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ABC Brainstorm [ instructions | print chart ]brainstorming activity, using letters of the alphabet
Carousel Brainstorming [ instructions ]brainstorm similar to graffiti strategy
Clock Buddies [ instructions | print chart ]a quick partnering system
Column Notes [ instructions ]a learning guide arranged in columns
Comparison-Contrast Charts [ instructions | print chart ]often found in graphic organizer form, a chart for comparing two concepts by looking at the ways they are similar and how they are different
Concept of Definition Map [ instructions | print map ]a visually organized word chart for expanding the concept of meaning and enriching one's understanding of an unfamiliar term
Graphic Organizers [ instructions ]visual organization of information, whether for levels of information, sequence or ordering, or relationships; often called concept maps, webs, clusters, or pictorial organizers
History Frames/Story Maps [ instructions | print history frame | print story map | print story pyramid | print character/plot chart | print cross-disciplinary applications ]based on the story maps that many students already use in English and Language Arts, the history frame is a graphic organizer that looks at key actors, time & place of events, problem or goal, key events, outcome, and larger relevance
Inquiry Chart [ instructions | print chart ]a variation of column notes and learning guides, inquiry charts are used specifically to generate questions whose answers will come from combing through a variety of sources
K - W - L [ instructions | print K-W-L chart | print modified K-W-L chart ]a three-column chart for approaching new content and actively engaging in it; contains components for before, during, and after reading activity
Opinion-Proof [ instructions | print chart ]a two-column chart where students seek to provide support or evidence from the content to bolster an opinion they have put forward
Power Thinking [ instructions ]an alternative system of outlining, power thinking involves assigning "Power" levels to information according to whether it is a main idea, subtopic, or detail
Problem-Solution Chart [ instructions | print chart ]a two-column chart that is especially helpful for looking at cause and effect; its components invite students to consider consequences, causes, and solutions of problems
Question-Answer Relationships [ instructions | print chart | print QAR concept map ]an strategy for understanding different levels of questions, from simple recall to more complex, and for recognizing the nature of given questions so that it is better understood what kind of answer is called for
Questioning the Author [ instructions ]a protocol of questions for examining how clearly an author has communicated his or her ideas
Pattern Puzzles (a/k/a Mystery Pot) [ instructions ]a sorting and manipulation activity for looking at the organization of ideas
RAFT Papers [ instructions | print blank form ]a framework for approaching writing that can be especially good for encouraging expressions of empathy and understanding of another's perspective
Reciprocal Teaching [ instructions ]a constructed activity for students to collaborate in understanding a selection of content (can also be done individually); students take on roles as Summarizer, Questioner, Clarifier, or Predictor
Selective Underlining/Highlighting [ instructions ]emphasis on the word "selective"; a means for students to read for key ideas, essential vocabulary, cause and effect, etc.
Semantic Feature Analysis [ instructions ]an attribute analysis tool; students can compare different ideas, concepts, people, events, etc. against a cross-referenced set of criteria
Story Mapssame as history frames; see above
Summarizing [ instructions | print Sum It Up sheet | print Sum It Up directions | lesson closure framed paragraph ]a strategy for developing coherent but brief expressions of larger ideas by focusing on key words and main ideas; included are suggestions for various ways to teach summarizing, including an activity called Sum It Up
Thesis-Proof [ instructions | print chart | print pro/con chart ]a variation of two-column charts where students use key ideas in their content to support a thesis; excellent for pre-writing
Think-Pair-Share [ instructions ]a cooperative and structured discussion strategy
Three-Minute Pause [ instructions | print overhead master ]a structured pause; a comprehension check
3 - 2 - 1 [ instructions | print 3-2-1 master ]good quick strategy for summarizing and questioning
Venn Diagrams [ instructions | Venn Diagram for 2 | Venn Diagram for 3 | Venn Diagram w/Summary | Venn Variations ]the most common charts for looking at similarities and differences
Word Map [ instructions | print map v.1 | print map v.2 ]a vocabulary strategy for visually mapping associations of meaning for a new term
- Shakespeare for Kids: Activities for Children and Families: While working puzzles, answering quizzes, and learning new words, the user is learning about Shakespeare, his plays, and Elizabethan England.
- A Europe of Tales (Requires FLASH 5.0): This is a web site of European myths and legends for children. The site is available in eight different languages, including English and French.
- Ask Kids: Ask Kids is a search engine designed exclusively for young people ages 6 to 12. It's a free, safe, fun way for kids and their parents to quickly and easily research school topics like science, math, geography, language arts, and history in a search environment that's safer and more age-appropriate than traditional, adult search engines.
- Free Rice: A kids’ vocabulary website that for every right answer donates 10 grains of rice through the World Food Program to end hunger.
- Read to Them: Read to Them is a national non-profit that promotes reading aloud and family literacy. Their mission is to create a culture of literacy in every home. The "One School, One Book" program encourages and enables families to read high quality children's novels together at home. Join the 750 currently participating schools and you too can create a community of readers at your school. "When a whole school reads a book, there's a lot to talk about."
