Author: Jacqui

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, an Amazon Vine Voice, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

Why Use SplashLearn in Class?

Ask a Tech Teacher occasionally reviews an education website that caught our eye and seemed to have excellent value for readers. Today, it’s SplashLearn. Here’s an easy-to-read bullet list of what we found:

Platform

Overview:

SplashLearn is an innovative online learning platform tailored for PreK through Grade 5 kids. With a global reach engaging over 45 million children and 446k teachers, it ingeniously blends the excitement of gaming with the rigor of academic learning; the platform ensures that each session is not only engaging but also deeply educational.

Cost:

  • Parents: SplashLearn offers a 7-day free trial, allowing parents to explore its features before committing to a subscription. Subsequent plans start at $7.50/month. You can get started here!
  • Teachers: For teachers, SplashLearn is completely free. It includes access to thousands of educational resources without hidden costs or permissions. You can get started here!

Age Group and Subjects:

  • Parents: SplashLearn offers Math and Reading curriculum from PreK through Grade 5 for parents.
  • Teachers: SplashLearn’s curriculum spans Kindergarten to Grade 5 for Math and Kindergarten to Grade 2 for Reading.

What SplashLearn Offers:

Parents:

  • Daily Learning Path: Parents can customize bite-sized daily lessons to fit their child’s schedule.
  • Curriculum Alignment: SplashLearn aligns closely with school curricula, reinforcing classroom learning with games and activities.
  • Engagement: Interactive content, vibrant colors, and engaging gameplay keep children interested in learning and something for children look forward to.
  • Rewards: To further motivate learners, SplashLearn incorporates rewards like coins and access to non-curricular games. These games include puzzles and quizzes that enhance critical thinking skills and offer a fun break from traditional learning.
  • Content Types:
  1. Games: Each educational game on SplashLearn is crafted to strengthen understanding and practice new skills, ensuring that children grasp concepts while having fun.
  2. Worksheets: An expansive collection of worksheets is available, covering every imaginable skill necessary for school success. These worksheets serve as excellent reinforcement tools.
  3. Live Classes: Children can learn from expert tutors in live classes that go beyond the standard curriculum, offering advanced learning opportunities and helping students stay ahead. Read more about it here.
  4. Multiplayer Games: These allow children to challenge and compete with friends, adding a social element to learning that can boost engagement and motivation.

Teachers:

  • Compatibility with Other Tools: SplashLearn integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom and Clever, simplifying data import and saving teachers time.
  • Free 11,000 Worksheets: Over 11,000 free worksheets across various subjects and levels are available to support teaching.
  • Free Assignment Access for Home: Assignments can be accessed at home, enhancing learning continuity between school and home.
  • Teacher-Referred Discounts for Parents: Teachers can extend subscription discounts to parents.
  • Lesson Plans and Teaching Tools: Detailed lesson plans and tools align with educational standards to aid effective teaching.

Screenshots

  • Parents

Assessment and Math facts and Assignment at child dashboard

Assessment and Math facts and Assignment at child dashboard

Alt Text: Live class : parent dashboard

Alt Text: Live class : parent dashboard

Alt Text: Live class : parent dashboard

Alt Text: Parent dashboard : Reports

 

 

 

Alt Text: Parent dashboard : Reports

 

AltText: Parent reports and Student On-Boarding

  • Teacher:

Alt Text: Assignment by teachers Alt text: Teacher Assessments

Alt text: live class recordings

How SplashLearn Works for Parents:

  • Personalization: From the moment you sign up, SplashLearn customizes the learning experience based on your child’s educational level and preferences through an initial onboarding questionnaire, ensuring content matches their abilities and goals.
  • Research-Based and Expert-Designed Content: Developed from educational research, SplashLearn’s curriculum and games align with academic standards, target misconceptions, and include scaffolding to support learners and foster deep understanding.
  • Live Classes: Led by expert tutors, SplashLearn’s live classes range from basic practice to advanced explorations, plus creative “out-of-the-box” sessions. These help students advance beyond standard curricula and encourage creative application of knowledge.
  • Adaptive Algorithm: A robust adaptive algorithm analyzes your child’s interactions and progress, adjusting content difficulty and type in real-time to match their pace and skill level for an optimal learning challenge.
  • Detailed Reports: Detailed reports provide insights into your child’s activities and achievements, outline mastered skills, and recommend future learning steps.

