Big Education Ape: Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… 3-9-13 …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EF

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

LARRY FERLAZZO’S WEBSITES OF THE DAY

"Self-Driven Learning: Teaching Strategies for Student Motivation"

will be a sequel to"Helping Students Motivate Themselves"

Resources On Daylight Savings Time

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 30 minutes ago

It’s that time of year again… You might be interested in The Best Sites For Learning About Daylight Savings Time.

The Best Posts & Articles On MOOC’s — Help Me Find More

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 2 hours ago

I’m fairly skeptical about the value, future, and hype related to MOOC’s, massive open online courses. My feelings are that they could be useful for the most highly-motivated learners, but, even with that constituency, I have concerns. Here are some … Continue reading →

“Cats Can Be Jerks” Is A Great Video For ELLs (& Everybody Else)

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 3 hours ago

This is a great video for English Language Learners to watch and then describe verbally and in writing:

Photo Galleries Of The Week

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 9 hours ago

Obviously, photos can be great educational tools with English Language Learners and with any students (see The Best Ways To Use Photos In Lessons). I post about many photo galleries, also called slideshows. To do it in a little more organized … Continue reading →

Update On The Papal Election

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 13 hours ago

The Cardinals have announced that balloting for a new Pope will start on Tuesday. Selecting a pope is a new comprehensive feature from CNN, and I’m adding it to the already abundant resources on The Best Resources For Learning About … Continue reading →

Quizdini Looks Like A Nice Way To Create A Quiz

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 13 hours ago

Thanks to Lisa Johnson, I recently learned about Quizdini. It’s a simple and free tool for creating multiple-choice or “drag-and-drop” quizzes. There is no way right now to monitor student results, but they are working developing such a system. I’m … Continue reading →

“Skype Announces Free Group Video Calling for Teachers”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 14 hours ago

Skype Announces Free Group Video Calling for Teachers is an article in the School Library Journal describing a new program Skype has for teachers (thanks to Justin Baeder for the tip). I’m adding the info to The Best Online Tools … Continue reading →

This Week’s “Links I Should Have Posted About, But Didn’t”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 day ago

I have a huge backlog of resources that I’ve been planning to post about in this blog but, just because of time constraints, have not gotten around to doing. Instead of letting that backlog grow bigger, I regularly grab a … Continue reading →

“Lesson Tracking in Edcanvas”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 day ago

I’ve previously posted about Edcanvas. It’s now added some features that let teachers track a bit more of what students are doing on it. Here’s a video describing their new capabilities, and you can also read a post about it … Continue reading →

“Short Bouts of Exercise Boost Self Control” — Is That Your Experience With Students?

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 day ago

Short Bouts of Exercise Boost Self Control is the title of an article about a new study. Here’s an excerpt: Short bouts of moderately intense exercise seem to boost self control, indicates an analysis of the published evidence in the … Continue reading →

Two Useful Posts On Asking Good Questions

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 day ago

Here are two new additions to The Best Posts & Articles About Asking Good Questions: Agree or disagree? is by Alfie Kohn. Make Sure Your Questions Are “Juicy” is from Annie Murphy Paul.

“Ideas for English Language Learners | The Real Harlem Shake, Mapping Memories and More”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 day ago

Ideas for English Language Learners | The Real Harlem Shake, Mapping Memories and More is my new post at The New York Times Learning Network. You can see all my past posts there at this link.

Today Is World Book Day

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 2 days ago

World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and is marked in over 100 countries around the globe. Check out The Best Resources For World Book Day.

Great StoryCorps Video Animations

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 2 days ago

The wonderful StoryCorps stories on NPR are great pieces to read and listen to on the radio. They also have converted a number of them into short video animations, and many of them (though not the one I’ve embedded below) … Continue reading →

Infographic: “Global Slavery, By The Numbers”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 2 days ago

Global Slavery, By the Numbers is how The New York Times described this new infographic. I’m adding it to The Best Resources For Learning About Human Trafficking Today: Source: sumall.org

My Choices For The Best Posts From The Shanker Blog

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 2 days ago

Earlier this morning, Ken Libby, an education researcher whom I respect, sent out this tweet: I want to see a @larryferlazzo Top 10 Best Education Blog Titles from @shankerblog. Loving this one: bit.ly/XWdNnP — Ken Libby (@kenmlibby) March 6, 2013 … Continue reading →

“KnowRe” Is A New Math Site Where Teachers Can Track Student Progress

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 2 days ago

I’m not convinced that the world needs another site where students can practice math and have teachers track their progress, but there’s a new one in town called KnowRe. I’ll let math teachers judge the videos and exercises on the … Continue reading →

“How can Teachers Best Relate to Superintendents — and vice versa?”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 2 days ago

How can Teachers Best Relate to Superintendents — and vice versa? is the new “question of the week” at my Education Week Teacher column. Share your responses there or here…..

