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Children engaged in an educational escape room activity in a colorful classroom, solving puzzles, codes, and logic games with enthusiastic expressions
Classroom ActivitiesEducational TrendsGood Teaching

Eight Puzzle-Based Classroom Activities That Transform Student Engagement (National Puzzle Day Edition)

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

The Sound Every Teacher Chases

We all know the sound: that sudden, sharp intake of breath followed by “Ohhhhh! I get it!” That’s the sound of a synapse firing, a connection being made. As teachers, we chase that moment every single day. In late January, though, those moments feel harder to manufacture. Energy dips, routines settle, and many classroom activities become time-fillers rather than learning accelerators. That’s where good teaching strategies come in—ones that reignite curiosity and focus.

Here’s what experienced educators know: puzzles aren’t filler when used strategically. They become high-impact tools for deepening content mastery and driving student engagement. The challenge is knowing which puzzles to use and how to align them with curriculum goals.

Why Strategic Puzzle Use Matters

Research consistently shows puzzle-based learning improves student motivation, engagement, and critical thinking across subject areas. In fact, a 2020 study of 8th-grade English learners found students using puzzle-based approaches demonstrated measurably higher learning attitudes and self-efficacy compared to traditional instruction. Recent mathematics research revealed puzzle-based classroom activities reduced anxiety while improving problem-solving and collaboration.

The key differentiator? Intentionality. Random puzzles entertain. Strategic puzzles teach.

The tools below are organized by learning objective—from vocabulary to visual analysis—so you can choose the right fit for your needs. Use them to celebrate National Puzzle Day this Jan. 29, or any day your classroom needs a little pick-me-up!

1. The Essentials: Reinforcing Vocabulary and Core Concepts

Best for: English, Social Studies, Science terms, and World Languages

When introducing new terminology, students need repeated exposure in varied contexts. These tools turn standard vocabulary lists into active challenges.

Discovery Education Puzzlemaker

URL: puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com

Classic “print-and-go” resource. Free and requires no login.

Teacher Tip: Skip standard word searches. Try the “Double Puzzle”—students unscramble vocabulary words, then use certain letters to reveal a hidden final phrase. It adds mystery and creates natural incentive to check all answers.

Crossword Labs

URL: crosswordlabs.com

Fast, ad-free generator creating modern crosswords solvable online or on paper.

Teacher Tip: Flip the script. Have students create puzzles as review activities—picking top 10 chapter concepts and writing clues. Sharing with partners creates peer-to-peer teaching and reveals who truly understands content.

2. Deep Critical Thinking: The “Digital Escape Room”

Best for: Unit reviews, reading comprehension, and logic-building

Want to wrap content in narrative while fostering collaboration? Digital breakout approaches gate content behind puzzles, requiring mastery before progression.

Genially

URL: genial.ly

Create interactive presentations that feel like video games. Embed clues and require correct answers to unlock new “rooms.”

Teacher Tip: Build point-and-click adventures. Studying a cell or historical map? Embed invisible hotspots over key areas. Students explore to discover questions, forcing deep visual analysis.

Google Forms (with Response Validation)

URL: forms.google.com

Using “Response Validation,” standard quizzes become digital locks—students can’t proceed without exact answers.

Teacher Tip: Build narrative frameworks. Students are “locked” in a time period or location. To escape, they solve three content questions. Combined answers form the password. Review becomes a quest.

3. Math and Logic: Building Number Sense

Best for: Math fluency, bell ringers, and early finishers

Standard crosswords don’t accommodate equations. These tools focus on numerical relationships, helping students build number sense beyond memorized algorithms.

KenKen Puzzle Official Site

URL: kenkenpuzzle.com

“Sudoku on steroids”—students fill grids using arithmetic operations to hit target numbers.

Teacher Tip: Start math blocks with this warm-up. Activates mental math fluency and creates cognitive readiness for deeper problem-solving. Adjust difficulty for grade level.

Math-Aids.com

URL: math-aids.com

Generates highly customized math worksheets that feel like games.

Teacher Tip: Explore “Number Search”—like word search but for equations. Students solve 20 problems, then find answers hidden in the grid. Drilling becomes treasure hunting.

4. Interactive and Multimedia: Visual Learning

Best for: Geography, art history, biology, and tablet/whiteboard use

Sometimes the most effective classroom activities are visual or tactile. These tools offer variety beyond text-based formats.

Puzzel.org

URL: puzzel.org

Modern interface with unique puzzle types for interactive whiteboards.

Teacher Tip: Try “Memory Game” matching concepts instead of pictures. Chemistry: element symbols to atomic numbers. ELA: characters to quotes. Visual pairing creates stronger memory than flashcards.

Jigsaw Planet

URL: jigsawplanet.com

Upload any image to create instant digital jigsaw puzzles.

Teacher Tip: Powerful for visual analysis. Upload blank continent maps or scientific cycles. As students assemble pieces, they memorize spatial relationships and process flows—information hard to retain through reading alone.

Bonus: The AI Shortcut for Custom Puzzles

Love puzzle-based classroom activities but dread writing 20 clever clues? Let AI handle it.