    Tips and Suggestions for Using SplashLearn:
  • Access to All Grades PreK to Grade 5: SplashLearn allows you to adjust the learning level based on your child’s needs. Whether your child is gifted and needs more challenging material or has special needs and requires a slower pace, you can tailor the content by setting them at an appropriate grade level.
  • Integration with Google Classroom and Clever: For schools using Google Classroom or Clever, SplashLearn integrates smoothly with these platforms, ensuring a consistent learning environment between school and home.
  • Free Teacher-Recommended Content: Teachers can recommend specific SplashLearn content that students can access at home without charge.
  • Automatic Assignments: With just one click, SplashLearn activates assignments, simplifying the process and saving time.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • Parents can try SplashLearn for free before committing to a subscription.
  • It is completely free for teachers.
  • The platform is aligned with educational standards.
  • Integrates seamlessly with classroom management tools.

Cons:

  • SplashLearn does not currently offer an ELA curriculum for Grades 4 and 5 for teachers.

Closing Remarks on SplashLearn

In conclusion, SplashLearn is a standout educational platform that effectively merges the excitement of gaming with the rigor of structured learning. Despite the minor drawbacks, SplashLearn’s benefits—such as its adaptability and the broad spectrum of engaging content—significantly outweigh these issues. Whether you’re seeking to enrich your child’s educational journey or find supportive classroom instruction tools, SplashLearn is an excellent choice for enhancing learning outcomes and making education fun and impactful.

–Image credit for some–Deposit Photo

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https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm

“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”


Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

Teacher-Authors: What’s Happening on my Writer’s Blog

A lot of teacher-authors read my WordDreams blog. In this monthly column, I share the most popular post from the past month.

If you’re a teacher-author, this is a great tip for you:

Q: How do you create the copyright symbol in Word?

A: It’s easier than you think. Hold down the Alt key and press 0169. Use the keypad with the num lock on–don’t use the number row. I could not get this to work until someone pointed out that you must use the keypad. Duh.

This not only works in MS, but lots of other places, ©–like Wordpress. Cool, hunh?

Update: Thanks to L.W. Dixon Jr, I realized I should add the Apple shortkey. It is even easier than PC:

Copyright (©): Option + G

(more…)

How Laser Cutter Brings New Inspiration to the Classroom

STEM education–Science, technology, engineering, and math–sounds intimidating, but is actually one of the most satisfying learning experiences students can participate in. Makeblock (an Ask a Tech Teacher sponsor) has some excellent resources for this field. Today, we’ll discuss:

How Laser Cutter Brings New Inspiration to the Classroom

STEM education is the need of this modern era, which is why teachers look for some interesting ways to teach these subjects and skills. They try to find new activities, games, toys, tools, or anything that can engage students and help them learn without struggling.

A laser cutter can spark creativity among students. They can turn their imagination into reality, which gives them a sense of joy and pride. They can cut and engrave different types of materials and make products and items they like.

Students, as well as teachers, enjoy using a school laser cutter. It is a perfect option for K-12 schools, colleges, universities, DIY enthusiasts, artists, professionals, etc. It is completely safe and easy to use in schools and has the capability to turn learning into fun.

In this article, we will explain the benefits of using a laser cutter for education. We explore what students can make with the machine to uncover their creativity and develop various skills. Moreover, we will also share an ideal laser cutter for schools that empowers students to take their skills to the next level safely and easily. (more…)

Ethics and the Use of AI in Essays

Is using AI in your essay writing unethical and a potential reason your teacher may debate your work’s authenticity? Let’s find out the truth through the Ask a Tech Teacher team:

Ethics and the Use of AI in Essays

AI-driven tools and their use in creative writing, specifically with the purpose of writing essays, have long been a subject of heated debate. The argument against AI-powered tools remains the same: any content produced by artificial intelligence can be viewed as plagiarism. This is the same concern that has been posed about essay writing services and the people who use them. Reading a Scamfighter review is part of my routine, so it is easy to confirm that some writing services are indeed unethical and unprofessional if they use plagiarized content to complete your tasks. However, boundaries become murkier when it comes to AI and its role in writing essays. (more…)

AI and Writing Essays: Pros and Cons, How Will Students Learn to Write if an AI Writes It for Them?

Explore the benefits and drawbacks of AI in essay writing, including its impact on student learning. Unveil the evolving future of writing education with AI through these suggestions from the Ask a Tech Teacher team.

AI and Writing Essays: Pros and Cons, How Will Students Learn to Write if an AI Writes It for Them?