- Lexile® - The Framework for Reading: Recognized globally as the most widely used measure of reading ability and text complexity, a Lexile® measure simplifies choices for educators, parents and children by helping them select books and other materials that are targeted to a reader's unique ability level and reading goals.
- CBC - Children’s Book Council: The Children’s Book Council is the national nonprofit trade association for children’s trade book publishers.
- Story Snoops: Created by moms, StorySnoops offers children's book reviews from a parent's perspective. Our search features identify tween and teen fiction for every type of reader
- Looking for Book Donations?: First Book is a wonderful organization whose mission is to to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books.
- RIF – Reading is Fundamental: Largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States dedicated to preparing and motivating children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them most. They inspire children to be lifelong readers through the power of choice.
- Big Universe: Read leveled and non-leveled fiction and non-fiction books online
- Reading Rockets: Reading Rockets is a national multimedia literacy initiative offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help.
- WorldCat – World’s Largest Library Catalog: Find what you want in a library near you with WorldCat, a global catalog of library collections. Search for popular books, music CDs and videos—all of the physical items you're used to getting from libraries. Search the collections of libraries in your community and thousands more around the world.
MORE:
ABC Brainstorm [ instructions | print chart ]brainstorming activity, using letters of the alphabet
Carousel Brainstorming [ instructions ]brainstorm similar to graffiti strategy
Clock Buddies [ instructions | print chart ]a quick partnering system
Column Notes [ instructions ]a learning guide arranged in columns
Comparison-Contrast Charts [ instructions | print chart ]often found in graphic organizer form, a chart for comparing two concepts by looking at the ways they are similar and how they are different
Concept of Definition Map [ instructions | print map ]a visually organized word chart for expanding the concept of meaning and enriching one's understanding of an unfamiliar term
Graphic Organizers [ instructions ]visual organization of information, whether for levels of information, sequence or ordering, or relationships; often called concept maps, webs, clusters, or pictorial organizers
History Frames/Story Maps [ instructions | print history frame | print story map | print story pyramid | print character/plot chart | print cross-disciplinary applications ]based on the story maps that many students already use in English and Language Arts, the history frame is a graphic organizer that looks at key actors, time & place of events, problem or goal, key events, outcome, and larger relevance
Inquiry Chart [ instructions | print chart ]a variation of column notes and learning guides, inquiry charts are used specifically to generate questions whose answers will come from combing through a variety of sources
K - W - L [ instructions | print K-W-L chart | print modified K-W-L chart ]a three-column chart for approaching new content and actively engaging in it; contains components for before, during, and after reading activity
Opinion-Proof [ instructions | print chart ]a two-column chart where students seek to provide support or evidence from the content to bolster an opinion they have put forward
Power Thinking [ instructions ]an alternative system of outlining, power thinking involves assigning "Power" levels to information according to whether it is a main idea, subtopic, or detail
Problem-Solution Chart [ instructions | print chart ]a two-column chart that is especially helpful for looking at cause and effect; its components invite students to consider consequences, causes, and solutions of problems
Question-Answer Relationships [ instructions | print chart | print QAR concept map ]an strategy for understanding different levels of questions, from simple recall to more complex, and for recognizing the nature of given questions so that it is better understood what kind of answer is called for
Questioning the Author [ instructions ]a protocol of questions for examining how clearly an author has communicated his or her ideas
Pattern Puzzles (a/k/a Mystery Pot) [ instructions ]a sorting and manipulation activity for looking at the organization of ideas
RAFT Papers [ instructions | print blank form ]a framework for approaching writing that can be especially good for encouraging expressions of empathy and understanding of another's perspective
Reciprocal Teaching [ instructions ]a constructed activity for students to collaborate in understanding a selection of content (can also be done individually); students take on roles as Summarizer, Questioner, Clarifier, or Predictor
Selective Underlining/Highlighting [ instructions ]emphasis on the word "selective"; a means for students to read for key ideas, essential vocabulary, cause and effect, etc.
Semantic Feature Analysis [ instructions ]an attribute analysis tool; students can compare different ideas, concepts, people, events, etc. against a cross-referenced set of criteria
Story Mapssame as history frames; see above
Summarizing [ instructions | print Sum It Up sheet | print Sum It Up directions | lesson closure framed paragraph ]a strategy for developing coherent but brief expressions of larger ideas by focusing on key words and main ideas; included are suggestions for various ways to teach summarizing, including an activity called Sum It Up
Thesis-Proof [ instructions | print chart | print pro/con chart ]a variation of two-column charts where students use key ideas in their content to support a thesis; excellent for pre-writing
Think-Pair-Share [ instructions ]a cooperative and structured discussion strategy
Three-Minute Pause [ instructions | print overhead master ]a structured pause; a comprehension check
3 - 2 - 1 [ instructions | print 3-2-1 master ]good quick strategy for summarizing and questioning
Venn Diagrams [ instructions | Venn Diagram for 2 | Venn Diagram for 3 | Venn Diagram w/Summary | Venn Variations ]the most common charts for looking at similarities and differences
Word Map [ instructions | print map v.1 | print map v.2 ]a vocabulary strategy for visually mapping associations of meaning for a new term