Must Have Apps for Project Based Learning

It's important to have a Project Based Learning unit that's designed and organized well so it can be implemented without problems. There are so many apps available for teaching a meaningful project. I'm going to share a few of my favorite must-have apps to make your unit a success.

Instead of just verbally Introducing the Project to your students, show them a TED Talk that is thought-provoking. You can find excellent TED Talks on environmental problems, business, education, and more. These talks will definitely spark curiosity. If you want your students to read articles about a world problem or subject, I recommend Newsela. Both of these sources are also websites.

In developing Driving Questions, I recommend different types of graphic organizers and mindmapping apps. This part of a Project Based Learning unit may difficult for students. One of my favorites is Tools4Students. It has 25 different graphic organizers that can be saved as a png or pdf file. Another favorite is Co.KWL. It's collaborative, so students can add their thoughts and see what others have added to the chart.

When conducting Research, Google Apps are a must with PBL. Students are able to collaborate and teachers can post their own comments. Students and teachers can use Google Drive to save and share information. I use Google Sites to post resources so students aren't spending most of their time searching.

Students can poll classmates, their school community, parents, and more to get their views on important issues. Surveys are great resources for classes to collect and analyze the collected data. The results can be transferred to graphs and presented in their presentations. These apps are also online and applications. These surveys are so easy to use. I use Google Forms to create an online voting form for the presidential election.

When sharing results of a survey or creating thought-provoking posters, I highly recommend using infographics. They are so easy to use and students can create professional looking products.

There are so many outstanding apps students can use when presenting their research to an audience. I love DoInk Green Screen. Students learn communication skills while presenting their facts in a creative way. They can also have Voice and Choice with all the excellent apps available to create their products for their presentations.

For more ideas, make sure to follow me on Pinterest or visit my blog Sweet Integrations for ideas and tutorials.

Stay organized with your FREE Project Based Learning Teacher Planner.

Review Decimals With Activities Your Students Will Love

I love teaching math activities with a theme. One of my favorites is GOING CAMPING. It's a fun way to incorporate and review important skills with decimals. This post will give you examples of review activities with decimals for fourth and fifth graders. 

Make sure to download your FREE decimal resource at the end of the post.

Winter Mentor Text for the Content Areas

I love using Mentor Text for teaching in the content areas. I have a passion for project-based learning, so I frequently use fiction and nonfiction books throughout the project. By implementing mentor text, you can set the mood for introducing the unit, making meaningful connections to real life, and teaching important concepts. 

I've joined my friends with the Reading Crew to share our favorite Winter Mentor Texts Ideas for the Content Areas. You can download amazing free lessons to add to your curriculum.

Sharing Our Blessings: A Thank You Giveaway

What an eventful year! This has been the year of weddings. "Tying the Knot" finally became a reality after multiple wedding postponements. Our family is thankful we survived a year of without cancer. Our daughter Katy is doing great and our family embraces breast cancer awareness and early detection. 

This Thanksgiving season, I've joined an amazing group of bloggers to share our blessings. We want you to enjoy our Thank You Giveaway.