Feed your vocabulary list into ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude to instantly generate content for the puzzle sites above. Perfect for “Who Am I?” games or scavenger hunts.

Sample prompt:

"Generate a 'Who/What Am I?' riddle for each vocabulary word below. Make three for each word (easy, medium, and challenging) that are engaging but solvable for [Grade Level]. Don't include the target word. Format as a table with 'Word' and 'Riddle' columns. Words: [paste list]"

Copy the “Riddle” column into Crossword Labs as clues, or print them on cards for a classroom scavenger hunt.

Key Takeaways

  • Puzzles become strategic when aligned to specific learning objectives—vocabulary needs different tools than critical thinking
  • Different types serve different goals—word searches build recognition, escape rooms demand synthesis, jigsaws strengthen spatial memory
  • AI eliminates prep barriers while maintaining value, making custom activities accessible to time-strapped teachers
  • Engagement increases with narrative elements, peer collaboration, and discovery-based exploration

Your National Puzzle Day Challenge

You don’t need curriculum overhauls. Pick one tool from this list. Whether it’s a 5-minute KenKen bell ringer or a Crossword Labs unit review, give students that “Ohhhhh!” moment.

That sound on January 29th? That’s not just engagement. That’s learning.

Research References

For educators in research-based practice environments:

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Classroom ActivitiesOnline Tools and Apps

Making Learning Visible with Genially Live

by Belinda Howell
written by Belinda Howell

One of the biggest challenges teachers face today isn’t access to content—it’s student engagement. In classrooms filled with digital tools and distractions, keeping students actively involved in learning requires more than static slides or one-way presentations. That’s why interactive learning experiences have become so important, and why Genially has quickly become a favorite tool in my work with teachers.

Why Interactivity Matters

Genially stands out because it transforms presentations into interactive learning experiences. Instead of students passively clicking through slides, they explore content through clickable elements, animations, embedded media, and visual storytelling. Teachers can easily create engaging digital escape rooms, choose your own adventures, self-paced interactive modules, and more. This interactivity naturally increases engagement—students are curious, involved, and more likely to stay focused on the lesson.

When students interact with content rather than simply consume it, learning becomes more meaningful. They’re not just watching; they’re participating.

Enter Genially Live

Genially’s newest feature, Genially Live, takes this interactivity to the next level by giving teachers greater instructional control—without sacrificing student engagement.

With Genially Live, students sign in to the lesson on their own devices, but the teacher controls which page is displayed in real time. This means:

  • Everyone stays on the same page—literally.
  • No students clicking ahead or lagging behind.
  • The teacher sets the pace of instruction.

This feature is especially powerful for whole-group instruction, guided practice, and direct teaching moments where timing and focus matter. For instance, a teacher covering the three colonial regions could create a page for each region with their notes, expandable images, audio readings, translations or simplified reading, and other interactive material.

After covering the information, the teacher could then go to a page that checks whether students understood the main aspect of the content just covered or if the teacher needs to review a specific concept again.

Built-In Checks for Understanding

One of the most impactful aspects of Genially Live is the ability to embed a variety of question types directly into the presentation. Teachers can include:

  • Multiple-choice questions
  • Fill in the Blank questions
  • Sort/Ordering questions
  • Image select questions
  • Open-ended responses
  • Polls and more!

Genially also has AI features to help with creating questions, formatting the writing, creating images, and more.

As students respond, teachers receive immediate feedback. This real-time data allows educators to see who understands the content—and who doesn’t—right away. Teachers can set up the questions to check for understanding and/or provide a form of competition.  Students will also receive feedback based on whether they selected the correct or incorrect answer.

Instead of waiting until the end of a lesson or reviewing an exit ticket later, teachers can address misconceptions immediately. Instruction becomes more responsive, more targeted, and more effective.

Supporting Better Instructional Decisions

Genially Live shifts formative assessment from an afterthought to an integrated part of instruction. Teachers can:

  • Pause to reteach when misunderstandings appear
  • Adjust pacing based on student responses
  • Encourage discussion using live results as a conversation starter

This kind of immediate insight empowers teachers to make informed instructional decisions in the moment, ultimately leading to stronger learning outcomes.

Genially Live: A Powerful Tool for Today’s Classrooms

Genially Live combines the best of both worlds: the engaging, interactive design Genially is known for and the instructional control teachers need in a live classroom environment. Students remain actively involved, teachers stay in control, and learning becomes visible through ongoing checks for understanding.

For educators looking to boost engagement while gaining clearer insight into student learning, Genially Live is a powerful addition to the digital classroom toolkit.

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Students in a classroom engaged in peer feedback, reviewing and discussing their written work.
AssessmentClassroom ManagementGood Teaching

Four Steps to Save Time and Engage Students with Peer Review

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of posts from teachers on Reddit sharing how grading has taken over their lives. I remember the days… They talk about spending evenings and weekends drowning in piles of assignments, leaving little time for lesson planning, family, or — let’s be honest — basic sanity. And honestly, I get it. When I was in the classroom, grading felt like an endless cycle. Just when I thought I was caught up, another stack of work would need attention so grades could be reported in a timely fashion. But what if grading didn’t have to be such a time-consuming, energy-draining task? What if we could shift some of the responsibility, save time, and engage students in a way that actually helps them learn better?

