Teacher Support
Explore different online platforms that can really innovate your classroom, motivate your students, and alleviate many classroom struggles, like differentiation, student engagement, providing multiple ways for students to show what they know, and all around transform your teaching.
It may seem like a lot work to set up, embed, or incorporate digital tools into the classroom. Yet, try to stay open minded, and ask yourself how different tech tools will solve classroom challenges in different ways. Interested in learning more? Fill out the (short) Digital Learning Tools Support Interest Form. Want free resources or professional learning opportunities?
Lots of names for a powerful website that allows students to independently read, read on specific levels, take running records, listen to texts, and so on. Learn how students and teachers can use this website for learning to read and reading to learn. Here are useful Raz Kids video tutorials.
Gain ideas, tips, and resources for preparing students for the unique language, linguistic, and literacy demands of the NYSESLAT.
Additional Tech Tips and Tutorials
Scroll down this page to learn specific set up for different digital learning tools like Google Classroom, BrainPOP and so on. But click here for additional tech tips.
This is the first step in syncing many different digital learning platforms at PS 48, from BrainPOP to the Google 'G Suite' Apps (Drive, Documents, Sheets, and so on) to Readworks.org, Khan Academy, Duolingo, and and and. You get the picture. Basically, most learning platforms that allows log in access via 'G Suite for Education' button. This will allow your students to leverage differentiated learning opportunities, show what they know, and provide multiple entries to learning (like audio or visual or speech-to-text) and so on. Get started by setting up your Google Classroom. And use this one pager (English and Spanish) to help students log in.
What is BrainPOP? More than just movies...BrainPOP is "playful, educator-focused, reflective, and global." The tools help students "create, construct, and collaborate as they explore their world." BrainPOP moves students from consuming content to creating content. Watch a short video clip for an overview.
The Suite has topics that range from STEM and Social Studies to Reading/Writing, Health, the Arts/Music. Plus specific curriculum for ELLs, called BrainPOP ELL that engages students in all domains of English (Vocabulary, Grammar, Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
Every teacher and every student has their own account. You can connect your students' accounts using your unique Class Code.
Here are useful video tutorials to support your students in using BrainPOP.
"If you wonder what else BrainPOP has to offer beyond movies, BrainPOP 101 is for you! Our interactive course provides a series of hands-on activities that invite you to play with BrainPOP features and tools–from Make-a-Movie and Challenges to Primary Sources, and more. Along the way, you’ll discover how best to leverage all of these rich, playful resources to support you and your students as they explore topics across the curriculum. So whether you are new to BrainPOP, need a refresher, or are curious about the latest tools and features, back-to-school is the perfect time to complete BrainPOP 101. BrainPOP 101 is available to all teachers with individual My BrainPOP accounts."
And, yes, you have an individual My BrainPOP account at PS 48. Let's set it up! Check your DOE email for the school's unique Educator Code. You only need to do this if you do not already have a BrainPOP Teacher Account.
Then set up the BrainPOP accounts for all of your students using your Class Code. NOTE: If any student does not have a BrainPOP account already, reach out to Mr. Czarka.
A one stop resource for BrainPOP tools and tips to embed into your teaching and leverage digital learning. You will find quick tips on getting started with the BrainPOP Suite (which includes BrainPOP, BrainPOP Jr., BrainPOP ELL, and BrainPOP Español). You can find standard-aligned lesson plans, printables, training opportunities, including becoming a Certified BrainPOP Educator (CBE), like me!
The NYCDOE Sandbox (use your DOE log in) shares tons of professional development opportunities, including the #NYCSchoolsTech Partner Certification, which includes BrainPOP CBE training!
Looking to incorporate Google Classroom into your classroom? Check out these slidedecks which share plenty of tips on all the apps in G Suite: Google Classroom Drive, Documents, Forms, Sheets, Slides, Sites, Earth, Hangouts, Calendar, and how to connect them within authentic learning experiences.
For even more tips, visit the NYCDOE Google for Education website, especially the PD Hypderdoc. Just don't get overwhelmed! Step by step, take the tech leap!
