Canva

One of my favorite websites is Canva.  Canva is an online graphic design program that uses a drag and drop feature to create stunning, professional fliers, social media posts, announcements, etc.  

I am by no means creative.  Using Canva, I have been able to create designs such as the following to promote activities within our school system.  Although some parts of Canva are paid, the following were all free.

Take a look at Canva, and see what you think.  I know you'll love it!

~Cara

Favorite Website: Science4Us

What is Science4Us?

Science4Us is an exciting and interactive online science curriculum for grades K-2. Science4Us is standards-based and inclusive of the Common Core State standards in Math and Language Arts. It also inclusive of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Teachers and students are guided through animated lessons, songs, games and cross-curricular activities in a sequence developed using the 5E Instructional Model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. Embedded professional development provides teachers with the opportunity to review content, common student misconceptions, math and literature integration, and best practices as needed. Implementation is easy; there are no materials to order or software to download. All of the lessons, games, hands-on activities and teacher support materials are accessed digitally. Delivery of Science4Us is flexible. The curriculum can be delivered as a whole class using a single computer and projector, in small groups at centers, or individually with students logging in at school or home. The Science4Us curriculum covers traditional physical, life, Earth and space science content in a way that is designed to keep today’s digital natives engaged.  

For more information, visit http://www.science4us.com/.

~Cara

I have used VocabularySpellingCity with the students in my classroom for over six years. In fact, my entire school now has premium memberships for every teacher. Students take their weekly spelling tests online after practicing their words by playing the games at home and at school. They love the iPad app. Each child has his/her own username and password, so he/she has direct access to the site from any Internet-enabled device. I was so impressed with the site and how it affected student learning that I shared it through various social media platforms. I am now compensated to work with VocabularySpellingCity after school as a social media consultant.  Science4Us is a sister site to VocabularySpellingCity.

Favorite Websites: VocabularySpellingCity

We all look for great websites to use with the students in our classrooms.  As the instructional partner for an elementary school, I get the joy of visiting all classrooms on a regular basis.  This allows me to see and hear from teachers, students, and parents what their favorites resources are.  Overwhelmingly, one of the favorites at my school is VocabularySpellingCity.

VocabularySpellingCity is an award-winning, game-based learning program for vocabulary, spelling, phonics, writing, and language arts that gives you the ability to use any word list with more than 35 learning activities, assessments, and games.  Districts, schools, and families use K12 educational service worldwide with more than 5 million active students.  The site correlates with educational standards, including Common Core, state, and international.  There are also apps for iPhones, iPads, and Android devices available.  Be sure to visit http://www.spellingcity.com/teacher-resources.html featuring premade word lists and lessons.  My favorite part is the precreated lists for our new reading series.  My teachers simply have to import the lists into their accounts.  No need for them to spend time entering the words. 

For Back to School, VocabularySpellingCity is offering a free trial of their Premium Membership.  Visit http://www.spellingcity.com/teachers-overview.html for more information.  Give it a try, and let me know what you think.

~Cara

I have used VocabularySpellingCity with the students in my classroom for over six years. In fact, my entire school now has premium memberships for every teacher. Students take their weekly spelling tests online after practicing their words by playing the games at home and at school. They love the iPad app. Each child has his/her own username and password, so he/she has direct access to the site from any internet-enabled device. I was so impressed with the site and how it affected student learning that I shared it through various social media platforms. I am now compensated to work with VocabularySpellingCity after school as a social media consultant.