That’s where this 4-step grading process comes in. It’s a simple approach that takes some of the burden off teachers while engaging students in the grading process so they aren’t just passive recipients of a score. Here’s how it works:

  1. Students use a rubric to guide their work. They understand expectations before they even start.
  2. A peer evaluates their work using the rubric and provides specific, structured feedback.
  3. Students reflect on the feedback and revise before submitting their final version. This step is critical and often not included in the assessment process.
  4. The teacher assesses the final work, and if the peer assessment was accurate, that student earns a bonus point.

This method does three key things:

  • Saves time by ensuring students turn in better-quality work before you even see it.
  • Engages students in their own learning by making them active participants in the grading process.
  • Teaches valuable evaluation skills that improve their ability to self-assess and learn from feedback.

Instead of carrying the grading load alone, this process turns assessment into a meaningful learning experience. It’s grading smarter, not harder.

A visual representation of a four-step grading process displayed as a road map with milestone markers. The steps include: "Use Rubric," "Peer Assessment," "Revise Work," and "Teacher Assessment," each with an accompanying icon.

The Problem with Traditional Grading

Unless you are grading scantrons or multiple choice worksheets, grading isn’t just time-consuming—it’s exhausting. Teachers spend hours marking assignments, only to feel like they barely made a dent. It’s a never-ending cycle, and the more detailed the feedback, the longer it takes. I’ve seen countless Reddit threads where teachers talk about grading burnout, and I lived it myself when I was in the classroom.

But time isn’t the only issue. Traditional grading has three major flaws that make it inefficient and ineffective when trying to save time and engage students:

1. It puts all the responsibility on the teacher.

  • In most classrooms, grading is something teachers do to students rather than with them.
  • Students complete an assignment, turn it in, and wait for a grade without being involved in evaluating their own work.
  • This creates a one-way process where students miss opportunities to reflect and improve before getting their final score.

2. Students don’t engage with feedback.

  • How many times have you carefully written comments on a student’s paper, only to have them glance at the grade and toss it aside?
  • Once an assignment is graded, most students move on instead of using feedback to improve.
  • This means teachers are spending time giving feedback that often goes unread.

3. Grading is often disconnected from learning.

  • When students see grades as an endpoint rather than part of the learning process, they don’t develop strong self-evaluation skills.
  • If they struggle with an assignment, they may assume they just aren’t “good” at the subject rather than recognizing areas for growth.
  • This creates a cycle where students rely on teachers for all evaluation instead of learning to assess their own work.

These issues make grading a burden for teachers and a missed opportunity for students. That’s why we need a better approach to save time and engage students. One that keeps grading fair and accurate while also making it more efficient and meaningful.

The 4-Step Grading Process to Save Time and Engage Students

Instead of carrying the full weight of grading alone, this process shifts part of the responsibility to students—while keeping grading fair, accurate, and meaningful.

Step 1: Students Use a Rubric to Guide Their Work

  • Provide the rubric upfront so students know expectations before they begin.
  • Model how to use it by assessing a sample assignment together.
  • Encourage self-checking before submission, so students catch mistakes early.

Step 2: Peer Assessment and Feedback

  • Students trade work and use the rubric to evaluate a peer’s assignment.
  • Require specific feedback based on rubric criteria—no vague comments like “good job” or “needs work.”
  • Provide sentence stems to guide structured feedback (e.g., “One area for improvement is __ because __.”).

Step 3: Students Revise Based on Feedback

  • Give time for reflection and revision after receiving peer feedback.
  • Require a revision statement, so students justify their changes.
  • Hold students accountable for either making improvements or explaining why they didn’t.

Step 4: Teacher Assessment with a Bonus for Accurate Peer Reviews

  • If a peer’s assessment closely matches the teacher’s, that student earns a bonus point.
  • Encourages careful grading, since inaccurate assessments don’t earn the bonus.

Final Thoughts

This 4-step process isn’t just about grading—it’s about changing how students engage with assessment.

  • Teachers spend less time grading unfinished work.
  • Students take ownership of their learning.
  • Feedback is used, not ignored.

Try It for Yourself

✅ Start with one assignment to test the process.
✅ Use peer grading practice rounds before jumping into major projects.
✅ See if students submit stronger work after revision.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried peer assessment in your classroom as a way to save time and engage students? What strategies have helped you save time on grading? Drop a comment and let’s keep the conversation going!

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Classroom ManagementGood Teaching

Boost Engagement with Movement in the Classroom

by Zulema Martinez
written by Zulema Martinez

Learning is not just about absorbing information through a lecture or jotting down notes but about making connections and actively engaging with the content. As we know teaching is not easy and there are plenty of reasons that can get in the way of student engagement, like the lack of class time, and students who seem disconnected. On top of that, the pressure of standardized testing and the challenge of motivating students whose academic and social skills are still affected by the pandemic. Enter these three simple strategies designed to boost engagement with movement and discourse in the classroom!

