGOnews, Tween Tribune, and Scholastic Kids Press, you’ll never run out of material to keep your students interested. Try it out, and watch as your class becomes annotation pros in no time. Happy annotating! 

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Classroom ActivitiesEnglish Language Arts Reading (ELAR)Reading

Seven Strategies to Make K-12 Vocabulary Lessons Unforgettable

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

As a Gen Xer, I grew up studying vocabulary words for every subject. From reciting vocabulary for spelling and meaning, I spent my share of time cramming vocabulary and concepts. Cramming doesn’t work well, as you’ll see below. Students cram for vocabulary quizzes and forget the words in days. It’s a common struggle. But what if lessons could leave words etched in their minds? In this blog, you will explore seven strategies to assist you in making your K-12 vocabulary lessons unforgettable.

Cramming and K-12 Vocabulary Lessons

It’s no secret that cramming does not work well. That’s because of how our brains work. A high-effect size instructional strategy, Spaced vs Massed Practice, has us space out over time the intervals when we study information. This ensures that significant learning occurs. Combined with retrieval practice, you can make long-term memory connections for new information. Flashcards, practice problems, and writing prompts can improve learning.

Image created by the author

As you can see, Knisha extends her time to learn something well over multiple days, even weeks, in shorter segments of time. In this way, her brain retains the information over the long-term. Let’s take a look at a few different strategies you can rely on for vocabulary knowledge.

1. Leverage the Frayer Model

The Frayer Model breaks vocabulary into four parts: definition, traits, examples, and opposites. This structure boosts understanding and memory by engaging the mind in multiple ways. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction describes it in this way:

A FRAYER MODEL is a graphic organizer that helps students determine or clarify the meaning of vocabulary words encountered while listening, reading, and viewing texts. It is used before reading to activate background knowledge, during reading to monitor vocabulary, or after reading to assess vocabulary. This strategy supports students’ acquisition of new words and using resource materials by providing students with a structure to examine words for their definitions, characteristics, examples, and non-examples. Word learning requires multiple exposures to the word within meaningful contexts (source)

Grade-Level Applications:

  • K–2: Provide pre-filled templates with images. For example, for “habitat,” use pictures of a forest, desert, or ocean.
  • 3–5: Have students write sentences using the vocabulary word in context, such as “ecosystem.”
  • 6–12: Challenge students to apply the Frayer Model to complex terms like “democracy” or “photosynthesis” with their own research.

Bonus Resource: Access the Frayer Model Template.

2. Create a Digital Word Wall

Did you know you can turn static bulletin boards into interactive word walls? You can do this with several different digital tools. One of my favorites to use, although it will cost you, is Padlet. Alternatives include Google Slides, Canva, or digital whiteboards. Let students collaborate and create. Here’s one example of a Padlet Ultimate Word Wall:

Grade-Level Applications:

  • K–2: Add visuals and simple definitions (e.g., a picture of a “cat” for the word “domestic”).
  • 3–5: Allow students to add synonyms, antonyms, or fun facts to the word wall.
  • 6–12: Incorporate links to articles, videos, or real-world applications of the word (e.g., “sustainability” linked to climate change videos).

3. Incorporate Games Like “Vocabulary Bingo”

Turn vocabulary into a game with Bingo or other formats. Make learning a thrill.

Grade-Level Applications:

  • K–2: Use pictures or simple sentences as clues (e.g., “Which word starts with ‘A’ and has wings?”).
  • 3–5: Match definitions or synonyms to vocabulary words, such as pairing “ancient” with “old.”
  • 6–12: Use more complex clues (e.g., in biology: “This is the term for an organism that produces its own food.” Answer: “autotroph”).

Here’s a vocabulary bingo (get a copy via Canva) infographic (see answers in this Google Doc):

Author created image with clues generated by AI

4. Host a Word Poetry Slam

While some balk at using vocabulary words as the source for poetry, I find it exciting and thrilling. This makes for a fun activity in class where teams compete to create the best poem. A poetry slam challenges students to craft impromptu, creative poems using vocabulary words. For those students that need to write them down, you can incorporate a short pause to allow them to write the vocabulary-based poem on a personal whiteboard or piece of paper. It’s a fun way to blend creativity with learning.

You can also ask students to do their best to create their own, like this one about the Alamo:

A.L.A.M.O.

Amid the twilight, a mission stands,
Legends echo through the shifting sands.
Allegiance sworn, their hearts held fast,
Memories etched of a fateful past.
One star rises, their courage vast.

You can also take that poem into Padlet’s I Can’t Draw and see what results. This example has a Mandalorian feel and can make a connection in the student’s mind you may not have imagined.

Grade-Level Applications:

  • K–2: Create simple rhymes (e.g., “A dog is my best friend / Its love will never end”).
  • 3–5: Write haikus using vocabulary words like “nature” or “journey.”
  • 6–12: Challenge students to incorporate words into longer poems or raps (e.g., “Democracy thrives / when equality strives\”).

Be sure to share your Word Poetry Slam creation via this Padlet, Word Poetry Slam.

5. Turn Words into Stop-Motion Animation

Use stop-motion videos to show vocabulary in action. Stop-motion brings objects to life. Frame by frame, animators photograph tiny movements. Clay figures, paper cutouts, toys can serve. Each shift is precise, each position deliberate. Played in sequence, the stills burst into motion. It’s magic made tangible. Think of Wallace and Gromit or The Nightmare Before Christmas. For the art-challenged pupil (like I was), consider using an AI tool to generate image sequences.

Try this prompt:

"As a creative AI skilled in visual storytelling and educational design, your task is to create a series of five sequential images illustrating a specific vocabulary word. The images should visually convey the meaning of the word when animated together. Follow these guidelines:

Vocabulary Word: [Insert Word Here]

Prompts:
Image 1: Setting the Scene
"A vibrant cartoon depiction of a peaceful Texan frontier landscape with settlers working and a small mission in the distance, labeled 'Mission San Antonio de Valero.'" Style: Cartoonish, Age-appropriate: Middle school students, Dimensions: 1024x1024, Consistent background elements.

Image 2: Fortifying the Alamo
"A cartoon illustration of the Alamo being fortified, with soldiers building barricades, stacking supplies, and raising a flag, labeled 'Fortifying The Alamo.'" Style: Cartoonish, Age-appropriate: Middle school students, Dimensions: 1024x1024, Consistent background elements.

Image 3: The Siege Begins
"A dramatic cartoon scene showing the Alamo under siege, with cannons firing, defenders on the walls, and a fiery sunset sky, labeled 'The Siege Begins.'" Style: Cartoonish, Age-appropriate: Middle school students, Dimensions: 1024x1024, Consistent background elements.

Image 4: The Battle
"A climactic cartoon battle scene, with defenders bravely fighting as smoke and chaos engulf the Alamo, featuring cannon fire and soldiers in action, labeled 'Battle of The Alamo.'" Style: Cartoonish, Age-appropriate: Middle school students, Dimensions: 1024x1024, Consistent background elements.

Image 5: Remembering
"A reflective cartoon image of the Alamo ruins in the aftermath, with a Texan flag waving proudly and the text 'Remember The Alamo' shown prominently." Style: Cartoonish, Age-appropriate: Middle school students, Dimensions: 1024x1024, Consistent background elements.

