These virtual manipulatives by Toy Theater are my latest favorite math find. Reasons I love this site: Simple but elegant design attracts kids but isn't so busy that it is distracting. Each tool also has a description for its instructional use. Some tools list the Common Core standards they could address. (I know, I know...) Many also have a link to even more pedagogy information, related printables, and even videos. The manipulatives include some that are fantastic for early numeracy such as Rekenreks, two-color counters and ten frames. There are even some pretty good math and reading games included on the site. (Although there are more math games than reading at this time.) The makers promise it is free for teachers. Not freemium, free.
Quick, Draw! is a fun, new tool by Google that uses a “neural network” to guess what you’re drawing. The user is given a word to illustrate and as the image is drawn Google’s fancy artificial intelligence engines guess what is being drawn. You really just have to try it to see it’s magic! I think this tool would be a great ice-breaker or time filler, a fun way to introduce devices to students, a tool for practicing drawing skills as well as practice reading and vocabulary development. Quick, Draw! will work with both iPads and Chromebooks. To get started, head to quickdraw.withgoogle.com and see if your drawing skills are up to par!
Lots of people are discovering the power of Flipgrid! Michael Hughes, a teacher in Lake Elsinore, California, is taking Flipgrid to the next level. He uses Flipgrid to help manage stations for his littles. He puts the QR code for the grid on the students' response sheet so that they can access it easily. You HAVE to check out his Twitter page to see his examples! ( Click here .) I would love to see his ideas in action. Drop me a line! We can work together!
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