January 2010
Monthly Archive
My Inbox Is Overflowing!
Posted by Karen on 29 Jan 2010 | Posted in: Awards, Contests, Discovery Education, Orca Book Publishers, PBS Teachers
It’s been a busy week! I’ve received more info about freebies, fun offers, contests, and worthwhile websites than I can possibly get onto the blog. Here are a few of my favorites, just for starters. More to come!
 If you teach grades 5-8, be sure to check out the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Ten finalists receive a trip to New York City, and one winner receives $50,000 in US savings bonds! To get all the details, visit www.youngscientistchallenge.com. Entries are due May 27, 2010. Get started today! |
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 PBS has introduced a new awards program especially for teachers. The PBS Teachers Innovation Awards program showcases teachers who use innovative teaching techniques to engage their students. Teachers of PreK through grade 12, including classroom teachers and library media specialists, are invited to enter by submitting a 200-word essay and a video or photo showing how they inspire students. Ten winners will receive a trip to the PBS Showcase in Austin, Texas; 40 finalists will receive a prize pack of PBS gifts. To enter, visit www.pbs.org/teachers/innovators/. Entries are due March 12, 2010. |
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 Media literacy skills are more important than ever! Visit www.mediameltdown.net for information on media literacy and games for young readers. Plus there’s a special section just for educators; it features tips and links to even more teaching ideas. The site is courtesy of Orca Book Publishers, creator of the Graphic Guide Adventure series. Click here now to learn more! |
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More goodies to come!
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| Karen |
Kicking Off the Olympics
Posted by Karen on 25 Jan 2010 | Posted in: Freebies, NBC, National Science Foundation, Websites
 The Olympic Games begin in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on February 12. Show your students the science behind Olympic events with the 16 free videos now available at www.nbclearn.com. Narrated by NBC news anchor Lester Holt, the videos share the science behind skating, hockey, skiing, and more. Videos run four to five minutes and are cosponsored by NBC and the National Science Foundation. |
With resources like this, your science lessons are sure to be gold-medal winners!
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| Karen |
PS: Load up on medals, countries-of-the-world flags, and other gear for the games at www.orientaltrading.com. Enter code CLASS2010 for 20% off ANY order!
Free Webinar on Reading Comprehension
Posted by Karen on 18 Jan 2010 | Posted in: Contests, Discovery Education, Webinars, Weekly Reader
 What could be better than free professional development? Sign up to attend the upcoming webinar “A Fresh Look at Reading Comprehension Instruction.” Sponsored by Weekly Reader, the session will be held Thursday, January 28, at 7 p.m. (EST). The webinar is part of the Teaching Reading to Today’s Wired Kids series and is designed for teachers of grades K-6. Click here now to sign up and to learn about future events. |
Enjoy!
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| Karen |
PS: Have you heard? The deadline has been extended for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. There’s still time for students in grades K and up to enter. To learn more, click here now!
This Just In: Grant for a Great Reading Program
Posted by Karen on 13 Jan 2010 | Posted in: Contests, Websites
 What does your librarian do to get young adults excited about books and reading? Encourage him or her to share those plans for a chance to win $2,500 for the library, a Kodak Vid Camera, and more. Hurry: entries are due this Friday, January 15, 2010. |
The contest is sponsored by James Patterson’s ReadKiddoRead.com. If you haven’t seen this site, take a few minutes to look around. It includes lots of recommendations for readers at different stages, can’t-miss books for boys, a “best first lines” quiz, and much more. It’s definitely worth a look!
Enjoy!
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| Karen |
Getting Active in the New Year
Posted by Karen on 05 Jan 2010 | Posted in: Freebies, General Mills, Grants, NFL, Responsive Classroom, School Specialty
The goal of getting more exercise is a popular New Year’s resolution. If you’re interested in being more active—and in helping your students do the same—check out these fun and helpful resources.
 Team up with the NFL! The NFL Play 60 Challenge includes a free curriculum with ideas to get students exercising, a free downloadable exercise challenge planner, and more. When you register, you can even customize activities to feature favorite NFL teams. Students will love it! Click here now to get started. |
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 Looking to find funds for physical education programs at your school? Go straight to the Spark Grant-Finder to find a wealth of information. Search by state and program type or simply scroll down the extensive list of grants. (Don’t forget to bookmark this resource!) Spark also offers research-based physical education tools designed especially for classroom teachers. Tools include curriculum and activities, task cards, assessments, CDs, and more. Click here now to learn more! |
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 The Champions for Healthy Kids grant program will award $10,000 to each of 50 schools and nonprofits that develop creative ways to help students adopt balanced diets and active lifestyles. Hurry—applications are due January 15, 2010. Get the details at http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/commitment/champions.aspx. |
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 Add quick bursts of activity to your day with the ideas in Energizers! 88 Quick Movement Activities That Refresh and Refocus from Responsive Classroom. This handy book includes a grid to help you quickly find the activities you need. Students will be moving, laughing, chanting, and singing! |
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Here’s to a happy and healthy new year!
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| Karen |