Output Details: Provide each image as a high-quality 1024x1024 PNG file suitable for animation. Ensure consistent colors, characters, and backgrounds across the series for visual coherence.

If you encounter ambiguity in the instructions, assume creative freedom and document your decisions in a brief explanation accompanying the images."

I decided to stick with the Alamo. ChatGPT created the images, then I asked it to make them into an animated GIF. Here’s the result using ChatGPT. If you wanted to slow the animation down, you could use a GIFmaker tool like ScreenToGIF (Free), or drop these into Canva.

Grade-Level Applications:

  • K–2: Animate simple actions like a puppet “running” to show the word “fast.”
  • 3–5: Create sequences showing words like “cycle” by animating the water cycle.
  • 6–12: Explain complex terms like “metamorphosis” using detailed animations.

6. Run a Vocabulary Escape Room

Engage students with puzzles that challenge them to solve riddles or match definitions to unlock “doors.”

Grade-Level Applications:

  • K–2: Use picture-based puzzles (e.g., matching an image of a “house” with “home”).
  • 3–5: Build puzzles requiring matching terms to definitions or sentences (e.g., “evaporation” matched with “water turning into vapor”).
  • 6–12: Incorporate interdisciplinary clues like combining historical terms in a history-themed escape room.

A final strategy might be to relate vocabulary terms to students’ every day lives. This can make new terms more real, more relevant and meaningful to them. For example, if the word is “Community,” you might ask “Who lives in your neighborhood or apartment complex? Do you share any activities or interests with them?” Then continue the conversation. This can be an edgy conversation in some locales, so you’ll have to gauge whether that’s the right approach to take.

Grade-Level Applications:

  • K–2: Relate terms to everyday life (e.g., “breakfast” as part of a daily routine).
  • 3–5: Connect vocabulary to classroom experiments (e.g., “density” during a science lab).
  • 6–12: Tie words like “globalization” or “ecosystem” to news articles or documentaries.

Why These K-12 Vocabulary Lessons and Strategies Work

These strategies spark creativity and connect to real-world learning. They use methods like summarizing and digital tools. They make lessons stick, helping students understand instead of memorize. Which one will you try first?

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A vibrant classroom scene featuring a teacher holding a tablet and colorful QR code cubes, with smiling students using tablets in the background.
Blended LearningClassroom ActivitiesGood TeachingTechnology Applications

Transforming End-of-Class Moments with QR-Code Exit Ticket Dice

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Have you ever noticed how students start packing up their belongings a few minutes before class ends, mentally checking out while you’re still trying to figure out if today’s lesson made an impact? It’s a familiar challenge. Those last few minutes can feel rushed, like the opportunity for meaningful closure is slipping away. But what if you could turn those fleeting moments into an engaging way to check for understanding? That’s where QR-code exit ticket dice come in — a fresh take on the classic exit ticket that makes reflection both fun and interactive. By combining the unpredictability of rolling dice with the tech appeal of QR codes, this approach keeps students engaged until the very last second. Whether you’re already a fan of digital tools or just dipping your toes into tech integration, this simple strategy can add a spark to your lesson closures.

The Power of Exit Ticket Dice in the Classroom

Exit tickets, and exit ticket dice by extension, are a staple in many classrooms for good reason. They offer a low-stakes way for students to demonstrate their learning without the stress of a formal assessment. This approach encourages authentic responses while providing a structured way to wrap up each lesson. The process helps students consolidate what they’ve learned, reflect on their understanding, and identify areas where they might need more help. As a teacher, you get immediate feedback about what’s clicking and what isn’t, giving you the chance to adjust your next lesson accordingly. That real-time insight is invaluable for keeping all students on track.

Creating and Implementing QR Code Exit Ticket Dice

A cube template with six QR codes of different colors (purple, green, orange, red, blue, and yellow), designed to be folded into a 3D cube.

If you’re looking for ready-to-go options, I’ve created a collection of QR codes for generic exit tickets that work across a variety of grade levels and content areas. If you want to make your own, the QR Code Generator Chrome extension is a handy tool. While it defaults to generating a code for the website you’re viewing, you can type in your own text, adjust the color, and download the QR code. A tip: name each file with the exact text (minus punctuation) so you can easily identify it later without having to scan it.

To use these QR codes with dice, start by making a copy of the QR code dice template. Add the QR codes you want, resize them, and print. Then cut out the template, glue it together, and voilà—you’ve got your own QR code die. Don’t want to bother with dice? No problem. You can bookmark the Exit Ticket Selector, a digital tool that randomly chooses an exit ticket for the class. If you’re a subscriber to Claude, you can even customize the exit tickets through the Remix Artifact feature to better suit your needs. Whether you go with dice or digital, this strategy is a great way to make those final moments of class count.

A webpage interface labeled "Exit Ticket Selector" with a button labeled "Begin."

Understanding and Recall

  1. List three new things you learned in today’s class and rank them by importance.
  2. What do you think was the most important concept from today’s lesson? Explain why.
  3. Write a one-sentence summary of today’s main topic.
  4. If you had to explain today’s lesson to an absent classmate, what would you tell them?
  5. Create a quick sketch or diagram that represents the main idea from today’s lesson.

Application and Connection

  1. How does today’s lesson connect to something we learned earlier in this course?
  2. Think of a real-world example where you might use what we learned today.
  3. What questions do you still have about today’s topic?
  4. Write one way you could apply today’s learning outside of school.
  5. How does today’s lesson connect to your personal life or interests?

Reflection and Metacognition

  1. Rate your understanding of today’s content on a scale of 1-5 and explain your rating.
  2. What was the most challenging part of today’s lesson? Why?
  3. What learning strategy helped you the most today?
  4. If you could replay one part of today’s lesson, which part would it be and why?
  5. What “lightbulb moment” did you have during today’s class?

Critical Thinking

  1. What surprised you most about today’s lesson?
  2. Create a question about today’s content that you think would make a good test question.
  3. What evidence supports the main concept we learned today?
  4. Compare and contrast two ideas from today’s lesson.
  5. What counterarguments could someone make to what we learned today?

Engagement and Participation

  1. What moment in class today made you feel most engaged?
  2. Describe one contribution you made to today’s class discussion.
  3. What would you like to discuss more deeply in our next class?
  4. Rate your participation in today’s class and set one goal for tomorrow.
  5. What helped you stay focused during today’s lesson?

Looking Forward

  1. Write one goal you have for our next class based on what you learned today.
  2. What topic from today would you like to explore further?
  3. How will you use your notes from today to prepare for our next class?
  4. What resources do you need to better understand today’s content?
  5. If you were the teacher, what would you do differently in teaching today’s lesson?

Bonus Quick-Exit Options

  • Complete this sentence: “I used to think ___, but now I think ___”
  • Write a hashtag that summarizes today’s lesson
  • If today’s lesson were a movie title, what would it be?
  • Draw an emoji that represents your understanding of today’s content
  • Rate your confidence with today’s material: 👍 👌 👎 (explain your choice)

Want to make those last few minutes of class count? Start by grabbing my pre-made QR codes or dive into creating your own custom set. It’s simple—download the template, craft your first QR code die, and roll it out with your students tomorrow. You might be surprised to see them still engaged when the bell rings, excited to tackle their reflection question. Once you see the difference, share your experience with your colleagues. After all, sharing wins like these is how we grow together as educators. Say goodbye to the days of students mentally checking out before the bell. Why not give it a try today?

