Category: Websites

Padlet: A Versatile Classroom Tool

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One of the most popular, free tools used by thousands of schools is a virtual bulletin board called Padlet. It starts as a blank canvas (called a ‘wall’) to which users can add text, video, images, weblinks, and more. It can be accessed via a direct link that is posted or emailed, or an embed in any digital platform that accepts these HTML codes (such as a blog, website, or wiki). It can be managed from the website, a mobile device, or with a Chrome app or extension. Walls can also be emailed, printed, social shared, or saved as an image or PDF file. Individual accounts are free; education accounts are charged per teacher.

Here’s how it works:

set up an account so that you can save and share your walls
quickly and easily create your first wall with a customized background, title, and layout. Backgrounds include lined paper, blueprint, a chalkboard, and more.
once the set-up is completed share the link or embed with students
to participate, all students do is tap the screen and add their comment

Pros

If you have a Google account, you can use your Google account to sign on. No need to create a new account.

All walls are by default semi-private — accessed only through the direct link or the embed, but privacy options range from ‘private’ to ‘public’. You choose your level of transparency.

An unusual ‘save’ option is to export as a PDF. This creates a completed document that is platform-neutral.

Amazingly, the walls are ad-free whether you’re on the website or the embed. I don’t know how they manage this, but I’m thrilled — and hope it lasts!

Cons

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15 Memorial Day Websites for Students

Memorial Day is the time we remember all of those soldiers (and anyone in the Armed Forces) who gave their lives in the defense of American freedom. In war and peace, they made the ultimate sacrifice, and because of them we are privileged to live the American Dream.

Once a year, we honor them, their sacrifice, and those they left behind. Here are some activities to help students understand the import of this day:

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23 Great Websites and Apps for Earth Day

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April 22nd is Earth Day. Celebrate it with your students by letting them visit these websites:

Breathing earth– the environment
Breathing Earth YouTube Video–of CO2 use, population changes, and more
Conservation Game
Earth Day—NASA Ocean Currents
Earth Day Printables
Eco-friendly house
Ecotourism Simulation–for grades 4 and above
EekoWorld
Electrocity
Footprint calculator
History of Earth Day–lots of reading
Home of the Future
My Garbology
NASA City

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11 Easter Sites For Students

Many Christians celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. This year, it’s March 31st. Here are some websites your students will love:

Easter color-me (for Kindergarten/first grade)
Easter Color Me to print or import to drawing program
Easter games II
Easter games III
Easter games IV
Easter poems and songs (to play online)
Easter Puppies–video
Easter puzzles and games
Easter songs for kids
Easter story--the Easter Egg–video
Easter Word hunt (Starfall)

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20 St. Patrick’s Day Sites For Students

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Getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day? Try these fun websites:

If you have iPads at your school, try these three apps:

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52 Resources for Read Across America Day

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Many people in the United States, particularly students, parents and teachers, join forces on Read Across America Day, annually held on March 2. This nationwide observance coincides with the birthday of Dr Seuss.

Here are some great reading websites for students K-5:

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8 Fresh Activities for Valentine’s Day

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If you’re looking for project websites for Valentine’s Day, go to my post last Friday and you’ll find 20 Great Valentine Websites for your students. If you’re looking for something else, read on:

Here’s Valentine history, according to Wikipedia. Who knew it all started with Geoffrey Chaucer?
Three great Valentine love poems from new efriend, Chris Wood. You can also drop by St. Valentine’s Day website for an entire list of heart-jerkers
Are you looking for pithy, concise Valentine sayings? Try Creating Really Awesome Free Things. Be forewarned: They belong on candy hearts. These are a bit longer, but still saccharin.
You not a serious, mushy sort of lover? Click here for quotes with a sense of humor.

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19 Valentine Sites For Students

Here are some fun Valentine sites to fill those few minutes betwixt and between lessons, projects, bathroom breaks, lunch, and everything else (check here for updated links):

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Do you have any I missed?

Holiday Lesson Plans

Looking for holiday lesson plans? Here’s my collection.

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5 Great Holiday Websites

Here are five great holiday websites that will put the seasonal spirit into your teaching. They are education-infused, lively, and appeal to varied learning styles. If you’re a tech teacher, you’ll want to use all of them. If you’re a classroom teacher, click through and find the ones right for your age group: