Knowing that finding good resources is an ongoing activity for us as educators, I've put together this page to highlight some that I've found helpful. Hopefully they may also be of value to you. (The list will be updated periodically.)
- CODE CLUB. A site where you can find resources & project ideas to help your kids learn coding. Choose from Scratch (recommended), HTML & CSS, and Python. https://codeclubprojects.org/en-GB/
- HAMILTON CODE CLUB. Hamilton Code Club is an innovative program that offers students, in Grades 6-8, the opportunity to learn simple software programming languages. You can apply to have a mentor come into your school to assist / run a student coding club. https://www.hamiltoncodeclub.com/
- HOPSCOTCH CURRICULUM. Last year I started running a club using the free Hopscotch app. VERY easy to use and works well on handheld devices. This PDF document will lead you though your first projects. http://hopscotch-curriculum-files.s3.amazonaws.com/Hopscotch%20Curriculum%202015.pdf
- THE ESSENTIAL 55. A great book by Ron Clark, the Co-Founder of The Rob Clark Academy (RCA). In it, Ron shares the "Essential 55"--the 55 rules he has set out at RCA doe discovering the successful student in every child. I'm thinking that my Homeroom class and I will look at one a day for the first 55 days of school (or so). See on Amazon.ca.
- THE RON CLARK ACADEMY. The Ron Clark Academy (RCA) is a highly-acclaimed, nonprofit middle school located in Southeast Atlanta. The Academy has received both national and international recognition for its success in educating students with academic rigor, passion, and creativity balanced by a strict code of discipline. Worth checking out the video on the site and/or Googling it. Some great ideas for us all.
- SOCRATIVE. An online tool I'll be exploring this year that allows me to give quizzes online (as well as other functionality) and receive immediate feedback on each student's performance. http://www.socrative.com/
- SKYPE IN THE CLASSROOM. Connect with educators and guest speakers from around the world, and/or take part in a virtual field trip. https://education.microsoft.com/skypeintheclassroom
- TEDx TALK. "Re-imagining Classrooms: Teachers as Learners and Students as Leaders" by Kayla Delzer. https://youtu.be/w6vVXmwYvgs
- ALICE KEELER. A teacher who knows her stuff, and has co-authored two books on Google Classroom. Check out her site to get great examples / ideas on how you can implement this platform in your classroom. http://alicekeeler.com/google-classroom/
- 101 QUESTIONS. Great site. Use the engaging photos/videos & questions to start a lesson and engage your class. Can search by grade & topic. http://www.101qs.com/
- ESTIMATION 180. A site built by a teacher with estimation challenges. A great way to start a class, or to give as a challenge. http://www.estimation180.com/
- HWDSB MATH RESOURCES (Login required). Access delivery plans, big ideas, EQAO resources, posters, and more. https://goo.gl/I0xXT5
- JUNIOR MATH SCALES. Developed by EQAO, this resource describes "look fors" for a Level 1,2,3,& 4 in computation, problem-solving, and communication. (See attachment below -- understanding-achievement-levels-junior-division-math.pdf.)
- ONTARIO MATHEMATICS EDUCATION RESOURCES (OMER). A comprehensive collection of resources developed or licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Education to support student learning in math. Also avaialbe as a free app. http://ontariomathedresources.ca/
- MATH IN MOTION. Math in Motion is a K-12 newsletter that fosters numeracy and mathematics awareness and shares Ministry research, resources, and actions. http://www.edugains.ca/newsite/math/systemleader/math_in_motion.html
- MINISTRY MONOGRAPHS. These research summaries highlight promising teaching practice at the classroom level and are written by scholars in education at Ontario universities. http://www.edugains.ca/newsite/math/monographs.html
- TAP INTO TEEN MINDS. Great website for math lesson ideas. https://tapintoteenminds.com/
- YOU CUBED. https://www.youcubed.org/
- 21st CENTURY COMPETENCIES (2016). A Foundation Document for Discussion (Defining 21C Competencies for Ontario). Contains three good reference tables: Sample Competencies and Frameworks (Table 1, pg 24); Connections Between Digital Tools and Resources, Key Transformational Learning Practices/Contexts, and Competency Development (Table 2, pg 36); and Draft Competencies for Ontario (pg. 56)
- ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE (2014). A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario. Outlines the key goals & plans of action for each: achieving excellence, ensuring equity, promoting well-being, and enhancing public confidence. Great infographic on page 10 (Students Imagine the Future of Ontario's Education System).
- LEARNING FOR ALL (2013). A Guide to Effective Assessment & Instruction for All Students, K-12. Good info on differentiated instruction, and developing class and student profiles.