The Importance of Motor Activities in the Classroom

With so many TEKS to cover and so little time, it can be tempting to skip activities that encourage discourse and movement fearing they will take up too much time and instead rely on repetitive drills. But we can’t deny that the real magic of learning happens when students are actively involved, not just passively receiving information. 

By trying out a few simple strategies that get students moving and talking, we can break the monotony, re-energize your classes and foster collaboration, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the content. These strategies are easy to implement, don’t take up a lot of class time and can help cultivate a positive classroom culture where students feel more connected to each other and the material. Step out of the comfort zone, give these simple strategies that boost engagement with movement and discourse a try, and watch as they transform your classroom. 

Three Strategies to Boost Engagement with Movement

1. Spectrum

How it works

For this strategy one side of the room would be labeled Agree and the other Disagree. Students are presented with a thought provoking statement and move across the spectrum according to how passionate they are about their answers.This could be applied to any subject. For example: In a biology classroom the statement “Mitochondria are the most important cell organelle because they provide energy for all cellular activities” would be presented on the screen. Students would move to different spots in the room based on how much they agree with the statement (strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, strongly disagree). After scattering along the spectrum. The students who are clustered together will collectively come up with a statement to justify their stance when called upon by the teacher. 

Why it is effective

This strategy not only encourages students to think critically about the content but also engage in the process of justifying their opinions using evidence from lessons, engaging with peers’ viewpoints and even having the opportunity to debate academically. 

2. Stand or Sit, but Share

How it works 

This strategy is a low stakes beginner friendly strategy that gets students moving without them having to get up from their table. Even your most hesitant students can express their ideas without pressure. The students will stand if they agree with a solution or a statement, and stay seated if they disagree. 

The teacher will display a statement and give students 45 seconds to review it. Once the initial timer goes off the students get 30 seconds to stand up if they agree with the displayed statement, or to stay seated if they disagree. The third timer gives students 1 minute to discuss their position with their group. 

This strategy works well in any subject matter and could easily be applied to topics in which they are solving for an outcome. For example: when asking students to evaluate the equation or scenarios involving forces, acceleration and mass the statement “An 10 object is pushed with a net force of 30 N. Using the equation F=ma the correct way to solve this is to multiply the numbers together” would be displayed by the teacher. 

Students would stand if they agree and stay seated if they disagree. Students who disagree with the statement might explain that to solve for acceleration Force (N) must be divided by mass (m). Students who initially agreed that the numbers should be multiplied, might be able to identify their misconceptions by seeing that they used the formula incorrectly. 

Why it is effective

This strategy is not about solving the problems but about exploring how to approach the questions and think critically. It reinforces the understanding of the content by analyzing solutions critically. The combination of movement and peer discussion makes the learning more interactive and engaging while encouraging students to articulate their reasonings in a smaller, less intimidating setting.

How it works

For this strategy, each student will be given a card with a question that has already been solved. The question could be multiple choice with correct answers circled, vocabulary terms with correct definition or a labeled diagram asking them to identify a specific area. The class will be divided into two groups, with an inner circle and an outer circle. 

Students in the inner circle will stay in place while the outer circle rotates to a new partner after each round of questioning. Each round lasts two minutes during which students take turns quizzing each other and confirming the correct answers on their cards. At the end of the round, students will trade cards with their partner. The activity continues until all students have interacted with multiple partners and questions. 

Why it is effective

Rotating partners promotes teamwork and exposes the students to different ideas while the fast pace and variety keep the activity stimulating and interactive. This strategy helps reinforce the students’ understanding of key concepts by encouraging active participation and peer teaching. Giving the students the answers and having them explain it to their peers not only improves comprehension but it builds confidence and strengthens their communication skills creating a collaborative and supportive learning experience.

Boost Engagement with Movement and Discourse

Learning is most effective when paired with great strategies that improve students retention. We hope that these three strategies designed to boost engagement with movement are helpful for your classroom. Try them out and let us know how your students benefit in the comments below!

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Collage of classroom scenes showing students collaborating on projects, with a teacher assisting a student, surrounded by decorative circles.
AccessibilityEquity, Diversity, InclusionGood TeachingInstructional CoachingSpecial Needs

Creating Inclusive Classrooms with UDL and Differentiation

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Are you looking to reach every student in your diverse classroom? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed trying to meet the varied needs of all your learners? You’re not alone. Many educators face this challenge daily. The good news is that Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiation offer powerful solutions. These approaches can help you create a learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s explore how these strategies can transform your teaching and make your classroom more inclusive and effective for all learners.

Understanding UDL and Differentiation

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Differentiation
Definition: A proactive approach to designing inclusive learning experiences Definition: A responsive approach that tailors instruction to meet individual student needs
Analogy: Building a ramp instead of stairs – accessible for everyone from the start Analogy: Customizing the interior of a building to suit specific requirements
Key Principles:
  • Spark interest and motivation for learning
  • Present information in various ways
  • Provide different ways for students to show what they know
 Areas for Differentiation:
  • Content: Adjust what students learn
  • Process: Modify how students learn
  • Product: Vary how students demonstrate learning
  • Learning environment: Change where and with whom students learn
Timing: Implemented during lesson planning, before instruction begins Timing: Applied during instruction, in response to observed student needs
Focus: Designing a flexible curriculum that can accommodate diverse learners Focus: Adapting teaching methods to address specific student strengths and challenges

Why Use UDL and Differentiation Together?