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10 critical thinking skills middle school students should learn including activities for the classroom.
Classroom ActivitiesContent AreasGood Teaching

10 Critical Thinking Skills Middle School Students Should Master

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

Adaptability is more than just a buzzword; it’s a crucial skill that empowers middle school students to navigate the complexities of their rapidly changing environment. Think of adaptability as the chameleon of skills — able to shift colors to fit its surroundings. For middle schoolers, mastering this ability means being open to new ideas, adjusting to shifting social dynamics, and embracing the unexpected. As they encounter new experiences, adaptability becomes essential for effective collaboration and problem-solving. Dive into a variety of engaging activities designed to emphasize the top critical thinking skills middle school students should develop to set themselves up for success both in and out of the classroom.

Building Adaptability in Middle School

Adaptability is being open to new ideas and willing to change perspectives based on new evidence or insights.

Now, think about being a chameleon, changing your colors to fit in with your environment—that’s the essence of adaptability! For middle schoolers, honing this skill is vital as they encounter new experiences and shifting social dynamics. It encourages them to embrace change, think on their feet, and collaborate effectively with others. By learning to adjust their strategies and perspectives, they become more flexible problem-solvers. Here are some targeted activities to enhance adaptability skills for middle school learners.

Adaptability Activities for Middle School

Group Problem-Solving
Assign students a group challenge that requires them to adapt to unexpected changes (like a shift in resources or time constraints) and find a solution together. This collaborative effort not only fosters adaptability but also enhances their teamwork and communication skills.

Technology Integration
Have students complete a project using a new technology or app they haven’t used before. Encourage them to explore and adapt as they learn to navigate the new tool. This hands-on experience with technology not only builds adaptability but also prepares them for a digital world.

Debate with a Twist
Organize a debate where, halfway through, students must switch sides. This forces them to adapt their arguments and understand opposing viewpoints, promoting critical thinking and empathy. For more resources on debates, dive into these materials.

Analyzing Skills for Middle Schoolers

Analysis is the ability to break down complex information into smaller parts, identifying patterns and relationships.

Think of tackling a challenging puzzle and breaking it into bite-sized pieces—that’s a skill every middle schooler should cultivate! It’s all about recognizing patterns and relationships that help clarify the bigger picture. For middle school students, honing analysis and critical thinking skills is essential; it empowers them to ask deeper questions, tackle real-world problems, and develop independent thinking. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to help middle school learners strengthen this vital, future-ready skill. Let’s dive in!

Analysis Activities for Middle School

Current Events Analysis
Assign students to read a news article and identify the main argument, supporting evidence, and any potential bias. They can present their analysis to the class, fostering discussion and critical thinking. You can find a variety of current event resources to use in the classroom here.

Case Studies
Present students with a real-world case study related to a subject they’re studying. They should analyze the situation, identify key issues, and suggest potential solutions based on their findings. This connects analysis to practical applications. 

Character Analysis
In literature, have students choose a character and analyze their motivations, actions, and growth throughout the story. They can create a character trait chart to visually represent their findings. This activity encourages deeper engagement with the text and fosters critical thinking about character development.

Collaborative Learning for Middle School

Collaboration is working effectively with others, sharing ideas, and integrating different perspectives to reach a common goal.

Picture middle school students as dynamic team players, each bringing unique talents to the game—that’s the essence of collaboration for this age group! Developing collaboration skills is crucial as students learn to navigate group dynamics, share responsibilities, and support one another. By enhancing their ability to collaborate, middle schoolers prepare for more complex teamwork in high school and beyond. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to strengthen collaboration skills in middle school learners.

Collaboration Activities for Middle School

Project-Based Learning Groups
Assign students to work in small groups on a project that requires them to research a topic, create a presentation, and share their findings with the class. This promotes collective problem-solving and fosters accountability within the group. Read this to get tools and ideas on how to group students.

Peer Teaching
Pair students to teach each other a concept or skill they have mastered. This encourages collaboration, as they must communicate effectively and support each other’s learning.

Group Design Challenge
Present students with a design challenge, such as creating a prototype for a new product or solution to a problem. Working in teams, they must brainstorm, plan, and execute their ideas, enhancing their collaboration and creativity skills. Dive into 16+ Engineering Projects for Middle School.

Bonus: We Have to Save Fred!

Communication Skills for Middle School

Communication is the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 

Picture middle school students collaborating on a project, sharing ideas, and debating viewpoints—that’s the essence of communication for this age group! Developing strong communication skills is crucial as students learn to articulate their ideas, collaborate with peers, and navigate complex discussions. By enhancing their communication skills, middle schoolers prepare for high school and future professional interactions. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to strengthen communication skills in middle school learners.

Communication Activities for Middle School

Group Presentations
Assign students to work in groups to research a topic and create a presentation to share with the class. This activity encourages them to practice public speaking, actively listen to feedback, and collaborate effectively.

Fishbowl Discussions
Set up a fishbowl discussion where a small group of students discusses a topic in the center while the rest of the class observes. Afterward, have the observers share their thoughts on the communication styles and ideas presented. This activity helps students practice articulating their ideas and enhances active listening skills.

Communication Games
Organize games that focus on communication skills, such as “Telephone” or “Charades.” These fun activities help students understand the importance of clear expression and active listening in conveying messages accurately.

Creativity Development for Students

Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas and think outside the box, an essential skill for students as they navigate a rapidly changing world. 

Creativity in middle school is all about exploring deeper concepts and embracing collaboration. Think of it as mixing colors on a palette to create something entirely new—that’s how middle school students can express themselves! As they develop their creative abilities, they learn to approach challenges with fresh perspectives and critical thinking. This stage is crucial for encouraging them to brainstorm innovative solutions and articulate their ideas confidently. Here are some dynamic activities designed to help middle school learners enhance their creativity skills. Let’s explore!

Creativity Activities for Middle School

Creative Marketing Campaign
Have students choose a product, service, or social cause they are passionate about and develop a creative marketing campaign for it. They can create posters, social media content, and even short video advertisements to showcase their ideas. This activity encourages them to think creatively about how to attract an audience and convey a message effectively. By combining visual design, persuasive writing, and innovative strategies, students will enhance their creativity skills while learning to communicate their ideas in engaging ways. 

Visual Journals
Encourage students to maintain visual journals where they can combine sketches, collages, and writing. This practice helps express thoughts creatively while exploring various artistic techniques, beneficial for developing creative expression.

Role-Playing Scenarios
Organize role-playing activities that require students to improvise solutions to hypothetical situations. This enhances their ability to think creatively and adapt, crucial skills for real-world problem-solving.

Bonus: Google Templates for Students

Fostering Decision-Making in Middle School

Decision-making is weighing options and outcomes to make choices that align with goals and values.

Now, picture yourself as a team leader, weighing different strategies to achieve a goal—that’s the essence of decision-making! For middle schoolers, honing this skill is vital as they encounter more complex problems and social dynamics. It encourages them to analyze information, consider various perspectives, and make informed choices. By developing strong decision-making skills, they enhance their critical thinking and become adept at navigating challenges in school and life. Here are some targeted activities to strengthen decision-making skills for middle school learners, preparing them for successful futures.