Also, consider becoming a Google Certified Educator like me! The NYCDOE Sandbox (use your DOE log in) shares tons of professional development opportunities, including the #NYCSchoolsTech Partner Certification, which includes Google.
TIP: You can download G Suite apps for free on your tablet and phone. This includes: Google Classroom Drive, Documents, Sheets, Slides, Sites, Earth, Hangouts, Calendar.
Ask Mr. Czarka for his certification notes and best practices. He can also set up your class for Google Classroom.
Free game-based learning platform focused on the mantra, "Social, Play, Learn." Kahoot! allows you to engage learners in discussions, formative assessments, and content understanding, all while deeply engaged in learning. Learners can even develop the questions and answers themselves, independently or collaboratively. Moves students beyond being a learner or content consumer towards becoming a content creator! Try it out in your classroom (it's free).
Students becomes highly engaged, and will even request to continue 'Kahoot!'ing' at home. Yes, you can share a Kahoot! so students keep playing it. This is called "ghost mode." You can even have students make a Kahoot!, collaboratively or independently. This is great for ELLs even!
Become Kahoot! Certified. Will you go for Bronze? Silver? or the Gold? Ask Mr. Czarka for his certification notes and best practices. Also, consider becoming a Google Certified Educator like me! The NYCDOE Sandbox (use your DOE log in) shares tons of professional development opportunities, including the #NYCSchoolsTech Partner Certification, which includes Kahoot! Kahoot! has tons or resources for creating innovating learning opportunities on their blog.
PS 48 ELL Toolbox
Request access to the PS 48 ELL Toolbox by letting me (Mr. Czarka) know. The PS 48 ELL Toolbox has various resources for working with English Language Learners (ELLs) at various language acquisition levels, and across content areas. Have a resource, material, or professional text to recommend? Please share. We will add it to the PS 48 ELL Toolbox and credit you!
"Learning with Duolingo is fun and addictive. Earn points for correct answers, race against the clock, and level up. Our bite-sized lessons are effective, and we have proof that it works." Duolingo uses games to motivate learners to focus on the new language, and it is backed up by an effectiveness study. Sign up for a "Duolingo for Schools" account to develop homework for your students. Become a certified Duolingo teacher also!
***NOTE: Myon currently is not part of the PS 48 digital tools. This information is here in case the school subscription is renewed.
Need help integrating Myon into your classroom and in your students' home? Move beyond simply having students logging in and reading (which is perfect for independent reading!) and create projects, curate texts connected to a unit of study, have students annotate the texts, create reviews, and so on.
This slide deck shows the basics. Once your students begin to use Google Translate, they will see it as a powerful reference tool (yep, that aligns to the CCLS even), to "consult reference materials" (i.e. L.3.2g or L.4.4c). Beyond making connections between the known and unknown language, Google Translate will also allow your students to practice pronunciation.
One can also upload ENTIRE documents (like a PDF, PowerPoint or Word file) to get translated. Just toggle between the "text" and "document" box at the top.
Students can use Translate as a reference, or speak and then learn how to spell words. They don't have to actually translate into another language! This reinforces oral language skills, reading skills, and writing skills.
Mr. Czarka created these video tutorials to help students start using Google Translate as a tool to learn.
Sync Readworks.org with Your Google Classroom! Click image to go to the (short) video tutorial.
Great resource for finding texts (articles and stories) that are on all levels. You can print them out or have them read online. Plus they have attached comprehension and literacy strategy questions (multiple choice, short answer, and extended response) and track student data (including test question accuracy).
You can also learn more about your students reading habits and interests by assigning them the Reading Mindset Snapshot.
Readworks.org can be synced to your Google Classroom. You can provide differentiated supports, like audio, line tracker, split screen (for the text on one side and questions on the other) and so on.
You can add specific ELL-supports, like differentiated directions, including audio for passages, directions in the home language of students.
You can allow students to annotate texts in the online version (highlighting and/or adding comments). Find more tips that work here at PS 48 (work in progress).
You can choose to let students access passage audio.
