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The world’s no.1 website for primary school starters, story prompts, maths warmups & more!

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Here you can find a wide range of ideas for using songs in your primary classroom. All of the materials are based on songs written especially for primary learners and are designed to engage and motivate children as well as provide a natural and memorable way to reinforce and develop language.

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Here you can find a wide range of ideas for using stories and poems in your primary classroom. All of the materials are based on authentic texts or stories written especially for primary learners and are designed to engage and motivate children as well as develop their understanding of important themes and encourage personal, social and emotional development.

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The toughest challenges in the classroom become easier when you have the right resources. Find our best classroom management resources, from advice on setting up your classroom, to behavior modification articles, to effective teaching methods and strategies. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned veteran, there's something for all grade levels, K-12.

Different Teaching Methods and Strategies

All teachers, but especially new teachers, will find these Teaching Methods and Strategies resources very helpful in setting up and structuring your lessons and classroom. From lesson planning tips, to questioning strategies, to advice about wait times.

Cooperative Learning Strategies

Learn effective ways to teach in your classroom with these Cooperative Learning resources which are excellent in helping develop critical thinking skills in students.

Inclusive Classroom

These inclusive learning resources include suggestions for using material adaptations effectively, helping special needs students become independent learners, and much more.

Teaching Reading and Language Arts

Browse through our resources for teaching the various aspects of Language Arts to find suggestions and techniques to use in your classroom.

Integrating Technology in the Classroom

Useful tools and techniques to help you integrate technology and assistive technology, as well as DVDs and television into your classroom, are found in these resources.

Addressing Special Needs in the Classroom

With these resources, you will be guided through principles that address accommodations and modifications with a printable checklist to help with IEPs.

Learning From Social Interactions

Choose from sample activities for student-to-student learning, along with the benefits and how to implement service-learning projects, and more.

The Classroom Environment

Teachers will learn ways to incorporate learning centers in their classroom, as well as how to effectively set up the physical aspects of their classroom to enhance student learning.

Multiple Intelligences

Descriptions of what Multiple Intelligences are, ways to use them in assessments, and a chart of activities to enhance Multiple Intelligences are included in these resources.

Related Resources

If you enjoyed these resources for Classroom Management, click the links below to our related resources to find more help enhancing your classroom.

Recommended Classroom Management Resources

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Find our best classroom management resources, including advice on integrating technology, addressing special needs, creating an inclusive classroom and more.

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Lesson Plans & Worksheets for Teachers | Lesson Planet

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A variety of K-12 lesson plans and worksheets reviewed by teachers for teachers. Educational lesson plans and worksheets organized by grade and subject. Engage, Share & Save Time.

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Primary Archives - Lesson Plans - Teacher Plans

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Junior Infants Archives - Lesson Plans - Teacher Plans

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Preschool Math numbers 1-100 Category 1st Class, 2nd Class, 3rd Class, Junior Infants, Lesson Plans, Maths, Senior Infants Tags Document, Early Childhood

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Senior Infant Sounds - Senior Infant Heart Words - Senior Infant Heart Words - Senior Infant Tricky Words - Senior Infant Tricky Words - SENIOR INFANT WORDS 1

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Games could be a beginning starter, an introducing step during a workshop or as an end plenary. They are a platform for further development and are never meant to be the whole session on their own.

The nature of drama games is that they are shared, adapted and extended. The original author is not so important as the shared practice. You'll find games on the site that you've seen before, called something different or that you even use in your own teaching toolkit.

We hope that among the known games are ideas of how to refresh old ones as well as new games to use.

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Games could be a beginning starter, an introducing step during a workshop or as an end plenary. They are a platform for further development and are never meant to be the whole session on their own. The nature of drama games is that they are shared, adapted and extended.

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Drama Games

Drama Games for breaking the ice, physical warm-ups, group dynamics and encouraging creativity. These activities are drawn from a wide range of sources, including traditional games, as well as exercises developed by directors, actors and teachers. View each category by clicking on the tabs below.

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Drama Games by David Farmer for breaking the ice, physical warm-ups, group dynamics and encouraging creativity.

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We are currently building this page to help history and social studies teachers, instructors and professors find useful online resources. This project will probably never end because new sites are continuously created and old sites disappear. We have already blown past 51 great online resources. If any of the resources link to a dead page or you would like to suggest a useful site please send an email to contactdailyhistory@gmail.com.

DailyHistory.org Study Guides

DailyHistory.org has over 900 articles that cover a multitude of topics. Our study guides organize core groups of materials for specific eras, and you can look for other articles with our search function. In addition to articles, we also have book reviews and booklists. Additionally, we have the complete Federalist Papers.

The American Yawp is an outstanding free online textbook that is divided into two volumes. You can also get a paper copy of the book from the Stanford University Press for $24.95 for each volume. The American Yawp is a massive "Collaboration Open U.S. History Textbook." Essentially it is an open-source textbook. Historians essentially modeled the textbook on the open-source model that has been successfully used for numerous computer programs such as Linux, MediaWiki, Wordpress, and many more. In addition to the textbook, "The American Yawp" has an excellent Sourcebook that can be used to expand on topics with primary source documents.

Besides being an excellent textbook, it is a great way to help reduce textbook costs for students because it can be accessed online for free.

"Digital History" is a free textbook and sourcebook for United States History written and created by Steven Mintz and Sara McNeil. It's a great site that has a ton of content. Additionally, "Digital History" is supported by the University of Houston. Digital History also provides quizzes, interactive history modules, timelines, and teaching resource that include lesson plans and handouts. The site does use flash and some browsers will block some of the images.

EDSITEment! focuses on Lesson Plans and Study Activities. The Lesson Plans cover some topics and are exceptionally detailed. The plans even suggest how many class sessions should be used to teach the lesson. The lesson plan also breaks down how each day should be organized to get through all of the material. For example, take a look at Turning the Tide in Europe, 1941-1944. It provides background for the lesson, preparation, lesson activities, assessment, lesson extensions, and a ton of resources. These are some of the best lesson plans you will find online.

The site also has a section on Student Activities. There are over 200 different student activities that can be used in classrooms. These student activities include texts, videos, and interactive maps.

EDSITEment! is easily one of the best resources for teachers and instructors.

State Online History Encyclopedias and Archive Collections:

Many states have created online history websites through state historical organizations, state universities, university presses, and state humanities organizations. Some of the sites are fantastic and others are pretty underwhelming. Still, if you need your students to write about your state or a doing a state-based history project, it can be a good place to explore first. Additionally, some states have websites that can direct students to archives but most of these archives are not online. I am also concerned that some of the state resources for archives are not considered secure by google. While that is both concerning and embarrassing, it probably should not prevent students from using the websites.

If I am missing a state history Encyclopedia or history portal - please send me an email - Contactdailyhistory@gmail.com - so I can add it.

The Smithsonian site includes teaching lessons, interactives, videos, museum artifacts, and other teacher resources. There is a remarkable amount of material to explore. The site also has an outstanding search function. The search function allows you to look for resources based on resources type (videos, artifacts, reference materials, etc.), grade, historical era, and cross-curricular connections (look for resources that touch on multiple subjects such as economics, science, etc.)

The United States National Archives The National Archives has a ton of resources on US history that focuses on primary source documents. Additionally, the Archives has created syllabi on how to teach students how to analyze primary sources. The Archives also created the DOCSTeach online tool for teaching archives from the National Archives.

The Archives has produced material that is primarily intended for middle and high school students. Here is an example of one of their Lesson Plans: Teaching Six Big Ideas in Constitution It creates several day ways to help to teach these documents.

Like the Smithsonian, the Libary of Congress is another outstanding United States government resource. The Library of Congress has multiple missions, but it has a teachers portal that allows you to browse materials and search for them more easily. It also has a search function that will help you find resources, but it isn't as good as the Smithsonian's search. It does allow you to search for content that satisfies Common Core and State materials. It also permits you to search for materials that fit organizational standards as set by the NCTE, AASL, NETS, NCSS and the NCSG.

Chronicling America is a digitized resource from the Libary of Congress and the National Endowment for the Arts. Chronicling America has a massive database of newspapers from all around the country. It is an outstanding place for students to learn how to use newspapers as a source for papers and history projects.

The Stanford History Education Group has created History Assessments of Thinking (HATS) that draw on the Library of Congress's digital resources. Here is a list of the HATS that Stanford has compiled. You can download the lesson plans from the site after you register (free) to the site. Typically, these HATS are critical writing assignments. The HATS use images or statements and to get students to write critically about the content. It is a fantastic way to add a writing assignment to cover materials that you have taught in class.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute is an archive based in the New York Historical Society building in New York. Instead of relying on its 70,000 piece collection on American History it has become a resource for teachers, undergraduate, and graduate students, professors and writers. Its website has a blog called History Now that has articles, videos, online timelines, and information from the Institute's exhibitions.

The 50+ Issues from History Now typically focus on a single broad historical topic. The articles in that issue will help you dive deeper into specific historical issues such as US Immigration Laws, Voting Rights, Alexander Hamilton, and Civil Rights. Each item of History Now links to relevant videos, articles, and even lesson plans.

TeachingHistory.org resource created by the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University. It has a mixture of resources for teachers including teaching guides, lesson plan reviews, website reviews, history quizzes, guides to best practices, and history content. Teachinghistory.org has a ton of content, but you will need to do a deep dive into the site to find what you are looking for. Probably the most useful aspect of the Teachinghistory.org is its Website Reviews of various historical sites.

Newseumed.org has a critical mission. It provides free resources "to cultivate the First Amendment and media literacy skills essential civic life." In the new social media world, students need to know how "to authenticate, analyze and evaluate information from a variety of sources." Over the past few years, it has become clear that Americans struggle to do this. Newseumed.org wants to help. To access Newseumed.org you do have to register with the site, but the materials are free.

Through its EDTOOLS feature, Newseum has numerous resources for history, government, and civics teachers. The two most useful tools are Critical Debates and Lesson Plans. Here an example of a Critical Debate entitled Is the System Fair? and a lesson plan called Introduction to the First Amendment: What's a Violation?

Teaching with Historic Places is a site run by the National Park Service. The site is focused on using the National Park and sites on the National Register of Historic Places as educational tools to teach history, social studies, geography, civics, and other subjects.

The site has created Lesson Plans, Writing Assignments, Beyond the Classroom Activities and a Teacher Lessons Portal. They do have lessons plans for all states, but this a new site and it is still a touch wonky. Once they work out the kinks, it will be a great resource.

The American Battlefield Trust has created over 400 maps, videos, and articles that illustrate battles from the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Civil War. These maps, videos, and articles can be used to show what happened at over 400 battles. The site is exceedingly straightforward and informative.