Decision-Making Activities for Middle School

Socratic Seminars
Organize seminars where students discuss a text or topic, encouraging them to ask questions, challenge ideas, and support their arguments with evidence. This method not only fosters deep critical thinking but also allows students to practice articulating their thought processes in a collaborative environment.

Debate Teams
Have students engage in debates on current issues, requiring them to research, analyze various viewpoints, and develop coherent arguments. This activity sharpens their decision-making skills as they learn to weigh evidence and articulate their positions effectively. Check out these resources for engaging your students with current events.

Critical Thinking Journals
Encourage students to keep journals where they reflect on daily events, analyze their thoughts, and draw conclusions based on their observations. This practice promotes self-awareness and helps students understand their decision-making processes. Utilize these self-reflection strategies for students, teachers, and leaders to enhance their learning experience.

Bonus: Responsible Decision-Making Activities for the Classroom

Evaluative Thinking for Middle School Students

Evaluation is assessing the credibility of sources, arguments, and evidence to make informed judgments.

Now, think of yourself as a reviewer, critiquing a book or a movie—this is what evaluation is all about! For middle schoolers, honing this skill is essential as they start to encounter more complex information and varying perspectives. It empowers them to assess arguments, differentiate between fact and opinion, and make evidence-based judgments. By practicing evaluation, they enhance their critical thinking and become more adept at navigating information in today’s digital world. Here are some targeted activities to strengthen evaluation skills for middle school learners, preparing them for informed decision-making in the future.

Evaluation Activities for Middle School

Peer Feedback
After completing a project, students can participate in a peer review session where they evaluate each other’s work based on specific criteria. This collaborative process helps them learn how to provide constructive feedback while also developing their own evaluative skills. 

Media Analysis
Have students analyze a commercial or advertisement, evaluating its effectiveness and the techniques used to persuade the audience. They can present their analysis to the class, fostering discussion and critical thinking about media literacy and the messages they encounter daily.

Debate Evaluation
After a debate, students can evaluate the arguments made by both sides, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each position while reflecting on their own performance. This activity encourages them to think critically about reasoning and evidence, enhancing their evaluative capabilities.

Bonus: Peer Feedback: An Essential Skill to Teach

Inference Skills in Middle School

Inference is drawing logical conclusions based on available information and data, even when not all details are clear.

Imagine being a detective, piecing together clues to uncover hidden meanings—this is the essence of inference! It’s about reading between the lines and drawing conclusions based on evidence, a vital skill for navigating complex texts and situations. For middle schoolers, developing these inference skills enables them to engage more deeply with texts and discussions, enhancing their critical thinking and analytical abilities. Here are some interactive activities designed to help students connect the dots and discover deeper meanings.

Inference Activities for Middle School

Textual Evidence
Provide excerpts from a story and have students infer character traits, motivations, and themes based on the text. They can support their inferences with quotes or examples, which not only strengthens their analytical skills but also deepens their engagement with the material. Explore this strategy for teaching text-evidence to enhance understanding.

Observation and Inference
Show students a video clip or a series of images and ask them to make inferences about what’s happening, the characters’ emotions, or the context. Encourage them to explain their reasoning, fostering a discussion that sharpens their observational skills and critical thinking.

Inference in Science
Conduct a simple science experiment (like observing a chemical reaction) and ask students to infer what might happen next based on their observations and prior knowledge. This hands-on activity makes inference relevant and applicable to real-world situations, enhancing their scientific thinking. 

Building Problem-Solving Skills in Middle Schoolers

Problem-solving is the ability to develop strategies to tackle challenges, including identifying root causes and generating creative solutions.

Now, imagine facing a tricky situation and brainstorming creative ways to tackle it—that’s the essence of problem-solving! For middle schoolers, developing this skill is crucial as they encounter more complex challenges. It encourages them to think critically, collaborate with classmates, and adopt a growth mindset when facing obstacles. By learning to analyze problems and explore various solutions, they build the confidence necessary to navigate real-world issues. Here are some targeted activities designed to enhance problem-solving skills for middle school learners.

Problem-Solving Activities for Middle School

Escape Room Activities
Design a classroom escape room with clues and puzzles that require students to work together to solve challenges and “escape” within a set time. This immersive experience not only fosters teamwork but also sharpens their problem-solving abilities. Don’t have time for a physical escape room? Consider a digital breakout instead! You can learn more about them and find a list of ideas here.

Real-World Scenarios
Present students with hypothetical real-world problems (like environmental issues or community challenges) and have them brainstorm and propose solutions. This activity encourages critical thinking and helps them understand the importance of addressing real-life challenges. Read here to learn about how one school successfully tackled a real-world challenge. 

Project-Based Learning
Assign a project where students must solve a problem (e.g., creating a product or service to address a need in their community) and develop a plan, prototype, or presentation. This hands-on approach allows them to apply their problem-solving skills in a practical context while promoting creativity and innovation. Here are 10 examples to explore.

Research Skills for Middle Schoolers

Research is the ability to gather information, analyze it critically, and draw informed conclusions. 

Picture middle school students diving into fascinating topics, exploring resources, and uncovering hidden gems of knowledge—that’s the essence of research for this age group! Developing research skills is crucial as students learn to evaluate sources, synthesize information, and communicate their findings effectively. By enhancing their research skills, middle schoolers prepare for high school and future academic challenges. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to strengthen research skills in middle school learners.


Research Activities for Middle School

Digital Research Projects
Assign students to select a topic of interest and conduct research using digital tools and databases. They can create a multimedia presentation to share their findings with the class, practicing critical evaluation of sources and effective communication.

Research Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt that requires students to find specific information from various sources, such as books, articles, and websites. This activity encourages them to explore different types of resources and enhances their ability to gather relevant data. You can find templates for scavenger hunts on Canva.

Collaborative Research Magazine Project
Have students work in small groups to create a classroom magazine using Google Slides. They can choose a theme or topic, conduct research, and design articles and visuals for their magazine. This project not only fosters teamwork but also enhances their ability to evaluate and synthesize information while practicing digital literacy. For a ready-to-use lesson on this project, check out this resource. 

Critical Thinking Skills for Middle Schoolers

As students transition to middle school, honing critical thinking skills becomes even more vital for their academic and personal growth. Encouraging these skills not only prepares them for future challenges but also boosts their confidence in problem-solving and communication. It’s an exciting time for educators to inspire curiosity and analytical thinking. What strategies do you use to foster critical thinking among your students? I’d love to hear your insights in the comments!

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Classroom ActivitiesDigital BreakoutDigital CitizenshipDigital LiteracyLibraries

Digital Citizenship Week 2024 

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

Mark your calendars, educators! Digital Citizenship Week is set to take place from October 14-18, 2024. This annual event provides an excellent opportunity for teachers to focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly, and effectively.

In today’s interconnected world, digital citizenship has become a fundamental literacy that extends far beyond the classroom. As educators, we play a crucial role in helping our students develop healthy habits, critical thinking skills, and ethical behavior in their online interactions.

I have created a couple of resources for you to use in the classroom. 

The Digital Citizenship Breakout

In honor of Digital Citizenship Week, here is my newest breakout. The DC Breakout has four digital locks, and I think it is geared for fifth grade and above. Unlike my previous breakouts, there is more text than images. AND just like all my breakouts, I can provide the four lock answers if you email me at preimers@tcea.org. If you need more information on digital breakouts, please check out my Digital Breakouts 101 blog. 