Chart: Useful Summary Of The Differences Between Parent Involvement & Parent Engagement

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 3 days ago

The Library Media Connection has just published a useful excerpt in chart form from my book, Building Parent Engagement In Schools. It’s a one-page chart clearly highlighting the differences between parent engagement and parent involvement, and you can see it … Continue reading →

“It’s Okay To Be Smart” Is A New PBS Science Show On YouTube

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 3 days ago

It’s Okay To Be Smart is a new PBS Science Show On YouTube that looks like it may have some potential. It’s hosted by biologist Joe Hanson. He also has a supporting blog for the show. Here’s the first episode:

A Beginning List Of The Best Geography Sites For Learning About Africa

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 3 days ago

We’re going to start studying Africa in a few weeks in my Geography class, so here’s the latest installment in my Geography-related “Best…” series. I need to add a lot more here, and am very open to suggestions. You can … Continue reading →

What A Excellent Resource Guide!

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 3 days ago

I’ve often posted about Middleweb and it’s on more “Best” lists than you can shake a stick at. It’s a constant treasure trove of resources. They’ve just put together a great guide to online educational resources called Our Favorite Middle … Continue reading →

Two New Excellent Interactives — One On Disease, The Other On Commuting

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 3 days ago

I just discovered two new excellent interactives: Disease and death around the world visualised is from The Guardian. I’m adding it to The Best Sites For Learning About The World’s Different Cultures. Where Americans go to work is from The … Continue reading →

Compare Literacy Rates Around The World With The UN’s “Mind The Gap” Interactive

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 3 days ago

Forget international test score comparisons, UNESCO’s “Mind The Gap” interactive compares literacy rates by gender around the world, along with years of schooling. It’s well-done and pretty interesting and, at times, depressing. I’m adding it to The Best Sites For … Continue reading →

Videos On Europe

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 3 days ago

We’ve just begun to study Europe in my ESL Geography class, and I’m adding these videos to The Best Geography Sites For Learning About Europe:

Easily Make Animations With “Sketch Star” — If It’s Not Blocked

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 4 days ago

I learned about Sketch Star, a super easy tool for creating online animations, from Richard Byrne. Unfortunately, it’s hosted at MiniClip, the popular online games site. I’d bet that the vast majority of school districts block the site. However, in … Continue reading →

Reminder: My Ed Week Webinar Is Tomorrow (Tuesday)

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 4 days ago

Developing Intrinsic Motivation in Students Teacher Larry Ferlazzo and principal Chris Wejr will provide background and actionable strategies for creating conditions in classrooms and schools that inspire students to take greater ownership of their learning and futures. Register. March 5, … Continue reading →

Word Clouds Galore!

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 4 days ago

Richard Byrne has just published two good posts reviewing several word cloud generators. I’m adding his posts to The Best Resources For Learning About “Word Clouds.”

More On The Papal Election

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 4 days ago

Here are two more additions to The Best Resources For Learning About The Next Papal Election: How a pope is elected is an impressive Washington Post infographic. How to choose a pope: an interactive guide is from The Guardian.

Guest Post By John Thompson: The Texas Standardized Test Revolt

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 4 days ago

School “reformers” complain that the Garfield High School teachers’ boycott of testing, and the protests by teachers, parents, and students in Georgia, New York, and Massachusetts, are bringing the backlash against bubble-in accountability to a “crescendo.” Perhaps the best education … Continue reading →

National Grammar Day Resources

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 4 days ago

Today is National Grammar Day, and I’ve just updated The Best Sites For Grammar Practice. Additional suggestions are welcome….

Video: “Wealth Inequality in America “

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 4 days ago

I’m adding this video to The Best Resources About Wealth & Income Inequality:

How To Create “Explainers”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 5 days ago

I’ve previously posted The Best Online “Explainer” Tools For Current Events. I recently read two very interesting and helpful article from Poynter about the best ways to create them, and they offer strategies that anyone can use — even beyond … Continue reading →

Links To The Entire Six Week Twitter Chat On Helping Students Develop Intrinsic Motivation

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 5 days ago

I’ve been tweeting out excerpts for the past month from my two books on helping students motivate themselves. Here are links to all the Storify transcripts, including responses I’ve received. I think people might find them interesting…. Twitter Chat On … Continue reading →

Week Six Of Twitter Chat On Student Motivation Using #selfdrivenlrng Hashtag

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 6 days ago

Here’s the Storify transcript of the final week of the Twitter Chat on student motivation: [View the story "Week Six Of Twitter Chat On Student Motivation Using #selfdrivenlrng Hashtag" on Storify]

“Ten Elements Of Effective Instruction”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 6 days ago

“Ten Elements Of Effective Instruction” is the title of my latest post at Education Week Teacher. It includes guest responses from Jim Burke and David B. Cohen.