The National Humanities Center is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of the understanding of the humanities and is supported by approximately 50 universities, foundations, and companies created America in Class. The website provides curated primary source materials for United States history classes. These materials would be appropriate for both high school and college students. These materials are organized into thematic and time-based collections. For example, here is a link to the Toolbox The Triumph of Nationalism/The House Dividing: America 1815-1850. The Toolbox contains materials for different topics, checklists, timelines, topic framing questions, and source material.

The materials on the site are curated, and the selections are outstanding. That provides a ton of exceptional sources and guidance that helps teachers use the materials for discussions, assignments or essays.

The American Presidency Project, non-profit and non-partisan, is the leading source of presidential documents on the internet hosted at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

It includes:

The Messages and Papers of the Presidents: 1789-1929

The Public Papers of the Presidents: since 1929

The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents: 1977-2009

The Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents: post-2009

The Voices of Democracy is a web project that focuses on great speeches from American history. There is a journal, curriculum units (based on themes, Speakers, Authors and periods) and blog with short posts focused on crucial speeches. Typically, each speech part of the site will have either a video or text of the speech, an essay, teaching materials, and additional resources. Voices on Democracy also has an Grades 8-12 Educational Resource Guide that shows teachers how to use their materials and comply with Common Core Standards.

Google Arts and Culture (formerly Google Art Project) is an online platform that allows teachers to not only connect with art in some of the best museums in the world, but also extensively covers fashion, performing arts, and world heritage sites. The site uses pictures and articles to tell unique stories about some of the most influential artists in the world. Here is a profile on Alvin Ailey and his choreography. Here's another project that introduces the art of Vermeer.

Google Arts and Culture would be a useful resource to introduce arts and culture into history or other humanities courses.

PBS Media is a resource that includes videos, interactive content, and lesson plans. The site has resources for a ton beyond history and social studies. The critical component of PBS Media is its wealth of videos that have been drawn from PBS. It has over 6,000 videos (K-13+) on various social studies topics for students.

"The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) is an all-digital library that aggregates metadata - or information describing an item - and thumbnails for millions of photographs, manuscripts, books, sounds, moving images, and more from libraries, archives, and museums across the United States." What does this mean? Essentially, it allows you to access sources from all over the world.

The DPLA has created the Primary Source Sets for teachers and instructors. The Source Sets explore historical topics with primary sources and teaching guides. You can search for the Source Sets either through the site's search function or on the Primary Source Sets page. On the Source Sets page, you can search based on subject, periods or recently added. For example, the Scopes Trial Source Set includes photos of the people involved in the trial, excerpts from the Tennessee biology textbooks, records of witness testimony, and even a political cartoon.

Civil Rights Movement Primary Sources

These resources were collected by Professor Evan Faulkenbury (@evanfaulkenbury) for his students. Each of these collections explores a different aspect of the American Civil Rights Movement.

The National Archives is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for maintaining and documenting government and historical records. The National Archives has been a resource for historians since its creation in 1934. The Archives has some resources available for teachers, but the DocsTeach.org is probably the most useful and readily accessible feature for teachers. DocsTeach.org is designed for educators to help them connect with the Archives resources.

BBC History site focuses on short interactive stories that mix charts, videos, pictures, and text boxes. The interactives are useful for teaching subjects quickly, but they lack the depth of other sites on this list. Regardless, the interactives are fun and entertaining. Here's a link to an interactive on The London Blitz.

The Zinn Education Project is inspired by Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States which emphasized the role of working people, women, people of color and the organized social movements that helped shape history. Zinn project is much less focused on politics that can take a central role in the history courses. The Zinn Education Project has a Teaching Materials portal that helps teachers find resources based on periods, themes, resource type, or grade level. It also has a keyword search function if you know what you are looking for. You can search for different types of resources including teaching activities, articles, profiles, posters, audio clips, websites, and many others. Here is an example of a Teaching Activity entitled COINTELPRO: Teaching the FBI's war on the Black Freedom Movement.

The Ancient History Encyclopedia is a carefully curated encyclopedia covering the ancient world history. The encyclopedia publishes articles, definitions, timelines, maps, and has a search function. If your students are studying ancient history, this is a good place to start. Unlike Wikipedia, the articles are written and edited by experts in their fields.

Over the past 10 years, a number of outstanding history blogs have been created. These blogs cover a wide array of topics and authored, edited and reviewed by historians.

Nursing Clio - Nursing Clio describes itself as "open access, peer-reviewed, collaborative blog project that ties historical scholarship to present-day issues related to gender and medicine. Bodies, reproductive rights, and health care are often at the center of social, cultural, and political debates. We believe the issues that dominate today's headlines and affect our daily lives reach far back into the past - that the personal is historical."

Tropics of Meta - Tropics of Meta describes itself as a site dedicated to offering "a fresh perspective on history, current events, popular culture, and issues in the academic world. Founded in 2010, ToM has published over 700 essays by historians, social scientists, artists, filmmakers, and creative writers both within and outside the academy, giving voice to communities across the United States and the world."

We're History - "We're History tells the story of America and how the country became what it is today. Written by scholars, it is real history with all its triumphs, failures, twists, and ironies. Our contributors come from inside and outside of academia, but they are all committed to the idea that it is history that has made us who we are." We're History has a ton of great articles addressing different aspects of American History.

The Junto - The Junto "Americanists dedicated to providing content of general interest to other early Americanists and those interested in early American history, as well as a forum for discussion of relevant historical and academic topics."

Points: The Blog of the Alcohol and Drugs History Society - The Points Blog "is an academic group blog that brings together scholars with wide-ranging expertise with the goal of producing original and thoughtful reflections on the history of alcohol and drugs, the web of policy surrounding them, and their place in popular culture."

Process: A Blog for American History - "Process-the blog of the Organization of American Historians, The Journal of American History, and The American Historian-strives to engage professional historians and general readers in a better understanding of U.S. history."

U.S. History Scene - This site is a fantastic resource for articles, primary sources, syllabi, and reading list covering American History. It describes itself as "a multimedia education website composed of historians and educators at over fifty universities dedicated to teaching the American past in a global context. Our goal is to use innovative open source technology and live digital curriculum to democratize learning and help history lovers master United States history in a way that is entertaining, relevant, and intuitive."

Balkinization - Balkinization publishes articles that address current constitutional and legal issues with a historical lens. The authors are a collection of historians and law professors. They often explain currently relevant legal questions that are in the news. If there is a legal question dominating the headlines there is a good chance there is an in Balkinization on that topic. The only downside is that the site is somewhat difficult to use but it does have a useful search function.

The Organization of American Historians has some tools for high school and college-level United States history courses, but the material is primarily for members of the OAH. Memberships range in price from $45 (for students), $60 (K-12 Educators), and up to $245 (income over $150,000). The membership includes access to several OAH publications and US History Teaching Units. While there is a rationale to join the OAH as if you are United States history teacher, it probably cannot be justified based solely on the materials offered by the organization.

The American Historical Association (AHA), the largest history organization in the United States, has a much rich assortment of material for teachers and instructors. Like the OAH, the AHA is a member organization and has some excellent resources on their website. They offer a mixture of classroom materials, discussions of teaching, plagiarism and a Teaching and Learning History community portal. Like the OAH, some materials will require a membership. Membership for K-12 teachers costs $59 a year.

The Best History Sites from EdTechteacher is probably the most comprehensive listing of websites for teachers in different history fields. Despite being comprehensive, it is difficult to recommend the site because it does not appear to be updated regularly. If you start going through the site, you will find numerous dead or misdirected links. It is especially frustrating when you are looking for sources on World, Latin American, European, Asian, and African history courses. Still, it may be useful if you are willing to poke around the site.

Free online college-level history courses are an excellent resource for teachers and instructors. They can be used as a refresher for material that you haven't studied in years or at all. Many of the sites also include portals for educators. Most of the online courses break them up into individually sub-titled lectures. Instead of taking an entire course you can watch a specific lecture on a single topic or use the resources from the class (such as lecture slides, images readings, and assignments) in your class. The number of history courses available has grown dramatically.

Most of the courses on the sites below will allow you to access all its materials (videotaped lectures, materials, images, slides, etc.), but a few don't. The videotaped lectures may be only available when the course is scheduled. Courses may also only be available for a limited period.

Most of the online courses will require you to register, and they will most likely send your email. Typically, this process is pretty painless. Additionally, some organizations will also charge a fee if you need a certificate of completion from the site. For example, EdX.org charges fees ranging from $49-99 to get a verified certificate of completion. Other sites will ask for a donation to support their programs.

Future Learn, Coursera and edX are currently the best options from this list because they get their course from multiple universities. The Yale and MIT sites appear to lack full institutional support. There numerous also other providers and some may be better options than those listed here, but the world of online courses seems to be evolving. Unfortunately, history courses are not a primary part of their offerings. Most of the sites are focusing on skills such as IT specializations and computer programing.

edX.org - edX.org has several history classes available from multiple universities across the including Columbia, Harvard, Purdue, Peking, and others. They have one of the widest selections of course.

Future Learn History Courses - Future Learn has a focus on European and British History, and the courses are fairly eclectic (i.e., Hadrian's Wall, The Fall of the Roman Republic, and Why Opera Matters). As of January 2019, the site had 29 different courses available. They also have paid online degree programs for students.

Coursera.org - Coursera.org is one of the largest providers of online courses in the world. It has 182 universities and organizations partnering with it. This feature allows Cousera to offer over 100 history or history-related courses. The courses offered are incredibly diverse. The courses include videos, readings, and quizzes. Some classes can be completed for free, but others are behind paywalls. You can either pay for courses individually or buy a monthly subscription.

Udemy - Udemy is the largest online course provider in the world. They offer free courses, but most of them cost $9.99 or more. Their history section is relatively limited. Additionally, more than half of the classes are not in taught in English.

MIT Open Courseware - MIT Open Courseware has numerous history courses, but they have not added any new courses since 2017. The courses are structured more like classes and are less user-friendly. The courses also do not appear to have videotaped lectures available after the course has finished. Still, the courses do have lecture slides and additional information for educators.

Open Yale Courses History Courses - The Open Yale Courses offer free complete courses taught by Yale History professors, but it only has four history courses available.

Reacting to the Past is a teaching technique that instead of relying on lectures and notes, uses elaborate role-playing games based on classic texts that require students to play historical characters. Instead of observing a lecture, students are actively working within the confines of the philosophical and intellectual beliefs of the historical figures they are portraying. Reacting to the Past requires students to explore the complicated historical situations that people lived through. As part of the game, students prepare speeches, write papers, and other public presentations to try and win the game.

Reacting to the Past was created by Mark C. Carnes at Barnard College in the 1990s. So far, it has been implemented at hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States. High schools have also started introducing Reacting to the Past in the classroom. 30+ Reacting games have been published by W.W. Norton & Co., the University of North Carolina Press and the Reacting Consortium Press. In addition to the published games, there are over 100 games currently in development.

Unlike other sites on this list, Reacting to the Past requires preparation by teachers to implement it into the classroom successfully. Therefore, Reacting has numerous conferences to help teachers add it to their curriculum. The Reacting site has an article and several videos explaining how Reacting to the Past was incorporated into the Freshman curriculum at the University of Oregon.

