An important tool for both teachers and students, grading tells both whether a student is progressing or needs more work. To help keep track of grades in a safe and easy manner, we have listed 25 incredible online grading apps that no teacher should live without. They include options for all teachers from those with a large budget to those who literally don’t have a dime to spare. And these 25 incredible online grading apps offer much more than grading. Use them to schedule, assign, report, and share with other professionals to bring out the best in your own individual and collective teaching talents.

Free Incredible Online Grading Apps That No Teacher Should Live Without

1. Engrade
   Nearly three million members have signed up for this online teacher toolset. It includes a gradebook, homework calendar, quizzes, attendance forms, and many others. Simply sign up to begin or check out the demo.
2. Thinkwave
   Their educator software is free to use. It has flexible grading options, reporting, and even the option to post grades online. There is also a paid option for administrators with more.
3. SnapGrades
   They offer four different options in online grading. The free version includes a gradebook, attendance, seating charts, and discipline logs. There are also options for single teachers, groups, and even specialty options for individual students.
4. Grade Book Portal
   Build customized weighted grading from anywhere with auto calculation term and final grades on this grading tool. It is an educational portal that is free for educational professionals to utilize to manage their class work online in a secure environment. There are also options for administrators, students, and parents.
5. Real Grade
   Apart from calculating grades, this free grading software can also print reports for an entire class and generate graphs. It offers a spreadsheet with many simple features. The bloggers at I Love Free Software have more on it and other free tools for teachers.
6. ClassRoom GradeBook
   In its eighth version, the software is still free and compatible with Windows Vista and 7. It was created by two urban public schoolteachers and includes the ability to work with grades, attendance, classification, and much more.
7. Viper
   With plagiarism on the rise, how can a teacher be expected to grade everything to the letter? The task just got easier with this freeware that detects instances of plagiarism in academic work, such as essays, dissertations, and pieces of coursework. You can even program it to proofread, edit, or grade an essay.
8. Gradebook for Excel
   Get a free pack of grade-keeping spreadsheets for Microsoft Excel. They are aimed at college and high school educators but are suitable for any teacher. Included are templates for grading based on percentages, points, and grade point averages or letter grades.
9. Introduction to Grading
   If you are a teacher who needs to know the principles of grading, stop here. Special Connections provides this free and detailed guide to the world of grading. You can also get links to instructional tools, research materials, case studies, and more.

Paid Incredible Online Grading Apps That No Teacher Should Live Without

10. My Grade Book
    This online tool allows teachers to grade assignments, print out reports, email parents, and other tasks with an internet connection. In operation since 1999, they have other options such as grading scales and grading periods for those who are looking for more functionality in a grading app. You can even currently get a free 30 day trial.
11. Track My Grades
    They offer an online gradebook for teachers, professors, and instructors at any academic level. The simple and easy to use software automatically keeps track of each individual student’s grade and has other features. Currently selling for $24.95 per year subscription, they are also offering a free 30 day trial.
12. Grade Book Wizard
    This is a powerful online gradebook, attendance tracking, and class website solution for teachers, schools, and districts. Features offered include assignment weighting, attendance, publishing, and a full range of reports. Sign up for $49 per year or $4.95 per month.
13. Principle Data
    They help schools simplify management with web based administrative tools. There are many to choose from including admissions, bill pay, parent portal, and of course, a grade book. Prices vary by choice.
14. Gradekeeper
    Unlike other options that have you continuously pay fees, this software has a one-time fee of $20 per individual license. The software can be used to do tasks such as compute grades, make seating charts, print reports, and send email progress reports. There are also bulk discounts for the software.
15. Easy Grade Pro
    With Easy Grade Pro, you can create an electronic gradebook that can be used to store student information for all of your classes and subjects. It provides an abundance of tools to save you time, provides a wealth of information, and allows you to generate professional internet and paper reports. The mobile versions start at $35.00 and there are more traditional tools to choose from as well.
16. Class Action Gradebook
    There are special editions of this software for elementary, secondary, college, and even homeschool teachers. Features include graphs, tables, charts, and even grade reports. An individual license costs $39.00 with no renewal fees.
17. Class Mate
    This gradebook software makes it easy for teachers to calculate, manage, and organize their grades. Common tasks are performed quickly and easily on the main screen. It costs $45.00 for a single user and $300.00 for an entire school.
18. TA’s Friend
    Teacher’s assistants will enjoy this software, in addition to traditional ones. It is a simple application for keeping track of student test grades and homework that takes the place of a typical grades spreadsheet. Try it for free or purchase for $5.99.
19. Blackboard
    If your school is in need of many online tools and/or software, click here. They specialize in providing entire schools and districts with 2.0 solutions. You can learn more about their latest traditional and even mobile software.