The Best Resources For Learning About The Concept Of “Transfer” — Help Me Find More

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 6 days ago

As Learning First explains, the concept of “transfer” is ” the ability [of students] to use their knowledge and skills to solve problems and navigate new situations.” I’ve begun to think more about how to implement this in my classroom, … Continue reading →

Writing Letters To Students Redux

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 6 days ago

A few years ago I wrote Writing Letters To Students, which tells about a tactic I sometimes use in the classroom and includes an example. I’ve also written about it in my books. This has been a somewhat tough year … Continue reading →

Video: “Helping Students Motivate Themselves”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 6 days ago

Eye On Education, the publisher of my new books on student motivation, Helping Students Motivate Themselves and Self-Driven Learning, have just posted a short video clip from a webinar I did for them. In it, I share three strategies that … Continue reading →

“Map Tales” Lets You Create “Map-Based Stories”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 6 days ago

Map Tales is a pretty cool application that lets you create “map-based stories.” Students can easily use them to document historical eras, literary journey, even their own immigration saga. It’s very easy to use. Here’s an example using the book, … Continue reading →

This Week’s “Links I Should Have Posted About, But Didn’t”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 week ago

February’s Best Tweets — Part Four

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 week ago

NOTE: For some reason, not all of the tweets I’ve included in my Storify are showing up in this post. If you’re here through a direct link to the post, you might want to click on the embedded Storify to … Continue reading →

Video: A Graphic Novel Explaining Neuroscience

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 week ago

This looks interesting — a video about the development of a graphic novel on neuroscience. The Guardian, which produced the video that is embedded below (though I’m not sure if it’s viewable through an RSS Reader) makes it sound pretty … Continue reading →

Excellent Post On New KIPP Charter Schools Study

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 week ago

The school reform world has been abuzz this week about a new study from Mathematica singing the praises of KIPP charter schools. Bruce Baker at School Finance 101 now tosses a dose of reality on the study and the acclaim … Continue reading →

Google Unveils New Site To Explain How Search Works

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 week ago

Google has unveiled a new interactive site to explain to the novice and to others how search works. You can read a more detailed explanation at TechCrunch. I’m adding it to The Best Search Engines For ESL/EFL Learners.

This Week’s Round-Up Of Useful Education Policy Posts & Articles

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 week ago

Here are a few relatively recent useful posts and article on education policy: Here are four I’m adding to The Best Posts & Articles Analyzing Charter Schools: Charter schools put parents to the test is from Reuters. Special Report: Class … Continue reading →

Learning Another Language Makes Your Brain Grow Bigger — Literally

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 week ago

Here’s news from Scientific American: Learning a new language can grow one’s perspective. Now scientists find that learning languages grows parts of the brain. Scientists studied the brains of students in the Swedish Armed Forces Interpreter Academy, who are required … Continue reading →

“Resume-Now” Lets You Easily Create….Resumes

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 week ago

Though I’m not sure the world needs yet one more online resume-builder, Resume-Now is a new decent site that provides a lot of step-by-step guidance and lets you download the finished product. I’m adding it to The Best Places For … Continue reading →

Summary: Week Five Of Twitter Chat On Student Motivation Using #selfdrivenlrng Hashtag

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 week ago

My next book, Self-Driven Learning: Teaching Strategies for Student Motivation, will be published on March 1st by Eye On Education. It’s a sequel to my book, Helping Students Motivate Themselves. Starting in Feb and continuing for 6 weeks, I’ll be … Continue reading →

My New Article “Technology: Moving from No to Yes”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 week ago

ASCD Educational Leadership has just published a new article I’ve written titled Technology: Moving from No to Yes. For some weird reason, they put a “@” sign in the url address to the article, so if you want to share … Continue reading →

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… 3-9-13 …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EF

LARRY FERLAZZO’S WEBSITES OF THE DAY

LOOK FOR MY UPCOMING BOOK IN MARCH, 2013