Genealogy Explained: Military Records

Genealogy Explained has an excellent Guide for researching military records. While the guide focuses on searching military records for genealogical purposes, these records could be used for a number of different types of historical research projects. The article explains how to use the free FamilySearch.org service. The links on the guide go directly to the section on United States veterans.

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51 Great Online Resources for History Teachers

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We are currently building this page to help history and social studies teachers, instructors and professors find useful online resources. This project will probably never end because new sites are continuously created and old sites disappear. We have already blown past 51 great online resources.

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Primary Resources: History: General Resources & Famous People

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Primary Resources - free worksheets, lesson plans and teaching ideas for primary and elementary teachers.

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History Primary Resources

Our primary resources for History are great for helping your pupils take a trip through time. Discover dinosaur fossils, analyse ancient civilisations or explore Ancient Egyptian artifacts with our curriculum-aligned resources.

Our History resources have been carefully divided into relevant sections that work to the KS1 and KS2 National Curriculum and Scottish Curriculum for Excellence guidelines, making them easy to use in lesson plans.

Spanning significant historical events, as well as people and places of local and global significance, National Geographic Kids have it covered. We have resources to help your pupils take a leap into the lives of the Romans, Ancient Greeks and Anglo-Saxons, not to mention key world history resources for pupils to examine and evaluate.

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United Kingdom Archives - National Geographic Kids

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Our primary resources for History are great for helping your pupils take a trip through time. Discover dinosaur fossils and analyse ancient civilisations.

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Mental Health Ireland has shared five simple actions we can all take to protect our mental health and maintain positive wellbeing during uncertain and challenging times.

The CEO of Mental Health Ireland, Martin Rogan, says, "By now, we are all learning to adjust to the new 'normal' of remote working, social distancing and evolving updates on Covid-19 becoming part of our everyday lives."

"This can understandably cause a lot of concern and stress, and can impact on how we are feeling, thinking and behaving. However, there are a number of actions we can take to protect our mental health and maintain a more positive sense of wellbeing.

"The Five Ways to Wellbeing is used all over the world to help people take positive action to improve their wellbeing. These are simple and practical steps that we can take every day to boost our mood and outlook, even when faced with unfamiliar challenges," says Mr Rogan.
Connect

Social distancing is different to social isolation. We can do many things to stay connected with our friends and family even if we cannot see them in person.

Emailing, calling, texting or even writing a letters are great ways to keep in touch. Set aside some time each day to catch up with an old friend or relative. Make a plan and set aside some time to chat. Make an effort to actively maintain social contact groups using Skype, Zoom, Text, Telecall or WhatsApp.

The increased time spent at home can be challenging for some families but it can also be an opportunity to reconnect with our loved ones once again. Connecting with others can help us regain a sense of purpose and belonging. This is especially important when we are feeling more disconnected physically from family. Let's take this opportunity to have longer conversations and really listen to what they have to say. All these communication gestures can help us feel truly close and connected.

Be Active

Get as much sunlight, fresh air and nature as you can, while maintaining a social distance. Keep a routine that involves walking, running, cycling or gardening. Spending time in green, natural space can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. It can improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress or anger, and make you feel more relaxed. Ireland is blessed with some of the world's most stunning scenery with woodlands, beaches, riversides and hills. Check out what spaces are available near you through the likes of Get Ireland Walking, and Coillte.

A number of fitness instructors are also generously offering free online short workouts to complete at the same time each day with the online community or in your own time.

Stay active and purposeful by catching up on long deferred household tasks and use this time wisely. Get into the garden, rearrange furniture, clean, or redecorate!

Take Notice

Being mindful of how we are feeling at this time is important. Noticing these feelings can help us to address them. If consuming and trying to process too much information is increasing stress levels, step back and limit the time spent reading or listening to news reports and social media. Decide to include a period of Digital Disconnection time in your day, this will help to regain a sense of perspective and give an opportunity for reflection.

Be mindful of where you source your information from also; only use reputable Irish sources such as the HSE or Government sources. As the pandemic is affecting different parts of the world differently, it's important to tune into timely and local information from an Irish context.

Taking a reflective moment to appreciate our immediate surroundings is beneficial. Taking notice can include spotting the changing seasons while on a walk, the birds, and trees. Taking notice of ourselves, our thoughts and feelings, and the world around us helps to aid orientation, improve mood and our sense of wellbeing. Take notice of the simple details of the day - the scent of coffee, a child's smile or a favourite song on the radio. When we stand in that moment, our brain gets an opportunity to process the pleasure, boosting our serotonin levels - the feel good hormone that helps elevate mood and keeps us calm.

If we are out of our usual routine, our sleep can be disrupted with intrusive concerns or changes in our usual life pattern. Be aware of your sleep patterns and the things that might help you get a good night's sleep. Aim to keep a good routine by going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Aim to get between 6 and 8 hours sleep for adults, 8 - 10 hours for younger adults and 10-12 hours for children. If the uncertainty of the current situation is causing you to lose sleep, talk about your worries with friends and family rather than trying to cope alone.

Keep Learning

We may find we have increased time in our day over the coming weeks. We can use this as an opportunity to try something new we may never have done in the past.

Signing up for short online courses or trying something as simple as cooking a new recipe every second day can help us give us a sense of purpose and keep our mind active.

Make time to learn something new like a card game, a breathing technique or learning a new word in a different language each day.

Remember we all have our preferred coping mechanisms and it's helpful to try out some new options. Develop a varied diet of coping strategies to maintain good mental health and be generous - share your ideas with friends and family

When we teach, we learn. Maybe you can help a young person in your family with their studies or support a student over the phone with their college assignment.

Give

Giving back is an opportunity to provide people who need it with some of our unique skills, information or advice.

We have seen an incredible and spontaneous increase in the number of community response groups offering services to the elderly or most vulnerable in our community. Volunteering your time with these services, if safe to do so, can help give you a sense of belonging. Offer your time, skills, expertise and availability - it makes a real difference and will help to channel any anxiety you may be feeling

Giving can also include something as simple as making someone a cup of tea, or telling a joke.

Give yourself the space and time to look after yourself. This could be making a healthy meal, doing something you enjoy, or taking 20 minutes to yourself if the house is crowded.

Be kind to yourself and to those around you, we will need to be patient and together we will come through this challenging time.

In Ireland, we still have an extraordinary sense of community and it's at difficult times that this spirit shines through. Many local groups and volunteers have stepped forward to give generously of their time and talents - let's celebrate this national trait!

Resources:

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Five Actions for Wellbeing during Tough Times

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Mental Health Ireland has shared five simple actions we can all take to protect our mental health and maintain positive wellbeing during uncertain and challenging times. The CEO of Mental Health Ireland, Martin Rogan, says, "By now, we are all learning to adjust to the new 'normal' of remote working, social distancing and evolving updates on Covid-19 becoming part of our everyday lives."

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* Self-identity

* Taking care of my body

* Growing and changing

* Safety and protection

* Myself and my family

* My friends and other people

* Relating to others

* Developing citizenship

* Media education

More SPHE Resources Available Below:

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What you need...

To register for a Scoilnet Account you will need to have a Teaching Council number and a roll number for your school in Ireland.

If you already have a Scoilnet Account then you can sign in here.

The benefits...

A Scoilnet account will allow you to upload your resources or weblinks to Scoilnet as well as enabling you to share and add resources to a favourites listing. Users who have a Scoilnet Account will also be able to fully access Scoilnet Maps and Census@School from home.

Register

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Official education portal of the Department of Education and Skills in Ireland. Curriculum focused resources and support for primary and post primary teachers.

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Guidance for schools on ventilation, air cleaners and carbon dioxide monitors

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Where there are mixed classes, e.g. 2nd and 3rd class in a single classroom, schools should note that only children in 3rd class and above, are required to wear face masks. As per previous advice, however, parents of other children who would prefer that their children wear a face mask are not precluded from doing this.

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Guidance on the use of face coverings in primary schools

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Where there are mixed classes, e.g. 2nd and 3rd class in a single classroom, schools should note that only children in 3rd class and above, are required to wear face masks. As per previous advice, however, parents of other children who would prefer that their children wear a face mask are not precluded from doing this.

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Curriculum Planning and Assessment | NCCA

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View support materials for curriculum planning and assessment

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Practice addition, multiplication, fractions and algebraic reasoning with our popular math games. Discover fun learning games kids love to play.

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Join the Peartember celebration for giveaways, exclusive templates, and more! Learn more >

EFFORTLESSLY BUILD ENGAGING INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT, RIGHT FROM GOOGLE SLIDES

The fastest way to transform presentations into classroom conversations

Imagine if you could engage every student in your class, every day. What if you could instantly see who's confused and who's ready for more? That's the power of Pear Deck. And now, with the Pear Deck for Google Slides Add-on, you can add the magic of formative assessments and interactive questions to your presentations right from Google Slides.

Design brilliant slides & engage your class

Open up Google Slides & the Pear Deck sidebar

Design a new presentation or open an existing one in Slides. Just getting started with Google Slides? Upload your PowerPoint or Keynote lessons to Google Slides and get going!

DROP IN FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS

Our team of educators created a library of templates to support learning objectives typically found at the beginning, middle, and end of a class. Think: bell ringers, checks for understanding, exit tickets, and more. Simply drop in one of these templates for instant engagement and watch your class transform.

Create custom questions

You can always create your own custom activity or question from scratch. Use Text, Number Response, Multiple Choice, and Web Slide questions to engage students. Or upgrade to Pear Deck Premium to add Drawing and Draggable™ response types.

ADD AUDIO TO ANY SLIDE TYPE

With the Pear Deck Add-on, you can leave audio instructions, descriptions, or examples for your students to hear while they read the prompts and respond to Interactive Questions in your Pear Deck Slides presentations. Make a new recording instantly or upload one from your computer. The recordings you insert will play in the Student View of your live presentation Sessions, so it's perfect for any remote learning lesson!

Present with Pear Deck

Start your presentation and students will join your Session from any device with a web browser. As you advance your slides, students will be prompted to answer your questions! Students' answers can be displayed anonymously on the classroom projector, so instead of worrying about getting the right answer and feeling silly in front of peers, your students are putting ideas out there in a safe, anonymous way, discussing, and learning from each other.

GO DEEPER WITH THE tEACHER dASHBOARD

As an instructor, you can quickly see what each individual thinks on the Teacher Dashboard. Noticing a lot of wrong answers? Adapt! Take a pause, back up, re-explain. But don't forget to help the learners help each other: Why did some people choose this while others chose that? How can we find out the right answer? What else do we need to know?

INVITE TEACHERS TO YOUR SHARED tEACHER DASHBOARD

This feature enables teachers using Pear Deck Premium to share Session controls and valuable student insight with other designated educators, including student teachers, special educators, co-teachers, or even substitutes. With a real-time view of individual student work and the ability to guide and provide direct feedback, educators teaching together can better support the diverse needs of learners everywhere!