You can select ELL passages, or use Article-A-Day to developing reading habits.
You can assign passages based on reading group/level, strategy (i.e. main idea), or topic.
Readworks has helpful video tutorials as part of their Teacher's Guide!
This PDF shows all the ways that Readworks.org helps differentiate reading instruction.
Some more useful options: annotate, passages for ELLs, Article-a-Day, the ability to assign texts based on group/level, and track reading data (and test answers, etc.) .
Jostin selects audio to have the comprehension questions and answers read aloud for him.
Saul annotates a text in the online version (highlighting and adding comments).
William uses the split screen (for the text on one side and questions on the other).
Track The Passage
Highlight Important Text
Add Annotation to Important Text
Provide resources on any mathematics topic, even in Spanish. Students watch short tutorials (lessons) and can do activities alongside the tutorials. Connect to your Google Classroom, and students get automatic accounts. You can create assignments, or just use the site as additional resources for home, before or after the direct lesson, and provide help in Spanish.
The document below is a template I created to help students use Khan Academy. Plus the video models how to use two languages to access Khan academy content, using fractions as an example.
Using Khan Academy Espanol.movSWT_Khan_Academy_Overview_Fractions.pdfNearpod has "ready-to-run K-12 lessons delivered through an award-winning student engagement platform."
You can "create your own interactive lessons in minutes" or "import your existing lessons and add interactive activities like VR Field Trips, Draw Its, Quizzes, and more. Or, use our editor tools to design lessons from scratch."
You " ensure everyone is on the same page with synchronization of devices [phone, tablet, or computer]. Use real-time formative assessment to check for understanding."
"Spend less time planning and more time teaching" while making students engaged with multiple different activities.
Note: some costs involved to access already developed lessons.
Here are useful video tutorials to help you support your students in using Nearpod. These video tutorials will help students themselves.
ED Puzzle is very useful for making dynamic and interactive video lessons with student checks along the way to keep students engaged in learning. Ed Puzzle can:
"Reinforce accountability: Check if students are watching your videos, how many times they're watching each section, and if they're understanding the content."
"Engage students: Introduce students to self-paced learning with interactive video lessons. It's easy to add your own voice narration and questions!"
"Save time: Use videos from YouTube, Khan Academy, Crash Course and more. If you'd rather record and upload your own video, go for it!"
"Learn anywhere, anytime: Compatible with most devices so your students can continue learning wherever they are."
Tip: Install the YouTube extension to edit videos even more easily!
Create a "My Digital Learning Access" sheet.
Store a copy in a student folder (reading? writing?).
Preserve a digital copy (photo or scan).
Upload to Google Photos to have quick access.
Send to parents via Remind app or Google Classroom.
Create a spreadsheet to manage all passwords (and quickly change as necessary). Use Google Sheets for easy access via the Sheets app on your phone even.
Maintain a binder for 'on the fly' student access to log in credentials.
This is not optimal for teaching Digital Citizenship (like password storage) but it depends on student grade level. Use BrainPOP's Digital Citizenship lessons and Google's Be Internet Awesome and have students engage in its Interland world as access point to begin discussing digital citizenship.
Then continue to embed and model what it means to be a citizen, including online (digitally), throughout the school year.
TIP: Create a label/sticker for each student's folder/journal/etc. that lets outside visitors know that there is additional student work that is digitally created and digitally housed. See the example to the right.
This is an instructional opportunity to share how 21st century teaching and learning includes student work, associated data, feedback, and grading is online.
Maintain an online Google Sheets for student log in credentials.
Google's Interland lets students explore Digital Citizenship topics.
Resources for Teachers
Below you will find different resources that can help you build up different aspects of your classroom, or to help you grow professionally.
"This card, available to Educators employed at Pre-K-12 schools as well as staff employed at daycares, camps, afterschools, and homeschooling parents, offer significantly more privileges than those available on personal cards. Your new card includes a variety of unique privileges. Educator cardholders may: Borrow up to 100 items, Request up to 50 items, Check out books and audiobooks for a loan period of 60 days, and Access NYPL's hundreds of electronic resources databases, from downloadable books, music, and movies.