Universal Design for Learning and Differentiation, while powerful on their own, become even more effective when used in tandem. By combining these approaches, educators can create a learning environment that is both proactively designed to be accessible and responsive to individual student needs. This synergy allows teachers to address the diverse learning needs of their students more comprehensively than either approach could achieve alone. The flexibility of UDL provides a foundation that makes differentiation easier to implement, while the targeted nature of differentiation helps fine-tune the inclusive framework established by UDL principles.

Combining these approaches creates a powerful toolkit for inclusive education:

  • UDL sets the stage for accessibility
  • Differentiation fine-tunes the learning experience
  • Together, they address both group and individual needs

Implementing UDL and Differentiation in Your Classroom

STEP 1:
Start with UDL		 STEP 2:
Apply Differentiation
Design diverse materials:
  • Create digital presentations with text and audio
  • Provide physical models for hands-on learners
  • Include videos with captions
  • Offer choice in assessment methods
 Assess ongoing needs:
  • Monitor student progress regularly
  • Identify specific learning gaps
  • Recognize individual strengths and challenges
Plan for engagement:
  • Incorporate interactive simulations
  • Use multimedia resources
  • Develop collaborative projects
 Adjust instruction:
  • Form flexible groups based on needs
  • Provide tiered assignments
  • Offer one-on-one support when necessary

Practical Tips for Success

Implementing UDL and differentiation in your classroom doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting small and gradually expanding your approach, you can create a more inclusive learning environment over time. The following tips are designed to help you integrate these strategies into your teaching practice effectively and sustainably. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. As you experiment with these techniques, you’ll discover what works best for you and your students, leading to a more dynamic and responsive classroom.

  • Begin with small steps: Implement one UDL principle or differentiation strategy at a time
  • Use technology wisely: Explore assistive tools and adaptive software
  • Collaborate with colleagues: Share ideas and resources
  • Gather feedback from students regularly: Use their input to refine your approach
  • Conduct ongoing assessments: Inform your differentiation decisions with current data
  • Practice flexible grouping: Mix whole class, small group, and individual instruction
  • Reflect and adjust: Evaluate your strategies and be willing to make changes

Overcoming Common Challenges

While implementing UDL and differentiation can greatly enhance your teaching, it’s natural to encounter some obstacles along the way. Recognizing these common challenges is the first step in addressing them effectively. The following strategies can help you navigate potential hurdles, ensuring that you can successfully integrate these approaches into your classroom practice, regardless of constraints or limitations.

  • Time constraints: Build a resource bank over time and start small, gradually expanding.
  • Limited resources: Advocate for professional development and seek out free online tools and materials.
  • Large class sizes: Implement peer tutoring and use station rotation models.
  • Balancing individual needs with standards: Focus on core concepts and provide multiple paths to meet objectives.

Taking Action in Your Classroom

Now that you’re familiar with UDL and differentiation, it’s time to put these concepts into practice. Remember, transforming your classroom into a more inclusive learning environment is a journey, not a destination. Start with small, manageable steps and gradually build on your successes. The following action steps will help you begin implementing these strategies in your classroom, allowing you to see firsthand how they can benefit your students and enhance your teaching practice.

  1. Analyze your current teaching approach: Identify areas where you’re already using UDL or differentiation and spot opportunities for improvement.
  2. Set realistic goals: Choose one UDL principle to focus on this week and select a differentiation strategy to try in your next lesson.
  3. Measure your progress: Keep a teaching journal and ask for student feedback.
  4. Share your experiences: Discuss successes and challenges with colleagues and contribute to professional learning communities.

Remember, creating an inclusive classroom is an ongoing process that requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn. Every step you take towards implementing UDL and differentiation is a step towards better serving all your students. As you continue to refine your practice, you’ll likely find that these approaches not only benefit your students but also reinvigorate your own passion for teaching. The diverse strengths and needs of your students can become a source of creativity and innovation in your instructional methods.

Are you ready to transform your classroom? Start by choosing one strategy from this post to implement in your next lesson. Whether it’s a UDL principle or a differentiation technique, take that first step towards creating a more inclusive learning environment. Share your experiences, celebrate your successes, and learn from the challenges. Together, we can create classrooms where every student has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

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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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Fall Into Learning: Autumn Activities and Websites for Students
Fall Classroom ActivitiesGood Teaching

Fall Into Learning: Autumn Activities and Websites for Students

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

Celebrate the autumn season in your classroom with a range of themed activities! Whether it’s STEM challenges to inspire creativity, interactive digital breakouts, or activities that promote social-emotional skills, there’s something for every classroom. Give these fall activities a try, explore exciting websites, and find seasonal resources to make autumn a lively and educational time for your students. Embrace the fantastic ideas and enhance your classroom experience this fall!