Using Videos, Animations and GIFs in your Pear Deck? Get ready to Power-up!

Want to show a video about the Mars Rover in your Pear Deck presentation? Need to carefully layer in information on a slide to reduce information overload? Found a perfect GIF of a plant emerging from its seed? If you want your videos, animations, and GIFs to play at full resolution when you present with Pear Deck, install the Power-Up Google Chrome extension.

The Power-Up is a free Google Chrome extension. Installing it ensures that videos, animation, and GIFs embedded in your Pear Deck slides play at full-resolution on the projector and student devices - exactly the way they should!

Install the Power-Up from the Chrome Web Store on the device you use in class. Now when you present with Pear Deck, the Power-Up magically enables the display of your videos, animations, and GIFs.

Get the Power-Up

Learn Pear Deck for Google Slides

Watch a video for self-guided Google training:

Or, dive into a self-paced Pear Deck for Google Slides practice deck:

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Pear Deck for Google Slides is the #1 Slides Add-on, making it effortless for educators to add interactive questions and formative assessments to their presentations.

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The NCSE, in collaboration with the Institute of Physics, has published a variety of science activities with a numeracy focus. The resources are available in English, Irish, Ukranian and Russian. Please click the button below to access these resources.

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The NCSE, in collaboration with the Institute of Physics, has published a variety of science activities with a numeracy focus. The resources are available in English, Irish, Ukranian and Russian. Please click the button below to access these resources.

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These resources are intended to support teachers in developing mental maths strategies in their classrooms. The Mental Maths Handbooks explore the key properties of number and number relationships, outlining practical approaches to developing an understanding of these. They also explores background knowledge for teachers and fundamental facts in relation to mental maths. A range of concrete, practical activities that will support pupils in their development of addition and subtraction mental maths strategies are also outlined. Finally, a selection of engaging and enjoyable activities to consolidate learning and provide opportunities for pupils to master addition and subtraction facts are included.

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These resources are intended to support teachers in developing mental maths strategies in their classrooms. The Mental Maths Handbooks explore the key properties of number and number relationships, outlining practical approaches to developing an understanding of these. They also explores background knowledge for teachers and fundamental facts in relation to mental maths.

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Children come to school with some mathematical knowledge and language, which they have gained at home and through play. It is through play that young children learn to share ideas and co-operate, to share toys and express ideas. This differs greatly from child to child. Play in the classroom develops these skills by providing structured situations for the child to explore. Early mathematical activities guide this basic knowledge and provide a solid foundation for subsequent mathematical investigations both at school and at home. Playful exploration of Early Mathematical Activities can provide a solid basis for developing the use of correct mathematical language and confidence in handling the materials.

Interview with Professor Douglas Clements

Intentional Play-based Teaching and Learning in Maths

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Children come to school with some mathematical knowledge and language, which they have gained at home and through play. It is through play that young children learn to share ideas and co-operate, to share toys and express ideas. This differs greatly from child to child.

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IXL offers online maths practice covering junior infants through sixth year maths and everything in between. Students will enjoy learning with IXL’s fun and interactive questions, including graphing, drag-and-drop, select-and-edit and more.

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Teaching Methods and Organisation | National Council for Special Education - CPD and In-School Support

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Global Citizenship School – Supporting Teachers & Schools in taking Human Rights Based Primary School appropriate action on Local and Global Justice

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Resources available in Waterford Teachers` Centre 

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Resources available in Waterford Teachers` Centre 

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Resources available in Waterford Teachers` Centre

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The CCEA website provides details of qualifications, curriculum and Assessment in Northern Ireland

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TED-Ed celebrates the ideas of teachers and students around the world. Discover hundreds of animated lessons, create customized lessons, and share your big ideas.

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This is Geata Mata , a free selection of lesson plans and resources for primary school maths classes. Each lesson is comprised of a lesson plan for the teacher (including extra information, timings, etc), exercises for the students, & computational extras.

We create lessons based on "fun" areas of maths (Cryptography, Game Theory, and many more) - while also linking to different areas of the curriculum. This allows students to practice what they have previously learned, while also (hopefully) enjoying and appreciating maths.

Created and designed by a team in the School of Mathematics and Statistics, University College Dublin.

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This is Geata Mata , a free selection of lesson plans and resources for primary school maths classes. Each lesson is comprised of a lesson plan for the teacher (including extra information, timings, etc), exercises for the students, & computational extras.

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Science Unit: Famous Scientists - BrainPOP

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Learn the names behind the breakthroughs!

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askaboutireland 
cultural heritage project

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https://ncse.ie/teacher-resources

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Members of the National Council for Special Education

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https://www.scoilnet.ie/

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Resources available in Kildare Education Support Centre

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Resources available in Kildare Education Support Centre

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Resources - Kildare Education Support Centre - Ionad Tacaíochta Oideachas Cill Dara Teacher Courses (eckildare.ie)

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Resources - Kildare Education Support Centre - Ionad Tacaíochta Oideachas Cill Dara Teacher Courses

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Kildare Education Support Centre Continuous Professional Development Courses for Teachers Summer Courses for Irish Teachers

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Primary | PDST

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gov.ie - National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) Guidelines, Tips and Handouts for Parents and Teachers (www.gov.ie) 

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gov.ie - National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) Guidelines, Tips and Handouts for Parents and Teachers (www.gov.ie) 

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PDST Technology in Education promotes digital technologies in learning, teaching & assessment in primary and post primary schools in Ireland.

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As an Amazon affiliate, we earn a small commission when you purchase items through links on our site. This doesn't cost you any extra, but it does help us to continue sharing free ideas and resources. Thank you for your support.

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Manage transition times effectively using these practical tips and techniques.

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Download reward charts and certificates to motivate and reward your children.

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If you have a few spare moments in your day, try using one of our educational time-filler activities!

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As an Amazon affiliate, we earn a small commission when you purchase items through links on our site. This doesn't cost you any extra, but it does help us to continue sharing free ideas and resources. Thank you for your support.

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Explore our enormous collection of free art teaching ideas, activities and resources!

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Gaeilge na Sraithe Sóisearaí - An Chéad Bhliain

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About Me!
Seesaw Posting Tools
Using a Visualizer
Adding links to online resources
Correcting Work
How I keep my students engaged!

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About Me!
How I use Seesaw
Seesaw Settings
Seesaw Inbox
Correcting Student Work
How I keep my students engaged!

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ESCI - Education Support Centres Ireland - Ignite Your Light Page

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ESCI - Education Support Centres Ireland Find Teacher CPD courses for all centres nationally. Information about Education Centre regions and listings for all centres

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ESCI - Education Support Centres Ireland - Wellbeing Together for school staff with Spectrum Life

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Education Support Centres Ireland Find Teacher CPD courses for all centres nationally. Information about Education Centre regions and listings for all centres

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ESCI - Education Support Centres Ireland - Inspiring Ireland, Inspiring Students - An Interview with An Taoiseach Mícheal Martin

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Education Support Centres Ireland Find Teacher CPD courses for all centres nationally. Information about Education Centre regions and listings for all centres

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Inspiring Ireland, Inspiring Students - An Interview With Aoibhinn Ní Shuilleabháin

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ESCI - Education Support Centres Ireland Find Teacher CPD courses for all centres nationally. Information about Education Centre regions and listings for all centres

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Navan Education Centre Teacher CPD Courses - Navan Education Centre Teacher CPD Courses

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Navan Education Centre CPD Courses. Teachers register and book courses online.

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Part 5: Subbing Series - Transitions - Irish Primary Teacher

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Transitions really help to keep your classroom running smoothly - especially as a substitute teacher. Transitions are a perfect way for the children to have a quick break after a busy lesson, to calm the children down after a very active lesson, to motivate them or to give you 5 minutes to get the l…

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Part 4: Subbing Series - Classroom Management - Irish Primary Teacher

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Remember When you’re a substitute teacher, classroom management can be more difficult than it would be in your own class. There’s many reasons for this; You don’t know the class/class dynamics etc. The class might test the boundaries (especially with a teacher who is new to the school) The…

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Experienced teachers, NQT's or student teachers or even those planning to train to be a teacher in the future can work as substitute teachers.

Substitute teaching is filling in for a teacher who is absent from school due to illness/appointments/ other reasons.

There are a number of different platforms where principals look for substitute teachers. These include:

Teacher Connect (you need to be a member of the INTO)

Sub Seeker (replaces TextaSub - through the IPPN)

Local education centre (some run sublists)

Generally, I would advise to go to schools with your application form/CV - however this year with Covid it would be best to email schools in your local area to let them know your availability for subbing.

A brief letter and CV is usually enough to include in an email.

For the letter

Dear Principals Name,

My name is ____________. I'm a student teacher/fully qualified teacher/ experienced teacher and I'm emailing to let you know my availability for subbing.

2/3 things you have to offer - could be experience in school/working with children/qualification/do you have Droichead/dip completed/ experience with infants/ senior classes/ you live locally etc.

Many thanks,

Your name

Your CV

Name/Address/Phone number/Teaching council number

Qualifications

Experience

CPD

This is something really simple that I have found useful when subbing in different schools. It's simply a card (I made them on word - did 6-8 per page and printed on coloured card and laminated).

It needs to include

Your name

Qualification (if applicable)

Phone number

I'll go into more detail on what to bring in your subbing bag in a later post - these are just the things you need to show/give to principal to show you can sub/have the necessary Garda vetting etc.

Pay for subbing is generally from the Department of Education. However, occasionally schools may pay you from Board of Management funds.

Pay from the Department varies depending on your point on the scale/qualified/ unqualified etc.

All days worked as a qualified substitute teacher count towards your point on the scale (which is used to determine panel rights etc. after approx 3 years)

Holiday pay is deducted at the rate of 11%. (Further information is available in Circular 0015/2015)

If you sub as an SNA (even though you are a teacher) you will be paid at the SNA rate.

Casual substitute teacher - works 40 days or less during a school year

Non casual substitute teacher - works more than 40 days during the school year

Non casual substitute teachers - have their own rate based on their point on the scale + allowances. (To calculate this; Point on the incremental scale + any allowance divided by 183 with a deduction of 11% of this rate to be banked as holiday pay.)

Important to note;

Teachers are paid every fortnight. The most recent payday was 17th September. The next pay day is 1st October 2020.

To be paid on the 1st October - the days you worked need to be inputted into the On-line Claims System (OCLS) by 18th September.

If you sub this week for example you won't be paid until 15th October.

If you haven't been paid for days worked - contact the DES to be sure that the days were inputted by the school. If they were then it's likely the above is the reason for the delay and if they weren't you'll need to contact the school to ask them to input the days.

If you are a newly qualified teacher or if you haven't subbed in Ireland before - there can be a delay of several week (usually 4-8 weeks) before your first pay as it takes time to get you set up on the OCLS system.