In the fast-changing digital world, integrating AI into education is both a breakthrough and a problem. AI’s influence in essay writing is growing, highlighting both advantages and significant issues. AI algorithms use massive datasets and natural language processing to produce content that replicates student writing styles as teaching tools. This technology will transform education by personalizing learning and meeting various student demands. (more…)

How to Improve Essay Writing Skills–Tips and Strategies

From the three-paragraph essay to one that lives up to the purpose of essays is a big leap both scholastically and skills-wise. Here are four tips from the Ask a Tech Teacher team to get you started:

 

How to Improve Essay Writing Skills: Abbie Kay from State of Writing Giving Tips and Strategies for Students

Improving essay writing skills is crucial for students aiming to excel academically. Abbie Kay from State of Writing emphasizes that solid writing is about expressing ideas and effectively engaging and persuading your audience. Here, we delve into practical tips and strategies to transform your writing from good to great, ensuring your essays are clear, compelling, and academically rigorous. (more…)

11 Ways to Become a Navy Officer and a Gentleman

This is a new Ask a Tech Teacher series on College and Career with a focus on military options. We’ll start with this how-to on becoming an officer and a gentleman:

As the economy gets worse, a career in the military looks better. They are the rare employer who accepts everyone qualified and doesn’t lay you off. Whether you enlist or become an officer is a personal choice. Each requires specific requirements, commitments and responsibilities. Each has its own unique skill set that either fits the prospective candidate or doesn’t. While the pay is greater, so is the stress and demands associated with the work. Me–I have a Navy Officer daughter and an Army enlisted Signal Corps son. Each picked the path that worked best for them.

If you’ve decided that you prefer the officer path to the enlisted, here are your options: (more…)

Quality of education in Florida private schools for foreigners.

Quality of education in Florida private schools for foreigners.

The quality of education inprivate schools in Florida for international students is quite diverse and offers numerous opportunities for a high-standard educational experience. Many private schools in Florida provide specialized programs that cater to the needs of international students, ensuring they receive an education that can facilitate access to global universities and professions.

Florida’s private schools offer a diverse range of educational environments and programs that cater to various needs and preferences. These schools are known for their strong academic programs, which often include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and specialized arts and sciences curricula. Many Florida private schools also boast robust athletic programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

For example, private schools like Windermere Preparatory School offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, known for its rigorous standards and international recognition. Schools like these typically boast advanced facilities and a curriculum designed to enhance student development in various areas including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and often have partnerships with prestigious institutions like MIT and Juilliard to provide top-tier educational experiences​​.

Furthermore, schools such as Score Academy in Wellington focus on a family-oriented environment where students from all academic levels can thrive. These schools often adjust their curriculum to meet individual student needs and offer a variety of course levels including honors and AP courses. They aim to foster intellectual curiosity and cultural sensitivity, which are crucial for international students adapting to a new educational system​.

For instance, schools like Canterbury School in Fort Myers and Gulliver Preparatory School in Pinecrest provide comprehensive programs that support not just academic excellence but also the overall development of students including arts and sports. Both schools have received high ratings from parents and students for their nurturing environments and commitment to preparing students for college​​. (more…)

How Low-Carb Diets Fuel High-Achieving Students

How Low-Carb Diets Fuel High-Achieving Students

Have you ever considered that your diet could be the secret weapon in your quest for academic success? It’s not just about fueling late-night study sessions or grabbing a quick bite between classes. What if the foods you choose could directly enhance focus and memory retention? 

Low-carb diets are more than just a trend; they’re transforming high-achievers into unstoppable forces in classrooms and beyond. From stabilizing mood to managing weight effectively, let’s delve into how cutting down on carbs can ignite your educational journey.

5 Ways Low-Carb Diets Fuel High-Achieving Students

Unlock the academic prowess within you by exploring how a low-carb diet could energize your studies. 

Here are five transformative benefits to consider for brain power and beyond.

1. Enhanced Focus and Energy

Maintaining razor-sharp focus and boundless energy has always been the secret sauce for high-achieving students. It’s no surprise that what you eat plays a pivotal role in the academic equation. 

A low-carb diet, rich in fats and proteins, stands out as a powerhouse for cognitive performance. They can also increase your energy, but most studies focus on short term effects. 

But why does this matter for someone hitting the books? Let’s break it down:

  • Stamina During Exams: A stable release of glucose provides prolonged energy.
  • Consistent Performance: With fewer blood sugar spikes, you won’t crash.
  • Reaction Times: Quicker mental responses can help to understand complex ideas.

Opting for meals that sustain rather than drain elevates your learning potential and sets a cornerstone for overall well being amidst the academic pressures. (more…)

The psychology of motivation: Strategies for engaging students

The psychology of motivation: Strategies for engaging students

Motivation plays a role not only in people’s choice to get involved in their goals but also in their behavior, persistence, and, ultimately, success. It is imperative for educators to be aware of the essence of motivation in education in order to create a stimulating environment where students can learn and develop. Through understanding motivation, educators will discover various sophisticated techniques to attract attention and instill a love for learning among students for life.

What does motivation entail?

Motivation is a phenomenon built on the idea of the action of inside and outside factors that together influence an individual to act in the achievement of his/her aims. Experts in psychology have comprehensively analyzed motivation. As a result, they have presented different theories and components which shape the way humans behave. A learner can be driven by two major types of motivation, the extrinsic and intrinsic types, each with its unique characteristics and ramifications on the learning process. (more…)