Classroom Activities for Fall

Apple STEM Challenge Cards

These Apple STEM challenges are perfect for fall! Get kids away from screens and inspire them to invent, design, and engineer. It’s a great way to engage with STEM activities this season.

Three Fall-Themed Classroom Activities

Check out three ready-to-use (or edit!) fall-themed activities. Use them for brain breaks, bellringers, or warm-ups! 

8 Fall Activities for Kids with a Digital Spin

Discover 8 engaging fall activities for kids that incorporate digital tools to make this fall season a little more engaging.

Falling for Digital Breakouts
Kick off the autumn season with a digital breakout, Fall Is Here, and some other fall-themed activities. Your students will love them!

Fall and Autumn Activities to Build Social-Emotional Skills

Explore engaging fall and autumn activities designed to build social-emotional skills. From seasonal crafts to team-building exercises, these resources will help students develop empathy, resilience, and social awareness.

Fall Activities for the Classroom
If you’re looking for fall activities, look no further. Here is a veritable roundup of 11 faBOOlous resources for you and your students!  

Seven Spooktacular Activities for the Elementary Classroom

It’s fall, ya’ll, and that means it’s almost Halloween. Get ready to have some fun with these seven spooktacular elementary activities!

Unplugged Sequence Activity: Fuzzy Fall Harvest
Can’t visit a corn maze this fall? Students can design their own and guide participants to the finish by coding a sequence of events instead! This unplugged, offline coding activity combines the spirit of fall with a fun coding lesson, letting you learn and create without a screen.

Fall for These Websites

Celebrate the season with fall-themed websites that bring autumn to life. Great for those students who tend to finish early! Explore these sites and make the most of fall with your students.

Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard

Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard can inspire students to create their own “tombstones” for forgotten homework, bad habits, and more. It’s a fun way to reflect on and move past challenges! 🍦👻

One More Level: Pumpkin Carving

Students always enjoy exploring this pumpkin carving site.

Autumn DigiPuzzle

Discover engaging autumn-themed puzzles and activities at DigiPuzzle! Perfect for enhancing learning with a seasonal twist.You’ll find crossword puzzles, matching games, and more.

Terminal Two: Crowded Sprouts 

The fall vegetable harvest is in full swing! Jump into this farming game to explore arrays, multi-dimensionality, functions, and order of execution. Players will use actions to seed, water, harvest, and till potted plants, helping them grow and thrive. Get ready for a fun and educational harvest experience!

Kahoot: Halloween Collection

Explore spooky Halloween kahoots and resources to make learning fun this season. Plus, create your own eerie-sistable kahoots with our Halloween lobby theme and music!

Fall Websites for You and Your Students

Here is a huge list of some fun interactive websites for students of all ages to use to celebrate fall and its holidays. Try them out today!

List of fall websites and activities for students
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Make Research More Engaging
LibrariesPlanning and Preparation

Five Ways to Make Research More Engaging

by Claire Reddig
written by Claire Reddig

When most students (and many teachers) hear the word research, they often cringe — maybe they’ve been frustrated in the past while researching or they see research as an isolated academic task that does little to spark intrinsic motivation. As a school librarian, my goal is to transform research projects into opportunities to spark student creativity and tap into intrinsic interest while still effectively teaching foundational researching skills through collaborations with classroom teachers. Here are five ways to make research more engaging in your classroom!

1. Tackle Real-World Challenges

Research projects that reflect real world tasks encourage students to see research as a valuable life skill. For example, a 7th grade science teacher at my school wanted her students to learn more about radioactive elements. We worked together to create several real world research challenges to engage her students.

Our final prompts included one that asked them to pretend they worked at Chernobyl and to take steps to protect their families when they uncovered information about a potential accident. Another challenge asked students to go back in time and share what we know today about x-rays and their radiation with famed scientist Marie Curie. Both challenges required students to engage in more traditional research before applying critical thinking to complete the challenge.

Resources:

Marie Curie ChallengeDownload
Radioactive Survival ScenarioDownload
Nuclear Waste Makerspace ChallengeDownload

2. Get Persuasive

Another type of real-world research encourages students to view their surroundings critically and suggest improvements in a persuasive way. As a 5th grade Language Arts teacher, I ended the year with a persuasive writing unit and, one year, I had students research effective learning spaces. They explored different types of furniture, decorations, lighting, and even layouts. They even collected and compiled their own research data by creating surveys and conducting interviews. Then, they chose a learning space at our school to evaluate based on their research and suggest changes in the form of a persuasive letter to the person in charge of the space. This encouraged students not only to research thoroughly to back up their claims, but also provided a sense of agency.

Resources:

Learning Space Brainstorming WorksheetDownload
Learning Spaces Paragraph WorksheetDownload
Checklist for Rethinking Learning SpacesDownload
Proposal for Rethinking a Learning Space WorksheetDownload

3. Start a Debate

Another way to make research more engaging is to utilize it as preparation for a debate. For example, I partnered with an 8th grade humanities teacher to craft a list of debate questions that reflected her curriculum as her year end wrap up. We had students work in groups of four to research their assigned question and then split them into pairs, with one pair supporting each side of the debate.

