Story Starters

So there are 15 minutes left of class and you have finished all your plans so what to do? Or you have a substitute and you want an activity that is quick and easy for them to follow. Here is the solution. Story Starter is a website that gives you a quick, easy writing prompt for students to do a journal write or even a practice SOL. Click on the link below and click in the button that says "Click here for your story". You can keep clicking and get different story starters, but I did notice they are very similar. The Original Story starter is for older students. Started Junior Stories allows stories to be published by the teacher. There are directions on how to publish on this site. Enjoy!

Story Starter

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign!

Need something to help kick off a lesson or grab the attention of your class. This fun website features "sign generators" that will let you create church signs, soda cans, official seals, cassette tape labels, concert tickets and more!
Use it to advertise a class project.
Use it to reward a teacher who has been working hard.
Use it to add an interesting picture to an old PowerPoint presentation.
Use it to create a writing prompt.
Use it to start a class discussion.
Use it to ... well you get the idea.

Please note that there are also signs for liquor stores and unsavory restaurants, so you might not want to let your students use this site, but for teachers this could be a fun place to find a great attention-grabbing lesson introduction.

Enjoy: http://www.says-it.com/

Graphic Organizers

Sometimes we use technology to engage students, and sometimes we use it to save ourselves a little time! If you ever have your students fill in blank graphic organizers, here is a time saving website that might help you. Here are 39 different organizers that are free for classroom use. There are English and Spanish versions available, and they are ready to print and copy.

Enjoy!

Check it out here:
http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/index.jsp

Why not blog?

Looking for a way to involve students in writing, keep abreast with current technologies and have students work collaboratively? Blogging can provide students with a purpose for writing, and can fit in many curricular areas. You might consider one of the following possibilities to fit your classroom needs: collaborative research on a social studies project, peer editing of writing assignments, group problem solving for math, or sharing of ideas on a science topic.
Get started in the world of educational blogging by exploring these services:
• EdModo: Microblogging for education; teachers can post alerts, events, and assignments while managing student submissions.
• Edublog: Blogging for teachers and students, made easy
• Writeboard: Shareable web-based text documents that allow collaboration while tracking every edit.
• Blogger: Teacher can require posts to approved before publishing.
• Claroline: Provides chat and bulletin board features for HCPS staff.
• Your ITRT: Can provide more information and support on these and other possibilities!