Weekends are NOT included.

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Part 1: Subbing Series - Admin side of things

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Who can sub? Experienced teachers, NQT's or student teachers or even those planning to train to be a teacher in the future can work as substitute teachers. Substitute teaching is filling in for a teacher who is absent from school due to illness/appointments/ other reasons. How to get subbing?

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I always over plan for the first few days with a new class - it's difficult to know how much work the kids will get through when you don't really know them and I prefer to have lots to keep the children busy rather than too little and hearing the dreaded 'I'm finished - what now' question. I've already written a post about the but this post will be a little more detailed!

Thursday

Names and Getting to Know You

Children will create their own name card (Quick tutorial here) and introduce themselves and tell me one interesting thing about them.

Welcome to 5th Class Powerpoint

I created this powerpoint when I started with 3rd class a few years ago. It covers all the key information about the school/ the classroom/ the people who work with us/ times for break/lunch etc. We will also look at some of the key class procedures to help the classroom operate smoothly.

You can download the template below

[purchase_link id="9868″ style="button" color="blue" text="Purchase"]

What I'm looking forward to...

Write a class list of all the things you are looking forward to about the new school year.

All About Me Bunting

I purchased this from Teachers Pay Teachers! It has lots of details on it for the kids to fill in. I will print it on white card and use it for a display!

I also bought an Irish version of the bunting from Ms. Forde's Classroom.

An Effective Teacher/ An Effective Student

This is something I always do on the first day. The children work in groups to brainstorm an effective teacher and an effective student.

This is then the basis for class rules and expectations which can be created together as a class.

Copies

We will also write names and the subject names on the copies. The children will also practice the 'Perfect Page' in their copies.

For a list of copies I'll be using - read .

For a quick guide on the 'perfect page' - read .

Friday

Class procedures

We will revise the class procedures that will be used in our classroom.

Writing

Recount writing - My Summer Holidays; this will be used as an assessment piece for the beginning of the school year. I think its good to do this in the first few days of school as it gives a clear indication of where the children are at (especially after the summer holidays). We can then revise things that the children may have forgotten during the summer in the first full week back. (I'm expecting some forgotten capital letters and punctuation marks!) I think this is also a good time to observe the children completing independent work.

Maths

A quick revision, some mental maths and some maths games to ease us back into it!

Gaeilge

We will revise some key phrases that the children should know. Many children won't have used Gaeilge throughout the summer so we will use these balls to practice asking and answering questions. (These were 75c each in deals and as they are soft they work really well in the classroom.

Art

We will complete two art lessons. One will be self portraits where the children will draw their favourite things and the second will be a name art project.

Anything we don't get to - will be carried on to the following week.

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I always over plan for the first few days with a new class - it's difficult to know how much work the kids will get through when you don't really know them and I prefer to have lots to keep the children busy rather than too little and hearing the dreaded 'I'm finished - what now'

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Graphic Organizers & Choice Boards

This collection of ready-to-use graphic organizers will help children classify ideas and communicate more effectively. All of our printable graphic organizers are designed to facilitate understanding of key concepts by allowing students to visually identify key points and ideas. By using graphic organizers across all subject areas, you will be empowering your students to master subject-matter faster and more efficiently. We have graphic organizers for reading, science, writing, math, and for general classroom use. You'll also find blank printable templates like graph paper, dot arrays, and other useful tools.

Popular Graphic Organizer Collections

Self-assessment Graphic Organizers

Growth Mindset Graphic Organizers

Graphic Organizers (PreK-2)

Help students, grades pre-K-2, with their reading comprehension, main idea organization, and more using our graphic organizers.

Graphic Organizers (Grades 3-5)

Help your grade 3-5 students with their organization by using our graphic organizers and reading webs.

Graphic Organizers (Grades 9-12)

These graphic organizers for grades 9-12 will aid students in reading comprehension, writing abilities, and sequencing.

Writing Graphic Organizers

Help students organize their writing with these sequence charts, reading organizers, outlines, webs, and more!

Research Graphic Organizers

Support students to practice and develop essential research skills.

Science Graphic Organizers

Use our venn diagrams, graphic organizer worksheets, and instructions to help your students organize their scientific thought.

Timelines and Sequence Charts

Sequence stories and picture orders with these timeline and sequence charts.

Reading Comprehension

Enhance your student's reading comprehension with these webs, main idea charts, plot summaries and more with our reading comprehension graphic organizers!

Concept Maps and Idea Webs

These concept maps and idea webs will help students organize their thoughts, whether they are history, science, or language arts related.

Math Graphic Organizers

Help your students enhance their math skills and stay on track with these homework checklists, KWL charts, column charts and more.

Galleries

These galleries provide you the best graphic organizers for every occasion. Whether it be writing, science, literature, or animal related, we have a slideshow for it all!

Customizable Graphic Organizers

Use our customizable graphic organizers to tailor each one to the specific lesson of the day.

KWL Charts

Help students organize what they know, what they want to know, and what they have learned with these KWL charts relating to all subjects.

Venn Diagrams

Venn Diagrams are a great way for students to compare and contrast two (or three) concepts. Use our venn diagrams to accompany your lesson for any subject.

Cause and Effect

Each effect has a cause. Help students identify the two in their readings, writing, and more with our cause and effect printable worksheets.

Main Idea and Supporting Details

It is important for students to distinguish main ideas and supporting details in order to comprehend their readings. We have provided printable graphic organizers, such as a stair step organizer, to help students organize the main idea from the supporting details.

Choice Boards

Choice Boards are similar to graphic organizers because they can be downloaded, printed, and given to students. What sets Choice Boards apart is that they provide students with the opportunity for choice. Rather than a graphic organizer that has one assignment, a choice board provides multiple ways that students can explore a topic or skill and demonstrate their learning. Choice boards also help you differentiate your instruction, as you can support students to make a choice that best aligns with their learning needs and learning preferences. Access our library of choice boards below.

Holiday Choice Boards

Math Choice Boards

English Language Arts Choice Boards

Social Studies Choice Boards

Science Choice Boards

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Graphic organizers for teachers grades K-12.

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Establish and maintain positive classroom behavior in your students. This article will help teachers determine the most effective behavior methods for their classroom.

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Garden Classroom - Navan Education Centre Teacher CPD Courses

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Navan Education Centre CPD Courses. Teachers register and book courses online.

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It's hard to remember a time when STEM fields - that's science, technology, engineering, and math - weren't the top priority in education. But as STEM pedagogy and practices have evolved, STEAM is gathering momentum - that's STEM, but with an arts component (inclusive of the humanities, language arts, and fine arts) fully integrated. STEAM doesn't detract from traditional STEM subjects or lowering standards. Instead, it makes STEM education even more effective. STEAM education takes STEM learning and kicks it up a notch by applying creative thinking, imagination, and design skills - typically through project-based learning. As STEM education matures, and the prevalence of STEM professions continue to grow, there's a clear need for students to utilize skills that are derived from artistic experiences - benefitting their educational pursuits and future professional endeavors.

The inclusion of arts learning into STEM education has distinct benefits. STEAM encourages the development of creative problem-solving skills, inventive thinking, imaginative design capabilities, and obtaining a more well-rounded skillset to tackle challenges. These skills can correlate to greater success in STEM careers such as engineering and finance. Professional STEM fields have suffered from a persistent lack of diversity, but incorporating the arts empowers students who may have felt discouraged. The STEAM approach helps develop confident, competent learners by leveraging the topics where art and STEM naturally intersect - STEAM subject matter also has the added benefit of showcasing the value of the arts, by highlighting the inherent role they have in all areas of STEM. And finally, the inclusion of arts in STEM learning can help develop higher levels of subject knowledge for students who pursue artistic professions.

How can you start incorporating STEAM education? Adding an arts component to your students' STEM experience is easy for any age group or level, or starting point. Fun classroom activity ideas are plentiful. Curricula opportunities range from taking planned STEM lessons and adding in an arts component or perspective, to developing STEAM plans that fully integrate arts education from the very start. Both can be accomplished with varied student abilities, needs, and goals in mind. There is also incredible opportunity for professional development, such as advanced degree programs for STEAM educators. There are also many STEAM education resources to choose from - STEAM-focused conferences, online courses, and webinars to discover additional classroom ideas and hands-on projects.

STEM & STEAM

Emerging STEAM education takes STEM learning a step further, adding an integrated arts component. STEAM evolved from the need to drive better creative, innovative, and well-rounded problem-solving skills. STEAM education addresses gaps in STEM learning, creating connections between the disciplines and providing elements like cultural relevance and imaginative approaches to challenges.

STEAM Activities and Projects

STEAM classroom ideas and lessons can be found in surprising and fun places, from creating your own wintry weather to hands-on understanding of where our food comes from. Add intentional creative components to STEM activities, and turn projects into full-out STEAM learning opportunities. Start here for STEAM resources and materials, project ideas, and more.

STEAM Education for Special Needs Students

Special needs students benefit immensely from the hands-on, explorative learning with STEAM, but they often miss out on opportunities traditional students receive. By using STEM and STEAM classroom ideas and making simple tweaks to the physical space or lesson instructions, students can reap the rewards of engaging in STEAM learning.

Additional STEM + STEAM Articles

STEAM Education Grants

Dreaming of a STEAM idea, but lacking money? Private and governmental grants can help. Varying from mini-grants for classroom projects to larger, multi-year district initiatives, some focus on broad STEAM education and others provide for deeper learning in areas like robotics, space, or mathematics. Funds are also available for professional development for STEAM educators and teachers-to-be.

STEAM Professional Development

As STEAM education is constantly evolving, so are educator careers. There are extensive STEM and STEAM resources to keep your professional knowledge current, especially as STEM learning continues to progress toward STEAM. Opportunities range from enhancing your education with an advanced, STEAM-focused degree to bolstering your teaching toolkit with STEAM-related conferences and more.

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STEAM Teaching Resources for Educators | Resilient Educator

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STEAM education and teaching resources to help educators succeed. Conferences, online courses, webinars, hands-on projects, and additional classroom ideas.

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Human & Animal Homes - Resources for Teachers (Grades K-12) - TeacherVision

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There are few things more important than your home, whether you’re a human or an animal! Find out all about building homes, animal habitats, activities to do at home, and more.

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Interactive curriculum plans

Teaching resourcesTeaching resources

Curriculum plansCurriculum plans

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Explore thousands of high-quality resources for lesson planning and curriculum design. All optional, adaptable and free.

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Last Updated on February 9, 2017

The prospect of preparing sub lessons for middle and high school Art classes (also known as relief lessons) can fill a teacher with dread and be perceived as more unpleasant than returning to school while sick. To solve this problem, we have provided a collection of complete one-off Art lessons that can be printed at the click of a button and administered by any relief or substitute teacher, regardless of their background (or lack of) in Art and Design. These tasks require only basic materials and are absent of elaborate procedures, dangerous equipment and undue mess. Despite their simplicity, however, the exercises encourage students to practise valuable art-making skills and reinforce prior learning in a fun, relaxing and stress-free way.