Questions again included real-world applications, including, “Should the US government sponsor and promote pro-war propaganda during times of war?” and “Which invention was more significant, the telephone or the lightbulb?” Students chose topics that reflected their interests and were motivated to research by their competitive nature. These debates also put their research to the test and taught them to select their most effective findings to support their own arguments.

Resources:

Nuclear Accidents DebateDownload
Russias Nuclear Threat DebateDownload
Sample Debate Topics and GuidelinesDownload

In my 5th grade Language Arts class, we ended the year by researching the pros and cons of using fidget toys in classes. We explored different types of fidget toys, then interviewed teachers and students about their experiences with them. The unit culminated in students creating their own fidget toy and then writing a persuasive letter to a teacher in the next grade encouraging them to let their students use the toy next year.

Resources:

Brainstorming for the Ideal Fidget Toy WorksheetDownload
Exploring Fidget Toys WorksheetDownload
Fidget Toy Interviews and Reflection WorksheetDownload
Fidget Toy Research WorksheetDownload

5. Embrace the Makerspace

Recently, I partnered with our school’s Latin teacher to create makerspace research projects for her 5th-8th grade students. Her 5th graders researched armor and animals found in Ancient Rome before creating armor for a stuffed animal based on their research. Her 6th graders each researched a different merchant from the Ancient Roman forum (marketplace) and then created items to sell in our forum simulation. Her 7th graders chose different structures from Ancient Rome to research and then created models to use in a presentation where they convinced a panel of Ancient Roman government officials to fund their idea. Her 8th graders researched chariots in Ancient Rome and built their own life-sized chariots out of cardboard and PVC pipes to race. These hands-on activities transformed traditional research projects into collaborative, competitive, and creative endeavors.

Makerspace Madness: Making Research More Engaging

What if you could leverage research to encourage creativity? You can! Research-based makerspace projects allow space for research magic to happen. Makerspace projects can take many forms, but the ones I’ve referred to throughout the article are those where students use readily available (and inexpensive) craft supplies and recycled materials to create items based on their imagination and research.

Are you excited about dipping your toe into the wonderful world of makerspace research projects but not sure where to begin? Start small by using building challenges as bell ringers or brain breaks. These challenges help students build their creativity, collaboration, and grit and prepare them to tackle larger projects. Then, take a trip to The Dollar Tree and begin building your stash of maker supplies. My shopping list even includes mock “prices” because I often give my students a budget for projects so they have to be more intentional in planning their creations. 

Makerspace Supply List (with prices)Download
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Learn strategies for keeping students engaged at the end of the year. The image shows students with hands raised in a classroom with a teacher at the front.
End of Year

Student Engagement Strategies for the End of the School Year

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

As the school year draws to a close, maintaining student engagement can become increasingly difficult. With warmer weather, impending vacations, and the excitement of summer break, students may find it difficult to stay focused in the classroom. However, with intentional strategies and creative approaches, teachers can keep students engaged and motivated until the very last day. Here are some strategies to help you finish the school year strong:

Incorporate Hands-On Activities

Engage students by incorporating hands-on, interactive activities into your lessons. From scavenger hunts and digital breakouts to creating memory books, there are many fun activities students can do at the end of the school year. You could also have students write thank-you letters or cards to those people they are thankful for. In addition, you could incorporate project-based learning or STEM/STEAM activities.

Image of a thank you card.
Image by Diana Benner; Created by 24 Creative Canva Thank You Card Templates

Celebrate Achievements

Recognize and celebrate what students have accomplished during the school year. One way to do this is to create awards and host end-of-year classroom awards ceremonies. Recognize accomplishments such as achieving good grades, exhibiting positive character traits, or demonstrating leadership qualities. In addition, verbally praise students in front of their peers, highlighting their strengths and accomplishments. This will boost their confidence and leave them with good memories of the school year.

Incorporate Brain Breaks

Lots of research suggests that brain breaks improve academic performance, motivation, and attitude. At the end of the year, it’s necessary to break up long periods of instruction with movement breaks and brain-boosting activities. You can incorporate short physical exercises, stretching routines, or mindfulness activities to help students reenergize and refocus their attention. If you are looking to create a brain break, AI chatbots can help you quickly create one specific to your subject area.

Image of 6 children doing mindfulness activites.
Image by Diana Benner; Created by Emily Horn; Six Simple Mindfulness Activities for Your Classroom

Invite a Guest Speaker

Guest speakers can provide a change of pace, offering students a chance to interact with someone other than you. Guest speakers can show students how the concepts and skills they are learning in the classroom are applied in real-world settings, making the content more relevant and engaging for students. In addition, they can engage students through interactive activities, demonstrations, or hands-on experiences related to their expertise, creating memorable learning moments.

Go on a Virtual Field Trip

There’s nothing more engaging than going on a virtual field trip. Virtual field trips can help students explore the world from home, and even engage in different types of learning with audio, visual, and video media. There are many world-class virtual field trips. Students could even explore the great state of Texas or the state in which they live. In addition, there are many field trips that offer a virtual reality experience.