The Digital Citizenship Breakout

Cyber Safety Presentation and Quiz

Canva has awesome resources for educators. I added some pops of color to this education template, Cyber Safety which has 11 tips for older elementary and middle school students. I also created a ten question Google Form Quiz based on the Cyber Safety presentation. After submitting, students can receive their score and correct answers.

Access the Presentation

Edit the Presentation

Take the Quiz

Remember, while this week provides an opportunity to focus on digital citizenship, these skills should be reinforced throughout the year. By consistently building this skill set, we can help our students become responsible, empowered digital citizens who can thrive in our increasingly connected world.

Happy Digi-Cit Week!

Peggy

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10 Critical Thinking Skills for Elementary Students including Activities
Classroom ActivitiesContent AreasGood Teaching

10 Critical Thinking Skills for Elementary Learners

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

As students dive into the complexities of the world, it’s crucial to equip elementary learners with strong critical thinking skills. One study shows that developing these skills can really boost students’ academic performance and problem-solving abilities. 

When we foster these skills early, we’re setting up our young learners to analyze information, make smart decisions, and adapt to new situations with confidence and creativity. So, let’s jump in and check out some critical thinking skills activities that can help spark curiosity and strengthen these essential skills in elementary students! 

Fostering Adaptability in Elementary School

Adaptability is the ability to embrace new ideas and adjust perspectives based on fresh evidence or insights.

Imagine being a superhero, using your powers to tackle various challenges—that’s the essence of adaptability! For young learners, developing this crucial skill helps them navigate new situations, embrace change, and recover from setbacks. As they learn to adjust their approaches, they build confidence and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster adaptability skills in elementary students.

Adaptability Activities for Elementary School

Flexible Schedule
Allow students to create their own schedule for a day or a week, but introduce changes along the way (e.g., shifting activities around). This helps them practice adjusting their plans and managing time effectively, giving them a realistic glimpse into daily life!

Team Building Games: Engage students in activities like or “Tower Building” with limited materials. As they work together, introduce new rules or challenges to see how they adapt their strategies.

Mystery Object
Present an object and ask students to come up with multiple uses for it. This fosters flexibility in thinking and encourages them to view challenges from different angles. You might be surprised by the imaginative solutions they come up with.

Bonus: Solo-Cup Engineering Challenge

Enhancing Analysis Skills in Elementary Students

Analysis is the ability to break down complex information into smaller parts, identifying patterns and relationships.

Imagine taking a complex puzzle and breaking it into manageable pieces—now that’s a skill to cherish! It’s all about spotting patterns and relationships that help clarify the big picture. For elementary learners, developing analysis and critical thinking skills is crucial; it empowers them to ask questions, solve problems, and think independently. Here are some fun activities designed to help young students build this essential, future-ready skill. Let’s jump in!

Analysis Activities for Elementary School

Story Mapping
Have students create a visual map of a story, identifying characters, setting, problem, and resolution. This helps them break down and analyze the narrative structure. Plus, it’s a creative way for them to visualize the story elements and see how they connect!

Compare and Contrast
Provide two similar books or stories and ask students to identify differences and similarities in themes, characters, and settings. They can use a Venn diagram to organize their thoughts. This activity not only sharpens their analytical skills but also encourages lively discussions about what makes each story unique. You can find tools to create your own Venn diagrams here.

Data Sorting
Use a simple dataset (like class survey results) and have students categorize the data, creating graphs or charts to represent their findings. This hands-on activity allows them to engage with real information, making analysis feel relevant and exciting!

Bonus: Make”Choose Your Own Adventure” Stories with Google Forms and AI

Collaborative Learning for Elementary Students

Collaboration is working effectively with others, sharing ideas, and integrating different perspectives to reach a common goal.

Imagine a group of young explorers navigating a treasure map together—that’s the essence of collaboration for elementary students! For young learners, developing collaboration skills is essential as it empowers them to communicate, share ideas, and build strong relationships. By fostering collaboration early on, students lay the groundwork for teamwork in future endeavors. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate collaboration skills in elementary learners.

Collaboration Activities for Elementary School

There are many ways to use story dice to promote creativity, writing skills, and more in the classroom.

Group Story Creation
Have students sit in a circle and collaboratively create a story, with each student contributing a sentence. This encourages them to listen to each other and build on ideas, fostering communication and teamwork. Try using Story Dice to engage your students.

Team Building Games
Organize simple team-building games, “Pass the Hula Hoop,” that require students to work together to achieve a goal. These activities promote trust and cooperation among classmates. A favorite activity from young learners to adults is Save Fred. Give it a go!

Collaborative Art Project
Provide a large piece of paper or canvas for a group art project where each student adds their own element. This encourages creativity and collaboration as they negotiate how to combine their ideas into a cohesive piece.

Bonus: Friendship Quilts Bring History, Math, and SEL Together

Building Communication Skills Early

Communication is the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 

Imagine a group of young friends excitedly sharing their favorite stories—that’s the essence of communication for elementary students! For young learners, developing strong communication skills is essential as it empowers them to express their thoughts, collaborate with peers, and build relationships. By fostering communication skills early on, students lay a solid foundation for future academic and social success. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate communication skills in elementary learners.

Communication Activities for Elementary School

Show and Tell
Organize regular “Show and Tell” sessions where students bring in an item of personal significance and explain its importance to the class. This encourages them to practice speaking in front of others and articulating their thoughts clearly. Explore six communication games and activities for elementary students here. 

Story Circle
Create a story circle where students take turns adding a sentence to a group story. This activity promotes listening skills and encourages them to build on each other’s ideas, enhancing their verbal communication.

Role-Playing
Have students engage in role-playing scenarios that mimic real-life situations, such as ordering food at a restaurant or interviewing for a job. This helps them practice conversational skills and learn how to communicate effectively in different contexts.

SEL Check-In Templates Feature Image

Bonus: 14 Editable SEL Check-In Templates

Nurturing Creativity in Young Minds

Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas and think outside the box, an essential skill for students as they navigate a rapidly changing world. 

Imagine cultivating a garden of ideas where each student can plant their own unique vision—that’s the power of creativity! For elementary learners, fostering creativity means encouraging imaginative play and exploration. It empowers them to express their thoughts freely and develop problem-solving skills through innovative projects. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to help elementary school students nurture this vital, future-ready skill. Let’s jump in!

Creativity Activities for Elementary School

Creative Storytelling
Provide students with a set of random images or objects and ask them to create a unique story connecting them. This activity enhances imagination and narrative skills, making it a fun way to develop storytelling abilities. Try the Emoji Writing Prompt generator for some added fun.

Invent a New Game
Challenge students to design a new game with specific rules and objectives. This encourages teamwork and creative thinking, allowing students to express their ideas in a playful context.

STEAM Projects
Integrate STEAM concepts into art by having students create projects that blend creativity with science and technology. For example, they can design a simple machine that performs a specific task using everyday materials or create art using coding platforms. For more inspiring ideas, check out this resource STEM-Tastic Activities.

Empowering Decision-Making in Students

Decision-making is weighing options and outcomes to make choices that align with goals and values.