Each lesson in this article will soon link to a substitute lesson plan template that identifies learning objectives, materials required and clear instructions (lesson plans will download as a PDF that can be printed on A4 paper - we are working on these ASAP, please bookmark this page so that you can return to it soon) as well as more detailed illustrations and student examples. One-day art lessons can also be used by students who wish to undertake extension activities on their own. It should be noted that these exercises are mostly targeted at middle school and junior high school students, as senior Art students typically continue with existing projects when substitute or relief teachers are present.

Make an origami crane and draw it, as in these examples by Sean Dooley, a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design:

Create a sculpture depicting an emotion from paper and then draw it, as in these examples by Year 12 student Jenny Ha, ACG Parnell College:

Explore negative and positive space, as in these artworks by 7th Grade students taught by Larisa Kamp, Calvert School:

Create a tessellation, as in this exercise taught to 5th Grade students by Bradley Hale, Chalker Elementary School:

Use line and tone to create a 3D illusion, as in these examples by 15 year old artist João Carvalho:

Design a building derived from organic form, as in this example by Year 11 student Rhea Maheshwari, ACG Parnell College:

Create an interactive business card using two pieces of colored cardboard, such as this one by Tommy Perez:

Make an abstract sculpture from paper and take a photograph, as in this example by Jamie Webb-Speight, a Year 10 student from ACG Parnell College:
Use coloring sheets to learn about color and/or tone Note: We are in the process of preparing a lot of awesome coloring worksheets that are suitable for this purpose. Please ensure that you are subscribed to our mailing list below to make sure that you will be alerted when this resource is live!
Draw an alien, as inspired by an experimental task suggested by Chris Francis, Senior Leader at St Peter's Catholic School and teacher of Art & Photography - and this great drawing by fifteen year old Emka Klučovská from Slovakia:

Use a black pen and colored pencils to draw over a dictionary page, as inspired by the artworks of Kristy Patterson, teacher at Guymon High School:

Produce a transformation drawing, as in this example by Art and Design student Hanna:

Design a room in perspective using a perspective grid, as in the examples shown in our One Point Perspective Drawing tutorial.
Cut pieces from a black and white photocopy and redraw the missing pieces
Students are issued with a black and white photocopy of an appropriate image and are instructed to cut out portions and glue the remainder of the image to a sheet of drawing paper. The image may be disassembled and rearranged during this process. A pencil or black pen is used to redraw the missing portions creating a finished artwork. This may be a surrealist, imaginative exercise, where unusual or unexpected items are drawn in the missing spaces, or figures may be intentionally distorted or compressed. Alternatively, the final result may be entirely realistic.

Produce an awesome, soulful drawing of rubbish, as in this drawing by Brittany Lee, Year 10 Art student at ACG Parnell College:

You may be interested in reading: How to create an excellent observational drawing: 11 tips for high school Art students

Interactive drawings, inspired by the work of artist Victor Nunes:

Some of these lesson ideas are Student Art Guide originals; many others are shared by experienced art teachers from around the world (contact us here if you would like to suggest an addition for this page)!

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Easy Art lessons for substitute teachers (free & printable)!

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Last Updated on February 9, 2017 The prospect of preparing sub lessons for middle and high school Art classes (also known as relief lessons) can fill a teacher with dread and be perceived as more unpleasant than returning to school while sick.

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Bring some music into your classroom with lessons and printables! Celebrate Music in Our Schools Month in March or enjoy music on a regular basis with your students. We have multicultural activities incorporating Mexican, Native American, Chinese, and South American music into your curriculum; you'll find printable instructions for building musical instruments; they'll learn the history of musical genres like Rock 'n' Roll and Jazz with detailed references; and of course, there are lyrics of plenty of songs for you and your class to sing and enjoy!

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Browse our library of Music Teacher resources to find the right materials for your classroom. Create your free account today!

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Content Overview

Introducing DabbledooMusic!

About The Author

Shane Mc Kenna is a musician and music teacher from Monaghan, based in Dublin. He studied Music Education and Music Technology in Trinity College Dublin where he became a leading researcher and developer in the area of new musical notation for education and collaborative music making. He has guest lectured in Ireland and abroad based on his work developing new systems of teaching and learning about music, inside and outside the classroom.

Shane is an experienced musician having performed in orchestras, choirs and bands on a range of instruments and is currently attempting to master the fiddle!

Shane hosts CPD courses across Ireland each a year and leads the development of the DabbledooMusic curriculum content.

If you have any questions or feedback about the curriculum content please get in touch!

A Letter From Shane

I picked up the guitar at the age of 14 and from that point on music has played a major role in my life. I started studying classical guitar at the age of 17 and went on to study music education and music technology in Trinity College Dublin.

Since then music has taken me around the world, introduced me to amazing people and allowed me to be part of incredible events and magic experiences.

Music Education can have a hugely positive impact on young children in particular. The last 20 years of research have shown that music education can help children with learning languages, problem solving, self esteem and teamwork. Music is also worthwhile for the joy and fun of just playing music! It is for these reasons that making music more accessible for children around the world has become a driving ambition, and why in 2008 I founded DabbledooMusic with visual artist Killian Redmond.

As a teacher I know that music can be a scary subject to approach and I myself found it challenging in my early years as a teacher. The problem is that most of us think of music as a specialist area for professional musicians and composers. Not true!

Music is there for everyone. It's a universal human activity that has been passed on through thousands of years in every corner of the world.

DabbledooMusic is about exploring our shared musicality, through fun and creativity, to spark children's imaginations and help them to develop a lifelong passion for music that will enrich their lives and the lives of others around them.

Shane Mc Kenna.

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DabbledooMusic - Full Primary Music Curriculum

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Introducing DabbledooMusic! Shane Mc Kenna is a musician and music teacher from Monaghan, based in Dublin. He studied Music Education and Music Technology in Trinity College Dublin where he became a leading researcher and developer in the area of new musical notation for education and collaborative music making.

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This is a new series of blogposts focussing on each strand of the Art curriculum. I know how hard it can be to find a good lesson so hopefully these ideas will save you some time when planning Art lessons.

Landscapes

Perspective

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This is a new series of blogposts focussing on each strand of the Art curriculum. I know how hard it can be to find a good lesson so hopefully these ideas will save you some time when planning Art lessons. Landscapes Perspective Flowers

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I am an Artist I Am An Artist is a visual arts initiative aimed at supporting primary teachers and pupils in the adoption and delivery of the visual arts curriculum in Ireland. By comprising 30 short TV programmes (each 6 minutes in length), an interactive website with slideshows, lessons, weblinks and interactive games, it provides [...]

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Here is a list of the top 50 problem solving activities, games & puzzles best suited for remote teams. Read on!

What are problem solving activities?

The success of a company or organization depends heavily on the managers' ability to help workers develop their problem solving skills. Problem solving activities that address areas such as teamwork and cooperation, adaptability or reinforcement of decision-making strategies help.

All processes of problem solving begin with the identification of the problem. The team will then evaluate the possible course of action and select the best way to tackle it. This needs a profound understanding of your team and its core strengths.

Not only among corporates, but problem solving activities find their use in educational settings as well. Students who are good at solving problems will become much more successful than those who are not. Remote work and education are on the rise.

Enabling smooth interpersonal communication to solve problems can become a task in these situations. However, engaging all the people concerned in problem solving activities before shifting to the remote space can ease the process.

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Key skills evaluated in problem solving activities

Problem solving skills refer to the necessary thinking skills that an individual or group uses when met with a challenge. Many issues require the use of several skills; others are easy and may require only one or two skills. These are some skills that help to solve problems,

Problem solving skill examples

Several problems occur at the workplace. Problem solving skills can be technical problems that occur on websites or apps or addressing client concerns. Problems could be simple or complex. Business managers spend time and resources to solve problems.

They encourage their team to improve their analytical and logical abilities. Common issues in companies can be exploding data or changing technology, or financial management.
Did you know? Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in problem solving!
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Problem solving scenarios

Many problem solving scenarios occur at work. The basis to solve any problem is to evaluate and arrive at a solution. Analytical skill or problem solving ability is a skill many employers evaluate while hiring candidates.

Strong problem solving skills can be an asset to any organization. Organizations organize problem and solution activities to improve the problem solving abilities in the workplace.

1. Decision making games

Businesses are looking for new and innovative ways to stimulate their staff. Decision making games help employees to learn new skills and work effectively as a team. Decision making activities help to improve the creative problem solving and decision-making skills of the team. Here are some best Decision-making games,

1. Dumb Idea first - This game gives a hypothetical problem that could occur in your company. Ask each manager to think of the dumbest solution to the problem. After compiling the list of the ideas, the team reviews them.

You have a brainstorming session to make the "dumb ideas" feasible. This problem solving exercise underlines the importance of out-of-box thinking.

Benefits: Decision-making skill

Time duration: 10 to 15 minutes

Team size: 2 to more team managers

Material: Paper and pencil

2. Egg Drop Idea - The objective of the game is to build a container to protect the egg when dropped from a specified height using the material provided. Each team nominates a presenter who explains why the egg will survive the fall.

Once they have presented the idea, the team drops the egg to check if the idea has worked. Egg drop pyramid activities like the marshmallow challenge help teams to think on their feet.

Benefit: Decision-making skill and is a top problem solving skill example

Time duration: 15 - 30 minutes

Team size: 6 or more

Material: A cartoon of eggs, aprons to protect clothes, material for packing (cardboard, tape, elastics, plastic straws, etc.), material to clean up.

Instructions:

3. Dog, Rice, and Chicken - The dog, rice, and chicken game can be fun decision-making activities for adults. In this game, one team member plays the farmer, and the other team members are villagers who advise him. The farmer has to take three items chicken, dog, and rice across the river by boat.

There are the following constraints:- only one item can be carried on the boat. He cannot leave the chicken and dog alone because the dog will eat the chicken. He cannot leave the chicken alone with the rice because the chicken will eat the rice grains.

Benefit: creative problem solving examples that are applicable at work.

Time duration: 10-15 minutes.

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Team building exercises are fun and creative ways to get your team to work together and improve problem solving skills.

1. Lost at Sea - In this game, you and your friends have chattered a yacht to sail across the Atlantic Ocean. Since you do not have any navigation experience, you hire a captain and a two-person crew. Unfortunately, the crew and captain die when a fire breaks out on the yacht.

The yacht is severally damaged and is sinking. You and your friends have managed to save 15 items and a lifeboat. Your task is to rank the 15 items while you are waiting to be rescued. The activity lost at sea team building underlines the importance of problem solving skills in the workplace.