Incredible iPhone Grading Apps That No Teacher Should Live Without

20. iProcrastinate
    As the name implies, this is an educational app for those who can find themselves putting off tasks. Whether you’re a student who needs help keeping track of projects or an educator in need of staying on top of forgetful students, this well-reviewed app has something for you. The simple interface can allow you to stay organize, and you can’t beat the price tag of $0.
21. Teacher Pal
    Enter grades, attendance, and behavioral comments right into your iPad, iPhone, or iPod with this app. The price is free. It even offers a face detection feature for forgetful teachers.
22. Numbers
    Although primarily a number working app, teachers can still use it for grading. Exclusively designed for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, Numbers lets you make compelling spreadsheets in minutes with tables, charts, photos, and graphics. For $9.99, it comes with 250 functions.
23. Smart Time Class Scheduler
    Both teachers and students use this app to keep track of class schedules and much more. You can create, prioritize, and move tasks all in one app. There is both a free and paid version.
24. My GPA Calculator
    Although utilized by students, anyone can download this free app to calculate or even estimate their grade point average. It can manage multiple courses and in multiple semesters.
25. Blackboard Mobile
    If your school has taken advantage of the previously mentioned tool, you can get the mobile version for free. The app provides access to grades, announcements, discussion boards, course blogs and all your Blackboard course content. Even students can download it at no charge.

Teacher-Specific Job Sites

1. ABC Teaching Jobs: This job site was designed specifically for K-12 teaching jobs. Schools post teaching jobs and teachers find them by performing a quick search.
2. K-12 Job Spot: Find K-12 AppliTrack jobs at this site, where you can search with keywords or by job type.
3. EDinformatics Teacher Jobs: This database includes state-by-state information about teacher certification, school district report cards and job databases.
4. Education America: Developed as a one-stop Internet portal for education organizations and professionals, EAN provides access to information and resources, which are invaluable to both the employer and prospective employee.
5. School Spring: This is an easy, dynamic, and effective way for new and experienced educators to apply for teaching jobs today…and it’s free!
6. Teacher Jobs Help: This site is a free resource provided by the Graduate Educational Information Service (GEIS).
7. TeacherJobs: Your credentials and preferences are matched with available job openings by schools using this Web site. Likewise, with the 1-Click apply button, you can quickly and easily apply for jobs once you have registered with Teacherjobs.
8. Teachers Support Network: TSN is a Warburg-Pincus backed technology and services company focused on helping schools recruit and retain the highest quality teacher for every classroom.
9. Teachers-Teachers: This service is free to teachers, administrators, speech pathologists and other personnel looking for job opportunities. Look for state-specific information tied into this site, such as Public Schools of North Carolina and Teach in Florida.
10. Teachers.net Job Opportunities for Teachers: The new Teacher Job Center is designed to connect qualified teachers with job opportunities in the United States and abroad.
11. Teaching Jobs Portal: This is a new directory that organizes teaching jobs and teaching career resources. The site is free to teachers, administrators, tech support, and other personnel looking for a job in education.
12. Teaching Jobs Today: This site contains a database of job positions by topic and by position. Find jobs for administration or for summer teaching or in biology or in Japanese.
13. US Reap: This site is a free service designed to help educators find new and exciting teaching jobs, administrative jobs and other related service positions in the US.