Imagine being a captain, steering your ship through uncharted waters—that’s what decision-making is all about! For elementary learners, developing this skill is crucial as they begin to understand how to evaluate options and make thoughtful choices. As they practice decision-making, they learn to think critically, consider consequences, and build confidence in their decisions. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster decision-making skills in elementary students, helping them become empowered, thoughtful individuals ready for future challenges.

Decision-Making Activities for Elementary School

Learn 6 tips for encouraging quieter students to participate in classroom discussions.

Classroom Discussions
Initiate discussions about a story or topic where students must share their opinions and justify them. This encourages them to think critically about their perspectives. Worried about the quieter students? You can find tips here to help everyone participate!

Mystery Box
Place several items in a box and have students guess their purpose. They must explain their reasoning, which promotes observation and analytical skills. This hands-on activity makes decision-making fun and interactive.

What If Scenarios
Present hypothetical scenarios (e.g., “What if animals could talk?”) and have students discuss the implications. This activity fosters imaginative and critical thinking, allowing them to explore different outcomes and their effects. You can find 320 creative questions from Making English Fun to get started. 

Evaluation Skills for Elementary Students

Evaluation is assessing the credibility of sources, arguments, and evidence to make informed judgments.

Imagine being a judge, carefully assessing options and making informed decisions—that’s the essence of evaluation! For elementary learners, developing this skill is key to understanding how to analyze information, weigh pros and cons, and make thoughtful choices. As they practice evaluating different scenarios, they boost their confidence and enhance their critical thinking abilities. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster evaluation skills in elementary students, helping them become discerning thinkers ready for future challenges.

Evaluation Activities for Elementary School

Two shelves with the seven book covers from the post on them.

Picture Books Comparison
Have students read two different picture books and evaluate the illustrations, themes, and messages. They can create a chart to compare their findings and share them with the class. This not only hones their evaluation skills but also promotes a love for reading!

Classroom Voting
Present a few ideas for a class project or theme and have students discuss the pros and cons of each. They can then vote, explaining their reasoning for their choice. This activity encourages critical thinking and helps them understand the decision-making process. Need a tool to help with your polling? Try one of these resources.

Product Reviews
Provide students with a simple product (like a toy or game) and have them evaluate its features, benefits, and drawbacks. They can create a poster or a short presentation to share their reviews. This fun activity allows them to practice articulating their evaluations in a creative way.

Inference Skills in Elementary Education

Inference is drawing logical conclusions based on available information and data, even when not all details are clear.

Imagine being a detective, piecing together clues to uncover hidden meanings—this is the essence of inference! It’s all about reading between the lines and drawing conclusions from evidence, which is crucial for navigating complex texts and situations. For young students, developing inference skills is essential; it boosts their confidence as readers and thinkers, helping them understand and engage with the world around them. Here are some engaging activities designed to spark their curiosity and strengthen this important skill.

Inference Activities for Elementary School

Picture Walk
Before diving into a book, take a picture walk! Have your students look at the illustrations and make predictions about the story based on visual clues. This engaging activity encourages them to discuss their inferences as they read, making the story come alive!

Story Predictions
Before finishing a story, ask students to predict the ending based on clues provided throughout the text. Encourage them to share their predictions and the evidence they used to support their inferences. This not only enhances their analytical skills but also fosters a deeper connection with the narrative.

Character Inference
Read a story and pause at key moments to ask students to infer what a character might be thinking or feeling based on their actions and dialogue. This activity helps them develop empathy and critical thinking as they consider different perspectives.

Problem-Solving for Elementary Schoolers

Problem-solving is the ability to develop strategies to tackle challenges, including identifying root causes and generating creative solutions.

Imagine facing a fun challenge and figuring out how to overcome it—that’s the heart of problem-solving! For younger students, developing this skill is key to navigating obstacles, thinking creatively, and building resilience. As they tackle simple problems, they gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment that lays the groundwork for future challenges. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster problem-solving skills in elementary learners.

Problem-Solving Activities for Elementary School

Example Google Forms for solving a digital breakout.

Puzzle Challenges
Provide students with a variety of puzzles (e.g., jigsaw, logic puzzles, digital breakouts or word searches) that require them to think critically to find solutions. This fun and interactive approach encourages them to collaborate and strategize. Check out these puzzle resources and digital breakouts for a quick start!

Math Word Problems
Create real-life scenarios that require students to use math to solve problems, encouraging them to identify the necessary steps to find a solution. This practical application of math not only sharpens their problem-solving skills but also helps them see the relevance of math in everyday life. You can find several examples of real-world math problems here.

Building Structures
Use materials like blocks or recycled items to challenge students to build a structure that meets specific criteria (e.g., height, stability). This hands-on activity fosters teamwork and creative problem-solving, allowing students to learn through trial and error as they bring their ideas to life.

Bonus: The Dump Truck-Incident: An Elementary Problem-Solving Challenge

Research Skills for Young Students

Research is the ability to gather information, analyze it critically, and draw informed conclusions. 

Imagine a group of curious young detectives exploring their world, seeking answers to intriguing questions—that’s the essence of research for elementary students! For young learners, developing research skills is essential as it empowers them to seek knowledge, ask questions, and develop a love for learning. By fostering research skills early on, students build a strong foundation for future academic success. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate research skills in elementary learners.

Research Activities for Elementary School

Question of the Week
Present a new question each week related to a subject the class is studying. Have students research the answer using books, articles, and online resources, then present their findings to the class. This encourages curiosity and helps them practice gathering information.

Nature Journals
Encourage students to keep nature journals where they document observations about plants, animals, and the environment. They can research facts about their observations and incorporate the concepts of Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) to structure their findings. This approach helps them analyze their observations and articulate their understanding more clearly. 

Classroom News Report
Have students create a classroom news report about a recent event or topic they researched. They can include interviews, facts, and their opinions, helping them learn to synthesize information and present it in an engaging format.

Bonus: Resources to Teach Students about News Validity

Incorporating these critical thinking skills into elementary classrooms helps create a strong foundation for young learners. As they engage in activities that promote analysis and adaptability, students are better equipped to face future challenges with confidence. So, what types of activities are you using to foster critical thinking in your classroom? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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An engaging classroom scene with students wearing headphones, interacting with digital content, and a close-up view of a smartphone displaying an audio waveform on the screen.
Artificial IntelligenceClassroom ActivitiesDigital LiteracyGoogle Tips and Tricks

Revolutionize Your Lessons with Google NotebookLM’s Audio Overview

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Ever been excited about a lesson, only to wonder if your students will feel the same? We’ve all been there. Sometimes, no matter how much thought you put into it, certain content just feels dry or too new for students to fully engage with. But what if there was a way to bring that content to life, turning it into something more dynamic and conversational? That’s where Google NotebookLM’s Audio Overview feature comes in, giving your lesson a fresh twist through AI-driven dialogue.

Let me introduce you to Audio Overview, an experimental feature from Google’s Notebook LM. Imagine uploading your lesson materials and having two hosts create a lively conversation around your content. Instead of simply reading it aloud, they analyze it and turn it into a podcast-style discussion. The result? A dynamic back-and-forth that feels like you’re listening to real podcast hosts diving into the material, making it more engaging for your students.