"First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books, educational resources, and other essentials--including coats, snacks, and hygiene kits--to educators serving children in need." You can get very low cost books (if you want a specific title) through the FirstBook Marketplace or very cheap bulk through the FirstBook National Book Bank. Sign up and check your email. FirstBook frequently sends out emails to get FREE books with codes. Sometimes you pay shipping and sometimes nothing! TIP: If you get the email, capitalize on it very quickly because it won't last long!
What do your students need? You know best. Yes- you...you do! Through DonorsChoose.org you write and post a project for supplies, materials, and experiences that you know your students will benefit from. Dream big and dream creatively! In a few short steps, in under and hour, your project will be complete. DonorsChoose.org will review and post the project. Need some examples of projects posted? Look here at what teachers are requesting or view Mr. Czarka's projects. This DonorsChoose.org slidedeck will help you with the basics.
"Project Cicero is an annual book drive to help under-resourced New York City public schools create and enhance classroom and school libraries." Project Cicero "collect[s] gently-used books donated by families of independent, parochial and better-resourced public schools and distribute[s] them to public schools in need. The centerpiece of Project Cicero is its annual event where 1200 New York City teachers at schools entitled to Title 1 benefits personally select as many books as they can transport to their schools and libraries!"
As a teacher in a Title I school, YOU ARE ELIGIBLE to received free books for your classroom at the distribution (every March). There is such a diverse collection of chapter books, picture books, social studies and science themed books, and so on.
"Pets in the Classroom is an educational grant program that provides financial support to teachers to purchase and maintain small animals in the classroom." Get started quickly, easily, and for FREE with a grant to have a pet, like a fish or reptile or small mammal. You receive coupons for FREE materials and every year you can apply for a "sustaining grant" to continue funding the pet in your classroom!
"NYSED relies on expert guidance from hundreds of educators every year to successfully develop assessments for NYS students. The teachers’ and administrators’ expertise in their subject areas, and their knowledge of their students’ needs and proficiencies, make it possible for the Department to achieve the critical goal of developing fair, reliable and valid tests.
Participation in each of these activities provides an excellent opportunity for professional development as educators learn more about New York State Testing Program (NYSTP) assessments and the test development process, collaborate with colleagues from around the state, and share their knowledge as content experts." Fill out the recruitment form here!
"National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students and schools. It was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide."
Teaching is a craft. Grow professionally and demonstrate the professional skills you have developed. New York State teachers can get the NBCT certification process funded by the Albert Shanker Grant Program. This grant program is specifically set up by NYSED "to defray the costs of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)* certification to eligible New York State public school teachers."
MfA's goal "is to offer teachers a variety of professional growth and leadership opportunities, inspiring outstanding professionals to stay in the classroom and amplify their impact throughout their careers." MfA offers "two four-year fellowships for accomplished New York City public school mathematics and science teachers. Through our fellowships, we bring together the best teachers – those with superb content knowledge and pedagogical skills." Ask me about the application process.
This opportunity allows you to set sail with NOAA's crew and scientists to explore the oceans and assist in scientific research. The goal is for educators to learn about NOAA careers, support ongoing NOAA research missions, and bring your newly gained expertise back to the classroom through images, video, objects, and stories. You become even more of an inspiration for your students and community. Open to K-12 teachers and you do not need to be a science teacher. :) Ask me about my experiences or read my blog from aboard the NOAA ship McArthur II.
NEH offers tuition-free opportunities for K-12 educators and higher education faculty to study a variety of humanities topics. These amazing professional learning opportunities come with stipends to help defray the costs of travel and lodging. These programs are amazing and you get to travel. Ask me- I've traveled to California, Montana, and Utah on separate programs that helped me grow professionally.
Locate ideas for preparing your MLL/ELL students for the NYSESLAT test every spring.
Follow the link to complete the required information for staff or students who need a PS 48 G Suite account. For example, you would add a new student account when you have a new student added to your class.
Shareable link: https://tinyurl.com/48teachers