Benefits: Team building exercise and interaction

Time duration: 30 to 40 minutes

Team size: 4 to 6

Material: Lost in sea ranking for interaction chart for each member

2. Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower - The marshmallow team-building activities have the goal of building the tallest tower as quickly as possible. To make the task more challenging the marshmallow is placed at the top of the tower. This is a fun puzzle activity for team building.

Benefit: Teambuilding puzzle

Time duration: 30 minutes

Team size: 4 to 6

Material required: 20 sticks on raw uncooked spaghetti, a marshmallow, masking thread, and yarn of thread.

3. Go for Gold - This is an example of a marshmallow challenge similar to activities. The objective of this exercise is to create a structure using pipes, rubber tubing, and cardboard to carry a marble from point A to point B using gravity.

Benefit: team building problem solving scenario examples

Team size: Minimum 6 persons

Material required: Each member has different material

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Work problem solving activities help to use the skills you used in problem solving activities in your workplace.

1. Create your own - this game aims to create a brand new problem solving activity for the organization. The team can brainstorm for 1 hour. After one hour each team has to give a presentation about their activity outlining the key benefits.

Benefit: Understanding the problem solving process. Build creativity, improve negotiation, and Decision-making skills

Instructions:

2. Shrinking Vessel - make a shape on the floor using a rope where all the team members can fit. Reduce the size every 10 -15 minutes. The real challenge for the team is figuring out how to work together and keep everyone together.

Benefits: Adaptability and cognitive diversity

Material: Rope and large room

Instructions:

Place on the floor a big circle of rope. Position your whole team inside the circle.

Lessen the circle size steadily. When it gets smaller, advise the team to keep the entire team inside the circle. Nobody must move out of the loop. See how small you can make the area until it cannot remain inside.

3. Legoman - the team is divided into groups of two or more people. Select an impartial individual who will make a structure in 10 minutes. Each team will compete to recreate it in fifteen minutes. Only one person is allowed to see the structure. They need to communicate vital parameters like color, shape, and size.

Benefits: Communication

Tools: Lego

4. What Would X Do - This problem solving activity stimulates teams to think of new ideas.
Tip: Before you decide, a problem is worth solving, weigh the risks of solving it versus not solving it.
Instructions:

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4. Team building riddles

Team building riddles are a great way to show the team group problem solving is usually more effective.

1. Barter puzzle - the team is broken into groups. Give each team a different jigsaw puzzle to solve. The groups have to complete the puzzle at the same time. The twist in the game is that some pieces of their puzzle belong to other puzzles.

The goal is to complete the puzzle before the other teams. Each group has to come with their method to convince other teams to handover the pieces they need, either by bartering pieces or donating time to the other teams. This puzzle piece team-building activity helps teams to collaborate.

Benefit: Team building and negotiating.

Material: Jigsaw puzzle for each team

Time: 30 minutes

2. Scavenger Hunt - in this game, each team has a list of the article to locate and bring back. The goal of the game is to finish the assigned list first. In the scavenger hunt, the team has a time limit to make the game more challenging. You have the flexibility of having the hunt outside or within the premises. The team-building puzzle game helps the team to look for creative solutions.

3. Escape - the goal is to solve clues and find the key to unlock the door in a limited time. Hide the key and a list of clues around the room. The team has 30 to 60 minutes to figure out the clues and unlock the door.

Benefit: Team building exercise

Material: Rope, key, lockable room, 5 to 10 puzzles

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5. Work together problems

Work together on problems helps to underline the need to collaborate while solving issues at work. Group challenge activities help the team work well together.

1. Bonding belt - each group is divided into 5 to 6 participants, who are bound together with rope or tape so that their movements are limited. The team has to reach from point A to point B, and the time is recorded. The teams collaborate to beat their previous score.

Benefits: Helps the team to collaborate and skills for problem solving scenario/

Time: 20 to 30 minutes

Material: Cling film, belt, or rope

2. Scramble puzzle - the team members with blindfolds sit in a circle with the puzzle. The teammate without the blindfold sits outside the circle, with their back to the group. The blindfolded group tries to assemble the pieces of the puzzle. The outsider who has the same puzzle gives the team instructions to solve it.

Benefits: trust, leadership, and communication

Material: Preschool-level puzzles and blindfolds.

3. Flip it over - this is a classic work-together problem. In this game, 6 to 8 participants stand together on a blanket/towel/tarp. The challenge is to flip over the blanket or reverse it. The rule is that none of the participants can leave the blanket.

Benefit: Work together exercise

Duration: 30 minutes

Material: Blanket

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6. Team building survival games

Team building survival games helps to fine-tune problem solving scenarios that may occur at work. The activities encourage creative problem solving and decision making.

1. Stranded - Stranded helps in building effective communication. In this setting, the team is stranded in an office. The rooms will be locked, and doors and windows cannot be broken down. The team is asked to make a list of 10 items that they need to survive.

They need to rank items in the order of their importance. The team has to agree on the items and the order. Stranded is one of several popular survival team-building exercises.

Benefit: Team building and Decision-making exercises

Duration: 30 minutes

Material: Paper and pencil

Instructions:

2. Minefield - you randomly place items around the room or hallway and there is no clear path from one end of the room to another. The team is divided into pairs. One team member is blindfolded, and the other team member is the guide.

The guide navigates the blindfolded person across the minefield. The two partners cannot touch. This survival team-building activity underlines the need for clear communication.

Benefits: Communication and collaborative problem solving

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Material: Blindfold, empty room or hallway, and collection of random items.

3. Frostbite - in this survival scenario team-building exercise the team is trapped in Siberia. Each team has to elect a team captain. The team has to build a storm shelter with the material provided.

The twist in the game is the team captains cannot help physically since they have frostbite. Other team members are suffering snow blindness and are blindfolded. The electric fan will be turned on in 30 minutes to see if the shelter built will survive the storm.

Benefit: Leadership, skills action plan, and team building survival games

Duration: 30 minutes

Team size: 4 to 5 members

Material: An electric fan, blindfold, simple building materials like cardboard paper, rubber bands, toothpicks, masking tape, straws, sticky notes, etc.

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7. Group decision making games

Group decision making games help encourage creative problem solving and decision making at work. Here is a bunch of group decision making games

1. Reverse Pyramid - the team members stand in a pyramid shape. The next step is to flip the base and apex of the pyramid. The limiting factor in only three persons can move.

Benefits: Group Decision-making and collaboration

2. Tower of Hanoi - in this game, there are three towers/posts/rods with 5 or more discs arranged conical shape with the smallest shape at the top. The objective of the game is to move the entire stack to another location retaining the shape. Some conditions of the games are only one disc can be moved at a time. Only the top disc can be moved. Another rule of the game is larger disc cannot be put on a smaller disc.

Benefits: This team-building exercise helps problem solving within the participants.

3. Human Knot - the team stands in a circle every person holds hands with a person not standing next to them. When everyone is cross-connected, the aim is to untangle the structure without letting go of anybody's hand.

Benefit: group problem solving

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8. Funny problem solving games

We need to solve problems for personal and professional lives. Funny problem solving exercises are a light way. Funny problem solving can help reduce stress levels.

1. Pencil drop - in the pencil drop challenge, one end of the pencil is tied to a pencil and the other is tied around the waist of a team member. The other team member puts the pencil into the bottle placed below. The participants are not allowed to use their hands.

Benefit: Team bonding

Team size: 2 members each

Material: Some pencil and bottle

2. Blind drawing - this game requires two players to sit back to back. One participant describes an image in front of them without giving stating anything obvious. The other participant needs to draw it using the description. The outcome can be fun.

3. Be the character - in this activity, you pretend to be an imaginary character while trying to solve a problem. This game gives a unique perspective on your solution and whether the solution is feasible for other members.

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9. Group problem solving activities for adults
1. Human Knots
Group problem solving activities are very efficient, especially for adults. These can be used in any setting to enhance problem solving skills.

This is one of the most straightforward group problem solving activities that can be done with any group. It facilitates communication and critical thinking in the face of a challenging and complex question. Various group members will possibly suggest a variety of solutions, and each will need to be reviewed and adopted by the organization as a whole.

Instructions:
2. Frostbite

Have the group stand in a small circle (make several circles when you are a larger group). Every person in the loop will hold the hands of 2 other people who are not directly next to them. That would make a messy crossed arms knot.

Ask the group to disentangle themselves without moving their hands at any point in time. They may be unable to disentangle completely to form a circle again. Still, they would have begun to work together to solve the problem by the end of the activity.

Benefits: Leadership, decision-making, trust, adaptability

Time Duration: 30 minutes.

Materials Required: An electric fan, blindfold, simple building materials like cardboard paper, rubber bands, toothpicks, masking tape, straws, sticky notes, etc.

Your group is trapped in the barren deserts of Siberia, and a sudden winter storm is approaching. You have to create a shelter with only the materials in hand that can survive the storm's harsh winds. The leader of your expedition was afflicted with frostbite in both hands, sadly, and all the others experience severe snow blindness.
3. Dumbest Idea First
Instructions:

Dumbest Idea First is one of the most creative problem solving activities for groups. This can encourage your creativity by thinking out of the box and lead you to ideas that would typically sound too insane to work. You can broaden the possibilities by looking at these crazy solutions first, and find potential alternatives that might not be as obvious.
4. Wool Web
Instructions:

As hard as replicating the magnitude of the real-world problems is, that is no excuse not to try! Wool web creates a dilemma that appears complicated at first, but groups will learn to break down complicated challenges into solvable problems one move at a time.

This happens by using the right strategy and working together. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most stimulating problem solving activities for adults.
5. Tallest Tower
Instructions:

Benefits: Creative thinking, collaboration

Time Duration: 30 minutes

Materials Required: 1 bag of marshmallows, one packet of uncooked spaghetti.

Simple building projects can help group members create strategies to overcome box issues. Tallest Tower is another one of the most creative problem solving activities. Groups will compete with only two materials to make the tallest tower in a fixed period.

Instructions:

Divide the group into two, which have an equal number of players. Provide 20 - 30 uncooked spaghetti noodles and 3-4 marshmallows to every team.

Groups must compete in the provided period to build the tallest tower using only the materials supplied. A marshmallow has to be set at the top of the tower.

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10. Problem solving activities for students

Below is a bunch of problem solving activities for students and kids,

1. Brainstorm Bonanza - Brainstorm Bonanza is one of the best problem solving activities for students. As a teacher, making your students create lists relevant to something you are teaching at the moment can be a fantastic way to help them expand their knowledge of a subject when learning to solve problems.

Instructions:

1. If you are discussing a real, current, or fictional occurrence that did not work out well, let your students imagine ways that the protagonist or participants might have produced a better, more favorable result.

2. They can brainstorm independently or in groups.

2. Clue Me In - this is one of the most enjoyable problem solving games. It facilitates logical thinking and cognitive development.

Instructions:

Select a collection of things relating to a specific occupation, social phenomenon, historical incident, object, etc.

Assemble individual objects (or pictures of things) commonly linked to the target response.

Place all of them in a bag (five-10 clues ought to be enough).