Why This is Useful to You (and Your Students)

One of the key reasons Google NotebookLM’s Audio Overview is a game-changer for educators is that many of our students are auditory learners. This is especially true for our ESL students, who often benefit more from hearing a conversation about the content rather than just having it read aloud to them. When they listen to a dynamic discussion between two hosts, it adds depth and context to the material, making it easier for them to follow along and grasp the key points. By hearing how ideas are talked about, rather than just presented, they engage with the lesson in a way that’s more natural and memorable.

Another great benefit of these AI-generated podcasts is that they model how to have focused, meaningful conversations around educational content. For students, especially those still gaining confidence with the material, these conversations provide an example of how to break down complex ideas and engage in productive discussions. You can even use these podcasts as part of a scaffolding technique, gradually helping students become more comfortable with the content and with each other. Whether you use the fishbowl method, where a few students lead the discussion while others observe, or small group conversations, these podcasts can serve as a guide. Over time, students can start applying this approach to their own discussions, making it easier for them to dive deeper into what they’re learning.

What You’ll Notice about Google NotebookLM’s Audio Overview

When you generate an audio overview, you’ll notice a few impressive details right away. The two AI chatbots sound incredibly lifelike, often adding natural pauses, hmm’s, ah’s, or even subtle breaths, making it feel like you’re listening to real people, not computer-generated voices. They don’t just read the material—they engage with it, using analogies and vivid descriptions to help the listener grasp the concepts more easily. The chatbots also bring in relevant applications, making the content feel relatable and actionable. Plus, they play off each other seamlessly, like seasoned podcast hosts who are comfortable working together, which adds to the authenticity and flow of the conversation. You can listen to the audio overview that was generated while creating the video tutorial which is shared below after the step-by-step directions.

How to Get Started with Google NotebookLM’s Audio Overview

  1. Access NotebookLM
    1. Go to notebooklm.google.com 
    2. Sign in with your Google account
  2. Create a new notebook
    1. Click on the “New Notebook” box with a plus sign
  3. Add sources
    1. Choose from available options to add sources to your notebook: drag and drop files to upload, import from Google Drive, add a website link, or copy and paste text
    2. Note: Only PDF, text, and markdown file types are currently supported if you want to upload sources.
    3. To add more resources, just click on the plus sign to the right of Sources in the left-hand column. Add your source using the options available.
  4. Review notebook guide
    1. Examine the summary of the imported content 
    2. Explore additional creation options (FAQ, study guide, table of contents, etc.)
    3. Click on Untitled notebook to rename it. Be sure that your name does not contain any punctuation since the name of the notebook is used to name the audio file.
  5. Generate Deep Dive Conversation
    1. Locate the Deep Dive Conversation box in the top right corner 
    2. Click the Generate button 
    3. Wait for the AI to create the conversation (may take several minutes)
    4. Note: This process can run in the background or be completed later
  6. Listen to the generated audio overview
    1. Play the audio once generation is complete 
    2. Provide feedback using thumbs-up or thumbs-down buttons
  7. Manage the audio overview
    1. Click the More icon to access additional options to change playback speed, download the audio file, and/or delete the audio overview
  8. Optional: Create multiple versions
    1. Download the current audio overview. This will download the audio overview as a .wav file.
    2. Delete the online version if you prefer.
    3. Regenerate a new audio overview (you must delete the current overview before regenerating a new one). Regenerated audio overviews are not duplicates though they are based on the sources you supplied.
    4. Compare the two versions or provide options for students to either (or both) audio overviews.

Here is the audio overview that was generated by the sources that were used in the video above.

I Don’t Have Access

Some educators may not have access if it has not been made available to you by your district Google Administrator. NotebookLM is currently available to personal Google accounts and to users of participating enterprise Google Workspace or Google Workspace for Education accounts. If you’re using a company or educational email and can’t access the app, check out this help center article and reach out to your workspace admin to enable the NotebookLM app for your organization.

Join the Conversation Enhancing Education with AI

So, are you ready to implement AI and revolutionize lessons in your classroom? Google NotebookLM’s Audio Overview feature gives you the chance to turn your lessons into engaging, podcast-style discussions. This tool is perfect for making tough topics easier to understand, especially for auditory learners, and can be a great model for student-led discussions. How do you see yourself using it with your students? What lessons or subjects would benefit most? Share your thoughts, ideas, or questions below. Let’s work together to explore how AI can create more dynamic and inclusive learning experiences for everyone.

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Classroom ActivitiesGood TeachingLibraries

Ten Ready-to-Go Lesson Plans for Young Learners

by Mary Eldredge
written by Mary Eldredge

Do you struggle to engage your youngest learners? Never fear! Help is here!

Welcoming early childhood students to your library can add extra sunshine and sparkle to your day! You’re gifted a singular opportunity to introduce them to classic childhood stories, songs, and nursery rhymes, and rewarded with their marvel as they navigate access to a world filled with new materials. As librarians, we have the privilege of shaping their excitement for books and instilling a love for reading at their most formative stages. Need some ideas on how? Keep reading for ten ready-to-use lesson plans for young learners, plus a list of top tips!

The Magic of Early Learners: How to Captivate Their Attention

If you’re new to the world of young students, your keys to success are to exude confidence, emanate wonder, and embrace silliness and fun in your lesson plans for young learners! The delight and excitement you create will ensure your youngest students view your library as the Disney World of the school!

As you plan your lessons, here are some quick tips:

  • Keep a quick pace 
  • Create engaging and interactive activities
  • Use lots of props and visuals 
  • Plan active movement activities (action songs, fingerplays, games) between stories to expend energy and help focus
  • Search online for fingerplays that match your theme to reinforce concepts
  • Small props or visuals for students increase engagement and participation during songs or activities
  • For YouTube songs, consider using just the audio to encourage students to engage more actively with the song’s actions rather than being passive viewers of the screen.
  • Of course, being a bit silly, passionate, and dramatic never hurts 
  • Throw in a simple magic trick to amaze your eager students and you’re a hero! 

Library Lesson Plans for Early Learners

Math Concepts:

Embedding young learner guideline skills in your lessons will delight your teachers. Include math concepts like numbers, positional words, measuring, sorting, graphs, patterns, and basic addition and subtraction. Create a graph showing 3 books you’ve read. Students add stickers to signify their favorite.

Phonological Awareness:

Incorporating phonological awareness skills such as listening, rhyming, alliteration, syllabication, onset-rime, letters, and vocabulary can be easily threaded throughout library lessons. Play alliteration games using pictures. Ask if the picture starts with the letter you choose. Read Goldilocks & the Three Bears, then clap the words Goldilocks, porridge, and bears for syllabication.

Themed Topics with Activities, Books, and Songs

To get you started, here are ten weeks of lesson plans for young learners, including fabulous books and engaging songs to sweep your students off their feet! Plus, discover some bonus songs at the end that are sure to keep your youngest students entertained and engaged!

Alligators

Activities: 

  • Alphagator Make an alligator & letters. Have students feed it letters corresponding to the story. 
  • Guess What’s Green: print pictures/make slides of green items (grass, peas, alligators). Give students clues to guess the items.