State Resources

14. EdJoin: With over 1,800 school districts, county offices of education and other education agencies posting on this California job network regularly, you’ll find up to 16,000 job vacancies in EdJoin’s database.
15. Imagine Yourself Teaching in Hawaii: The Hawaii Department of Education looks for teachers with the desire to impact young lives by providing a positive learning environment for the children of Hawaii.
16. MO Teaching Jobs: This is the Missouri JOBS Web site, sponsored by SuccessLink and The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
17. Nevada Department of Education: Learn all you’d ever need to know about this school system, including job availability.
18. Oklahoma State Department of Education: Job listings for this state are listed right on the home page in PDF format.
19. Pennsylvania School Applications Network: This is Pennsylvania’s premier national online recruitment and application service for educators.
20. Teach Arkansas: Learn all the ins and outs involved with teaching in this state, including non-traditional licensure and special education.
21. Teach Utah: Utah offers many opportunities for administrators, teachers, related service providers, and support staff.
22. Teach Virginia: Gain access to Virginia’s statewide electronic job bank and application system and learn more about current critical shortage openings posted by Virginia’s schools.

College and University Jobs

23. Academic Careers Online: This site includes faculty, teacher, research, post doc, adjunct, library, administrative and senior management positions at (community) colleges, universities, research institutes, and schools around the world.
24. Academic Employment Network: Search for teaching jobs in schools and universities, school administrator jobs and higher education teaching and academic jobs of all sorts.
25. Adjunct Professor Online: This site is best known for posting jobs for adjuncts. They also offer a number of both online and print resources for the college/university faculty member.
26. Education Week Top School Jobs: Do a quick search for a job, post your resume, read career advice articles and learn about teacher certification and salary information at this site.
27. HigherEd Jobs: During 2010, more than 4,250 colleges and universities posted over 79,420 faculty, administrative and executive job postings to this company’s Web site.
28. Professor Jobs: Use this search engine to find job sites, company career pages and associations for jobs as a college or university professor.
29. The Chronicle of Higher Education Jobs: The Chronicle of Higher Education is a top source of news, information, and jobs for college and university faculty members and administrators.

Global and Other Opportunities

30. Education Pioneers: Founded in 2003, Education Pioneers is a national human capital organization building the pipeline of talent to address the urban education crisis.
31. ESL Jobs World: ESL Jobs World is on of the top destinations for teachers of English as a second language, and for the schools that are looking to hire them.
32. Overseas Placement Service: Offering services since 1976, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Overseas Placement Service for Educators, a program area of UNI Career Services, connects international K-12 schools with certified educators year round.
33. Real Gap Experience: Teaching jobs abroad are amazing experiences, and Real Gap offers paid and voluntary placements all over the world.
34. Teach Abroad Search: Search a directory filled with over 17,000 opportunities abroad updated daily and find the best teach abroad program for you.
35. Teach for America: Teach For America is the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates of all academic majors and career interests who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools and become leaders in the effort to expand educational opportunity.
36. Teaching Jobs Overseas: This site holds interesting information about overseas teaching jobs, but it isn’t easy to gain access to their links. Go to the second page (get started) and scroll down.
37. Teaching Opportunities Abroad: Find international teaching jobs, post your resume, receive e-mail alerts, send applications and browse a list of English teaching resources.
38. TESall: The TESall.com (All TESOL) jobs board contains the best jobs from around the world updated daily. You can also find information on ESL EFL TESOL teachers, resumes, teacher discussions, articles and resources.
39. The International Educator: TIE is a non-profit organization committed to matching the best educators with the best international schools around the world.
40. World Teach: WorldTeach partners with governments and other organizations in developing countries to provide volunteer teachers to meet local needs and promote responsible global citizenship.

Let’s face it. Nobody wants to be a victim, and nobody wants to be party to bullying, harassment, or hazing. However, in the hormonal crucible that is middle school and junior high, children can be extremely cruel to one another. More so it seems, with easy access to the Internet, they have even more ways to terrorize each other, including sexual harassment. As educators, we have a responsibility to stop this behavior and equip kids with ways to protect themselves. Here are 50 excellent blog posts about bullying that every teacher should read.