Then, have a student reach into the bag and take out clues one by one.

Select a minimum number of clues to draw before they make their first guess (two-three).

After that, the student should guess, pulling each clue until they think it is right.

See how quickly the student can solve the riddle.

3. Survivor Scenario - Create a hypothetical situation that allows students to think creatively to make it through. One example may be being stuck on an island, realizing that three days of help would not come.

The community has a small amount of food and water and has to establish shelter from the island's objects. This would undoubtedly be one of the fascinating problem solving activities for students.

Instructions:

Encourage working together as a group.

Listen to each student who has an idea about making it safe and secure across the three days.

4. Moral Dilemmas - Create several potential moral dilemmas that your students can face in life, write down, and place each object in a bowl or container. These things may include items like, "I've seen a good friend of mine shoplifting. What is it that I would do?" or "The cashier gave me an additional $1.50 in change after I purchased candy from the shop. What is it that I would do?"

Instructions:

Ask every student to draw an item from the bag one after the other and read it aloud.

They must then tell the class the response on the spot as to how they would handle the situation.

5. Problem solving box - this is an activity that will help on both cognitive and emotional levels for students.

Instructions:

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11. Problem solving activities for kids

Below is a bunch of problem solving activities for kids,

1. Puzzle-solving - Solving puzzles is one of the best problem solving activities for kids out there. Essentially, every puzzle is a big collection of muddled-up items to figure out and bring back together again.

Kids must be introduced to puzzles with regularity. These are useful for improving skills in reasoning. The best kinds to choose from are wooden puzzles with a wooden frame. They last long, and the structure serves as the foundation to direct children during construction.

Instructions:

2. Memory Games - Memory games will improve memory and attention to detail for your child.

Instructions:

3. Building games - Construction toys like building blocks, wooden blocks, or legos should be a staple in a kid's home every day. Playing with them is one of the most fun problem solving activities for kids. Anything that your child builds is a challenge as it involves thinking about what to create and how to put together the parts to get a workable and usable design.

Instructions:

1. Let your child build a challenge openly and often, and ask him/her to build a particular structure, with conditions. For instance:

Create two towers with a bridge that connects them.

Create a creature that stands alone and has three arms.

2. Observe how your child uses trial-and-error before finding a way to bring the idea into motion.

4. Tic-Tac-Toe - this is an excellent game for teaching decision-making skills. It encourages kids to think before they act and weigh the potential consequences.

Instructions:

5. Building a Maze - This activity is fun and fits for any age. It will also be a lot more enjoyable than doing a maze in an activity book, particularly for younger kids.

Instructions:

Draw a big maze with jumbo chalk on the paving. Make passages, including one or two, which end in an impasse. Teach your kid how to get out of it.

Make the maze more complicated and add more dead-end passages as your child gets better at figuring out a path and finding the way out.

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What is a problem solving process?

When a team or person faces an issue or obstacle, it can be tempting to quickly track a potential solution and set up a fast fix. This could happen without understanding the complexity of the problem and pursuing a systematic approach to seeking a solution.

The attempts to address issues or obstacles may become unstructured and frustrating without a consistent method. End-to-end processes for problem solving offer a mechanism for a community to tackle any size or nature, and see results. Problem solving activities for adults, kids, and students can help make the problem solving process very useful.

Army problem solving process

There are 7 steps to problem solving army model,

Recognize and define the problem - The first step army problem solving process is defining the problem precisely and determining the root cause.

Gather facts and make assumptions - You need to gather all information you have at your disposal. Common resources for information may be documentation and policies. Assumptions are unsubstantiated facts. Use facts rather than assumptions when you need to analyze the scope of the problem.

Generate alternatives - One of the key steps in military problem solving is finding ways to solve the problem. Ideally, it best to have multiple approaches to solve the problem. Take input from peers and subordinates if possible.

Analyze possible solutions - Analyze each possible solution with advantages and disadvantages. You evaluate each solution according to screening and feasibility criteria. Reject the solution when it fails in the screening process.

Compare Alternatives - Another crucial step in the army problem solving model is to evaluate alternatives for cost and benefits. You need to consider your experience and immediate future. Tabulating each solution with the pros and cons will help clear the picture.

Make an executive your decision - Make a decision and prepare an action plan, and put it in motion.

Assess the result - You need to monitor the implementation of the plan and modify it if required. Establishing critical steps and milestones will help to ensure success.

Army problem solving games

Capture the flag - the game helps in team building and army problem solving. Two teams compete against one another to retrieve a flag or object from the opposing team camp base and get into their camp base. This game is flexible, and ground rules need to be set before the game starts.

Paintball - Paintball is a fun military problem solving activity. You can have many modifications and variations of the paintball game. The aim is to fire paint pellets at the opposing team. Laser tag is another variation of the game.

Firing blind - Firing blind is a game where each team has a large number of water balloons. At the other end of the field has to hit the target is protected by a tarp from direct firing. The team has to hit the target that is covered. One team member acts as the observer and directs the team to hit the target with the water balloons.

Also Read: Interested in NFT - find an expert NFT consultant now!

Obstacles to problem solving

Problem solving can take time and patience, one of the best ways to solve any problem is pausing and evaluating the problem. Obstacles to problem solving are,

Misdiagnosis - Misdiagnosis is a common problem can occur due to preconceived idea, biases or judgments. Defining and having a concrete understanding of the problem is the first step in the problem solving activity. This can be difficult. If you are not careful, you may spend your time and resources solving the wrong problem and finding the wrong solution.

Communication bias - Communication barriers are caused when we are unable to explain the problem to the team, or presuming we know more than everyone else. Everyone on the team must be on the same page. You may need to acknowledge you have a limited understanding of the problem.

Solution bias - A common obstacle in problem solving is thinking there may be a universal solution or thinking the same solution can solve multiple problems. You need to evaluate a problem independently than try to force-fit a solution that worked previously.

Cognitive bias - One of the barriers to finding an effective solution is cognitive bias, or the tendency to jump to conclusions. To find solutions fast firms often end up with an irrelevant solution. This may cause more problems down the line.

Lack of empathy - Every problem is associated with human emotions or abilities. It is important to identify and recognize people affected by the problem or it will be difficult to find a solution that will solve help.

Also Read: Developing an NFT - hire an expert NFT developer now!

Famous virtual problem solving software

Traditionally watercoolers chat is a great way to bring people together and help team members interact with one another. A virtual water cooler has a similar concept where people interact in a similar virtual setting or a dedicated virtual room. It allows remote teams to bond. Software that offers virtual water coolers services,

unremot.com - provides users with a unique water cooler experience. The app provides unique solutions to remote teams.

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Informal Whatsapp group

Donut over slack channels

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Top 50 problem solving activities, games & puzzles for remote teams

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Here is a list of the top 50 problem solving activities, games & puzzles best suited for remote teams. Read on! The success of a company or organization depends heavily on the managers' ability to help workers develop their problem solving skills.

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Math explained in easy language, plus puzzles, games, worksheets and an illustrated dictionary. For K-12 kids, teachers and parents.

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Cooperative learning in middle school math classes can be an effective way to engage reluctant learners, accommodate students with learning disabilities, and help advanced learners build communication and cooperation skills. The key to making this work is to implement cooperative learning activities at the right time to maximize student learning potential.

What is math cooperative learning?

Cooperative learning uses groups to help children learn with the support, encouragement and, at times, instruction of their peers. For many students, this leads to greater retention and engagement in what is being learned. Cooperative learning is often employed in middle school subjects like history and science, where group projects and lab assignments are logical. In math class, cooperative learning is also effective when employed properly.

Challenges of cooperative learning in the math classroom

There are some challenges for cooperative learning that are specific to the math classroom. First, according to Mara Sapon-Shevin, it reduces control and predictability. It can be challenging to know if an individual student is truly grasping a concept in a group setting. The lack of understanding does not present itself until test time rolls around, which creates a problem for both students and teachers.

Also, on the middle school level, math teachers are often forced to follow a very specific curriculum and structure in order to meet state standards and testing expectations. This does not always allow for the easy addition of cooperative learning. Still, it is possible, and the benefits of helping students learn in a more democratic way may make it worthwhile to seek out these options.

Using cooperative learning in math class

Math cooperative learning builds on the fact that middle school students are at a stage where they are influenced by peers. The key is timing the use of cooperative learning. During math instruction, it must be balanced with an adequate amount of direct instruction.

Cooperative learning works well after material has been presented by the teacher. This can come into play during practice, with students working together to solve a problem. It can work well as a review technique prior to testing. The excitement created by cooperative learning activities can also help engage learners as the time for testing approaches.

Cooperative learning activities for math students

Quiz show

One way to do this is to have a quiz show. In a quiz show format, students are divided into heterogeneous groups, with students of varying ability levels in each group. Throughout the unit, the groups will be asked to write down quiz show questions at different points in the instructional process. At the end of the unit, but before the test, the groups present their questions to the teacher, who then presents them to all of the groups. The groups compete as a team against the others in a quiz show using those questions.

This activity encourages the students to interact on a deeper level with the unit material. It also fosters excitement about learning. Finally, it does not detract from the need to help students comprehend topics on an individual basis, as the instruction still happens in the traditional way.

Group problem-solving

Group problem-solving is another way to implement cooperative learning in the math classroom. In this structure, the teacher will assign buddies or groups, and give the students a fairly complex problem to solve. The students will need to agree, as a group, on the steps, process and final answer. If all students are engaged in the process, then all will learn some of the steps involved, even if some students are more advanced than others.

When implemented correctly, math cooperative learning can be highly effective at helping middle school students retain concepts that have been taught while increasing student excitement about the subject. This should be used in conjunction with instructional design methods to help students learn math skills while also learning to work together with fellow students.

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Tags: Assessment Tools, Math and Science, Middle School (Grades: 6-8)

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Cooperative Learning for Middle School Math Class | Resilient Educator

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Cooperative learning in middle school math classes can be an effective way to engage reluctant learners, accommodate students with learning disabilities, and help advanced learners build communication and cooperation skills. The key to making this work is to implement cooperative learning activities at the right time to maximize student learning potential.

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The Lighthouse is set in a small sea-side village. The lighthouse keeper is a curmudgeonly fellow who doesn't seem to approve of his neighbours. However, when disaster strikes, it is these neighbours who come to his aid. ​

Harry from Mr Silver's Year 3 class wrote this amazing sentence about the Lighthouse.

"Suddenly, the bright lighthouse flickered away to darkness. Astonished, horrified and confused the villagers froze: they froze with no idea of what had happened... "

Alfie and Will made this version of the story of 'The Lighthouse' animation using Keynote.

A ship is heading for the rocks, but the light house is not working. The Lighthouse keeper tries in vain to get the lamp working in tragic circumstances. Something unexpected happens and the light house becomes bright again. This film is not as 'beautiful' as the 1st lighthouse film I put on here but it is certainly poignant

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