Books: 

  • The Watermelon Seed (Pizzoli)
  • Beware of the Crocodile (Jenkins)
  • Crocodile Hungry (Sumner)

Songs: 

Fireflies

Activities: 

Books:

  • The Little Squeegy Bug (Martin) – positional words
  • Among a Thousand Fireflies (Frost) – positional words
  • The Very Lonely Firefly (Carle)

Song:

Bedtime

Activity: 

Letter B Beginning Sounds Game – show pictures/slides of a variety of objects and ask, “Does this start with the letter B sound?” – alliteration

Books: 

  • Everyone Is Yawning (Bijsterbosch)
  • Llama Llama Red Pajama (Dewdney) – rhyming
  • The Squeaky Door (retold by M. Read) – patterns & sequencing
  • Are You Ready For Bed? (Saltzberg)
  • Froggy Goes to Bed (London)

Songs:

Sharks

Activities: 

Books: 

  • Shark in the Park (Sharratt) – rhyming
  • The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark (Geist) – patterns
  • Chomp (M. Paul)
  • How to Spy on a Shark (Houran)

Songs: 

Pizza

Activity: 

  • Watch and discuss Acrobatic Pizza Making from 1:41-3:12 Make a giant pizza! Crust: tape white posterboard together. Sauce: red butcher paper. Cheese: cut lots of white paper in thirds lengthwise. Toppings: print full-page pictures. Sit students in a large circle. Unfold the crust, roll out the sauce. Give students handfuls of cheese to sprinkle on, then several toppings. Pre-teach to not really touch the pizza! Pretend it feels warm in the oven, smell it, hear tummies grumbling and the ‘ding’ – then pretend to eat it. – sequencing

Books: 

  • Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party (Dean) – alliteration & adding
  • Pete’s a Pizza (Steig) – narrated on Discovery Education by Chevy Chase – sequencing
  • A Pizza With Everything On It (Scheele)
  • The Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza) (Sturges) – patterns
  • Hi Pizza Man (Walter) – positional words

Songs: 

Fire Safety

Activity: 

  • Print pictures of firefighter and police tools (vehicles, hats, badges, dogs, uniforms, etc) and play a ‘Who uses this?’ sorting game. – sorting

Books: 

  • Fire Drill (Jacobs)
  • The Wheels on the Fire Truck (Burton)
  • Five Little Firefighters (Graham)

Songs: 

Spiders

Activities: 

Books: 

Songs:  

Owls

Activity: 

  • Click on each ‘owl’ for an audio recording of their call. Pair calls with visuals. Discuss what the calls sound like. Not all owls whoo-whoo! – listening

Books: 

  • Owl Babies (Waddell) 
  • Wow! Said the Owl (Hopgood) – colors
  • Little Owl’s Night/Day (Srinivasan)

Songs: 

Dental Health

Activity: 

  • Print clipart pictures of a tooth – 4 per page, laminate, and cut. Glue a pom-pom on the end of craft sticks. Before the lesson, use a yellow dry-erase marker to color on top of the teeth so the students can use the ‘brushes’ to clean them.

Books: 

  • The Crocodile and the Dentist (Gomi)
  • My Toothbrush is Missing (Thomas)
  • Alan’s Big Scary Teeth (Jarvis)

Songs: 

Animal Baths

Activity: 

  • Search for pictures to print or create slides to discuss how animals bathe (pigs, dogs, tigers, elephants, horses) and animals who use helpers to get clean (sea turtles, eels, giraffes, chimpanzees) 

Books: 

  • Dog’s Colorful Day (Dodd) – colors
  • Hogwash (Wilson)
  • Ten Pigs (Anderson) – counting
  • Harry the Dirty Dog (Zion)

Songs: 

Plus, My Favorite Wiggle Songs:

For more interactive songs, check YouTube for Eric Litwin’s ‘The Learning Groove’ and you’ll be set for years!

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Classroom Activities

Six Ideas for Pool Noodles in the Classroom

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

Pool noodles are wonderful. They’re inexpensive, versatile, and colorful. Of course, I have to put up with my colleagues teasingly threatening to throw away my pool noodles all the time, but that’s okay. They are totally worth it. Here are six noodle-rific ways you can use my favorite product in the classroom.

1. Robotics Challenge Border

pool noodle robotics boundaries

I found this super idea on Twitter from Kim Collazo (@kcollazo). She duck-taped pool noodles to the floor to make a border for a robotics challenge called the Predator/Prey Challenge. She tweeted that her 4th graders learned the importance of armor and other animal adaptations with the Sphero Bolt- just in case you were curious to know what robot is hiding under those red solo cups. Check out the video! Bonus: Kim shares her lesson for the Predator/Prey Challenge here.

2. SPIKE Pool Noodle Runner

pool noodle robotics

Mr. Hino of Mr. Hino’s LEGO Robotics YouTube Channel shares a unique robot he built that travels along a pool noodle. Check out this Youtube video on his channel for the Pool Noodle Runner. I love this build because it is not moving the standard way of a vehicle. I also reversed engineered his robot, and you can find the building instructions on a slide deck here. My slide deck comes with six steps and a video of my own personal SPIKE Pool Noodle Runner. 

3. Breakout EDU

breakout with pool noodles

If you are a fan of Breakout EDU, try incorporating pool noodles for a clue. The very first breakout I designed for a professional development Breakout EDU session was based on Dr. Johnson’s Lab (Zombie Apocalypse!) by James Sanders. I tweaked James’s original game to engage the audience and have their participation in the game. I designed it where objects and costumes held the puzzles to unlock the locks on the breakout box. I had one participant, complete with a beach towel and sunglasses, walk around the room calling out, “Where, oh where have my pool noodles gone?” All of a sudden 10 people popped their noodles out from hiding. Five green, two blue, and four orange noodles appeared which were used to solve the three-digit combination lock.

4. Goose Chase

How about incorporating pool noodles into an interactive experience called a Goose Chase? Below are a few missions I have used at TCEA conventions and conferences. My tip here is to encourage your participants to “think outside the box” and create different ways to improvise with the pool noodles besides lasers and swords.

  • Mission ETC: Improvise with a pool noodle or two. Please do not turn your pool noodle into a weapon.
  • Mission CTS: Act out a movie scene using one or more pool noodles. Think beyond Star Wars.
  • Mission ETC: Create a math problem using some or all the pool noodles you will find hiding down the hall. 
  • Mission TCEA 2018: Form a letter using the pool noodles.

5. Cardio Desk Drumming 

desk drumming with pool noodles

I found this one a year ago on Facebook and have been holding onto this terrific find – until now! P.E. Coach, Mr. Kent Hamilton of Middlebranch-Avondale Elementary School in Canton, Ohio has created routines called Cardio Desk drumming with pool noodles. It sure looks like a bunch of fun. This”get moving” activity is great for the body and the brain! He has several videos on his YouTube channel. He includes two of my favorite songs: Queen’s “We will Rock You” and Imagine Dragon’s “Believer.” Don’t miss “Shake it Off” or “Uptown Funk,” too. Follow him on Twitter for so many more ideas.

6. Pool Noodle Pass

pool noodle pass

Hanging out on Twitter is such a good thing. I also found the 2021 National Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year, Kyle Bragg. He is a P.E. teacher at Anasazi Elementary School in Arizona. Oh, to be a second grader and try the Noodle Pass! Follow him not only for his pool noodle activities but other energizing and engaging lessons in the gym.

Feel free to share the unique ways you use pool noodles in your classroom in the comments. Let’s spread more love for pool noodles!

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