NY Times Learning blog

I'm happy to share a link to the NY Times Learning Network, a fantastic resource for teachers of all subject areas. It is especially helpful in this transition to more nonfiction reading and writing.

Random sites

Here's a roundup of some helpful sites. Have fun exploring!

No more shoeboxes: a pyramidal diorama=triorama

A longtime favorite: Library of Virtual Manipulatives: no more flying rubber bands during geoboard activities.

Some general sites for activities and lessons:

• Funbrain
• Turtle Diary
• Mr. Nussbaum
• Discovery School

Don't forget TeacherTube and Google's Tools: Trends, Fonts, Sky, and Chrome extensions

Phonics
Body systems
Explore the world with Geoguessr
Animals and other wild life
Historical timeline that zooms

2013's Top Education Books

The New York Times has identified its top-selling education books of the year. Some have lessons for the classroom; some, for life.

More Differentiation resources

These ideas are courtesy of Edutopia: resources and downloads.

Links for Common Core, questioning, and close reading

As promised:

• The Core Planner for incorporating CCCS in lesson plans
• Achieve the Core for lessons and writing samples
• Inspiration mind-mapping lessons
• Primary source documents from the National Archives
• Lessons for the SMARTBoard
• Common Core Flip Books for math
• Unpacking from North Carolina BOE
• The Library of Virtual Manipulatives

Happy planning!

And, yes, Virginia, there's an app for that!

Connect to all the standards easily from this app.

20 Great Websites for Elementary Educators

From Edudemic, a collection of sites worth clicking on...
And a pretty infographic, too!