Playing and Learning with Free Tux Products

Tux4Kids develops high-quality software for kids, with the goal of combining fun and learning into an irresistible package. I have tried the assortment of three products available for free download - Tux Paint, Tux Typing and Tux Math Command. They each run great, are engaging, with fun graphics and sounds and lots of options that keep the user coming back for more! I have used these three programs in my computer lab at school and the students (grades 1-4) LOVE them! Check them out at: http://tux4kids.alioth.debian.org/

All about Ben

We never tire from reading about Ben Franklin, and if you are looking for Ben Franklin information and activities for your classroom or home-school, The Electric Ben Franklin might be a good place to start.

This website is part of the larger - USHistory.org and you can easily navigate your way around with the left menu column. You won't want to miss "A Temple's Diary", an episodic tale of Benjamin Franklin's family in the days leading up to The American Revolution and the "Ben Show" videos. You will also want to review the timeline, Ben's biography, inventions, quotes, fun and games, and much more!

The Electric Ben Franklin

Educator

I just spent some quality time at Educator.com. What a great site for teachers and high school, college level students alike. Educator.com is a pioneering venture aimed at equalizing education by assembling the best teachers in the country and making their lectures affordable to everyone. We cover high school and university topics in mathematics, science, and computer programming. Once you have the best instructor in a subject, learning anything is possible. Educator seeks to find these teachers and bring their expertise to you. I watched some of the computer programming and math tutorials and I was so impressed with the instruction and ease in which to follow. I plan to head back and check out some more subjects real soon!

We Choose the Moon, visually stimulating and educational

Amazing videos and images at this website, where you can really get an intense view of the Apollo 11 launch and events surrounding that time.

At We Choose the Moon, take a virtual ride with the famous Apollo 11 astronauts on man's first journey to the moon! This carefully crafted, highly detailed, multi-media animation brings you from Stage 1 at the launch pad to Stage 11 where the astronauts make their way back to earth and land in the ocean.

When you get toWe Choose the Moon, the animation begins with a brief introduction and an explanation of what you are about to experience. All stages of the mission are historically accurate. Each one comes with exploratory views that you can click on to learn more, including facts and photo galleries of the actual events of that very day.

Minyanland gets an A+

I just spent the last hour playing at MinyanLand. I think this site is great for kids because not only is it entertaining, but it teaching about money.

MinyanLand is a virtual world where learners get to play games and make friends while they learn about earning, saving, spending and giving.  Best of all, it is free to use!

Learners begin their time in MinyanLand with $50,000 in MinyanMoney and a condo.  They can visit the ATM in the MinyanLand bank to invest their money.  Each time students visit, they can check to see if their balance has gone up or down.  The can change their investments and even print out results. Learners can earn more MinyanMoney by playing fun games and taking quizzes.

I love learning games for kids

Educational games are a great tool for building foundation math and language skills that today's elementary school curriculum requires. These online learning games and songs for kids are fun, teach important skills for preschool and elementary school kids and they're free. Want educational games that help build skills in math, language, science, social studies, and more? Get them at LearningGamesforKids.com

Games for the Brain

I spent quite a bit of time playing at this site I just came across called Games for the Brain - http://www.gamesforthebrain.com/ These are puzzles, memory and logic games that fuel your brain. I think kids and adults alike will enjoy these games as much as I did, but I'd say that probably grades 2+ through adults would enjoy it. Some are more tricky than others of course. Have fun!!

My Favorite Teacher Blogs

I believe in life long learning, and aside from the learning I am currently enjoying via the college courses I'm taking and the books I'm reading - I love to learn from others. I spend hours reading newsletters and blogs from others who share in the joy of learning (and teaching) also.

Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite teacher and edu-blogs. I subscribe to these via their RSS or mail subscription tools and they have engaged me with their cleverness, creativity, thoughtful research and outstanding resources! I consider finds like these jewels, because I can then use the knowledge gained in my own teaching. I benefit, my students benefit and it's a total win-win.

Thanks to these great blogs and I hope you enjoy them as well.

Weblogg-ed ~ http://weblogg-ed.com/
Educator Will Richardson has been edu-blogging for a decade. His blog - Weblogg-ed - is full of anecdotes about teaching, classroom tips and thoughtful reflection on the state of public education today.

The Scholastic Scribe ~ http://scholastic-scribe.blogspot.com/
Melissa is a High School Journalism and AP English Language teacher in Washington DC and I enjoy her "lessons learned in the classroom and beyond", from humorous tales of classroom management to reflections on the joys and rewards of building strong student-teacher relationships.

Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day ~ http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
Larry Ferlazzo shares a wealth of resources on English learning and general education. Links include books, videos, instructional websites, tips for integrating technology into the classroom and more.

Resources for Teachers ~ http://www.resources-teachers.info/
I have been introduced to so many great (free) resources through this blog alone. I love it! These resources have a focus on technology which suits me well being a computer lab teacher, and are compiled by Dominic P. Tremblay, an elementary school teacher at Ontario, Canada.

Creating Lifelong Learners ~ http://creatinglifelonglearners.com/
Matthew Needleman offers fun advice and practical ways to integrate technology into your classroom no matter level of tech expertise you have.

Teach Paperless ~ http://teachpaperless.blogspot.com/
Again here, the emphasis in on teaching with technology because it's what I love and what I do, but aside from that - it just makes sense! TeachPaperless is a collaboration of conversation and commentary about the intertwined world of digital technology and education.

Free Technology for Teachers ~ http://www.freetech4teachers.com/
Need I even explain? A Gem! This blog covers free resources and lesson plans for teaching with technology.

The Principal's Page ~ http://www.principalspage.com/theblog/
Michael Smith spent time as a teacher, a coach, a principle and is currently superintendent in a public school district in Illinois. On his Principal's Page, he blogs, in witty format, about everything from the joys and frustrations of snow days to tips for effective education reform.

Hope you enjoyed my list.
Happy Learning!!
Karlyn