Image of a Google Doc that contains links to Texas Virtual Field Trips.
Image by Diana Benner of Texas Virtual Field Trips Google Document

Maintain Consistent Routines and Expectations

Keep the basic classroom routine consistent, as students will behave better if they know classroom expectations are still in place. Review classroom procedures if necessary and be consistent with follow-through to maintain a positive learning environment.

Reflect with Your Students

Take time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the school year with your students. Encourage them to share their thoughts, feedback, and suggestions for improvement. Use this feedback to inform your teaching practices and plan for the year ahead.

As the school year winds down, it’s important to keep students engaged and motivated to finish strong. By implementing these strategies and fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, you can help students stay focused, inspired, and eager to learn until the very end. Remember, every moment counts, and the impact you make on your students’ lives extends far beyond the classroom. So, let’s finish the school year with enthusiasm, positivity, and a sense of accomplishment!

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Content AreasGood Teaching

How to Make Thinking Visible with Thinking Routines

by Debbie Tannenbaum
written by Debbie Tannenbaum

How many times have you asked one of your students, “What do you think about this?” and received the answer of “I don’t know” or blank stares. If you nodded your head and thought of quite a few or more times, you are not alone. In an educational landscape where our learners are increasingly disengaged, we need to let them know that all of their voices matter. We need to make their thinking visible through thinking routines and convey the message that we are a community of thinkers and learners.

What Are Thinking Routines? 

All that is easier said than done, you might be thinking. If all thinking is a function of learning, how can we, as educators, promote cultures of thinking in our classrooms? Six years ago, I was first introduced to Project Zero’s Thinking Routines and the impact they can have on students’ thinking. Have you heard of thinking routines before? Project Zero’s thinking routines take the content shared with students and use scaffolds to reveal student thinking. These scaffolds are powerful steps that help students to better share their thinking.

Project Zero Thinking Routine Toolbox

Thinking routines are extremely versatile and work in a variety of contexts. You can use them in almost any subject and with any age group. I love incorporating Universal Design for Learning principles while using them and giving my students multiple choices in how they represent or share their thinking. They work best when introduced intentionally one at a time, having students master one type of thinking in many ways before moving on to the next one. 

Thinking routines can absolutely be done using analog methods, but I have found that by carefully pairing them with technology tools, we can further amplify the impact of these routines and make learning visible to the entire learning community. 

Getting Started with Thinking Routines

So how do you get started using thinking routines, and what are some best practices for using them? There is a huge variety of thinking routines that you can choose from. Project Zero Thinking Routines Toolbox is an amazing toolbox that is organized by types of thinking. The first category includes Core Thinking Routines. Core thinking routines are a great place to get started when beginning a culture of thinking in your classroom. When I determine which thinking routine I want to use, I always start by identifying the type of thinking that I want my learners to do. For example, if I want them to synthesize what they have learned, I explore that category and select the routine that best meets my needs. 

Thinking Categories for Thinking Routines

Example: See, Think, Wonder

When I first explored thinking routines with my second graders, I started with See, Think, Wonder. This routine helps students slow down and closely examine an object. I have used this routine to examine historical artifacts like photos, scientific experiments, and more. This routine begins by asking students, “What do you see?” Students can then share their concrete observations. Next, they share what they think about the object or “What do you think about that?” When they do this, they begin to make inferences based on those observations. Last, they share what the object makes them wonder. This is essential in a world where we don’t encourage our students to ask questions or wonder enough.

As my second graders were learning about the American flag, I partnered them up to use See, Think, Wonder to explore a historical photo. I paired it with Padlet during this activity for a few reasons. First, I like how Padlet’s Shelf feature organizes each scaffold. Second, Padlet offers our students many ways to share their thinking. My students could choose to respond with either text, audio, or video, providing them multiple ways to share their learning. Last, now all of the thinking in the learning community is visible to everyone. This could lead to further conversations about their wonders or even how they backed up their thoughts. Having students work in groups in this example also allowed them to discuss their responses in their pairs before responding.

Example: Connect, Extend, Challenge 

One of my favorites is Connect, Extend, Challenge. I love using this routine to encourage a collective culture of learning. It first has students connect what they have learned to what they already knew. Next, it has them share how the new thinking has extended or added to their thinking. Last, they share what still challenges them about the new learning. 

When I use this routine with my fourth graders during their American Revolution unit, we use a collaborative slide deck. Each student is assigned a slide first. The student uses a resource called Gale in Context: Elementary (previously called Kids Infobits) to find an article about the American Revolution. Then, they learn how to cite their source and after listening or reading the article, they can respond to each scaffold. By having them work in a joint slide deck, they are able to learn from each other as well and build a collective culture of thinking and research.

Artifacts of Learning

These two examples also illustrate how you can empower your students to create artifacts of learning using thinking routines. Doing so promotes the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Students, especially 1.3 Knowledge Constructor and 1.5 Creative Communication. This work is essential in today’s world, where building critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills are more important than ever. 

Done over time, these scaffolds become patterns of behavior. As students develop these patterns of thinking, it is essential that they know all of their voices matter. Want more information on thinking routines, check out Project Zero’s website and my blog, TannenbaumTech, for more resources to advance your practice.

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