Bullying Basics

1. A Look at Bullying: What is Bullying? This post briefly describes bullying and gives a link to a website giving more detailed descriptions of bullying. There are also comments left about what readers think bullying means.
2. Definition of Bullying By General Statute This post is for anyone interested in the legal terms involving bullying. This is a good resource for teachers to be able to apprehend bullying before severe damage occurs.
3. Happy Slapping–A New Kind of Bullying? This post describes a specific bullying situation where bullies randomly hurt a stranger and film the incident. This incident is often posted online and shared between classmates.
4. Bullying is Subjective This post addresses in important problem blocking bullying confrontation: people have different definitions of bullying. Interpret it the way you want.
5. Is He a Bully? This is an interesting post about a mother being surprised that her son was considered a bully. Again, sometimes, it’s important to address the issues with both the victim and bullying person’s parents.
6. Bullying Clip (Second Entry) Mr. Bullyproof gives a good analysis of a YouTube video describing bullying behavior. He also raises an interesting question in the end that can be applied to other bullying cases.

Cyber-Bullying

7. Bullying Moves Online This post points out a new, rising form of bullying: cyberbullying. There are some helpful links to articles and a video to help you understand more.
8. Facebook Nips the Bullies Elizabeth Bennett encourages social networking users to stop cyberbullying online. She also gives tips on preventing it in the first place.
9. When Will Our Schools Take a Stand Against Cyberbullying? This post talks about a new law that is designed to help counter cyberbullying. Teachers should be very familiar with this law.
10. Bullying Online is Common Mike fills us in on the stats and nuts and bolts of bullying. Cyberbullying is scary and in some ways more damaging than physical violence.
11. Cyber Bullying This is another excellent post about the rise of cyberbullying. Contains some pretty intense stuff.

Specific Bullying Cases

These cases are well-known in most instances because the victim of bullying ended his or her life. This occurs so frequently that a new term, “bullycide,” has been coined.

12. Teen Bully Convicted This post gives a link to a story about a few teens getting charged after a victim committed suicide. Readers share their opinions.
13. The Sociopaths and Phoebe Prince Elizabeth Bennett shares her thoughts about a recent suicide case in Massachusetts involving a bullied newcomer in a high school. Bennett talks about the exploration that bullies tend to do when bullying isn’t stopped.
14. What Can Forgiveness Do to You? This post is about how Phoebe Prince’s father focused on forgiving the students that drove his daughter to suicide. This is a good technique to encourage victims to do to ease their own suffering.
15. The Power of Forgiveness Similar to the case of Phoebe’s father, this girl’s parents forgave the girls that pressured the victim into suicide. This is an important thing to keep in mind.
16. Bullied Student Wins 800K Settlement Learn how schools and school districts may be held liable in cases of bullying.

Discussing The Bully’s Motives

17. Why Do Some People Bully This post briefly describes some motives for bullying, again providing a link to help readers explore reasons. There is also detailed input from readers about what they think causes people to bully.
18. Bullies and Victims This post gives a link and video to what maybe motivates a bully to keep bullying. Readers again share their thoughts.
19. What Motivates Bullying Behavior Mr. Bullyproof gives a typical scenario of what causes a bullying relationship to start. This is important to keep in mind to help both the bully and the victim confront their weaknesses.
20. Deprogramming Bullies This post links to an article on the TIME magazine website.

Bullying Prevention Strategies and Programs

21. Bully Branding Elizabeth Bennett brings up an interesting question about why we wait after the fact to solve a problem, leading to so many tragic cases involving bullies. This is a valid point instructors can benefit from.
22. Anti-bullying Series: Reactive or Preventive This post gives bullet points about what constitutes and doesn’t constitute a good anti-bully plan. Teachers should use this to formulate their own rules for bullying prevention.
23. Pit Bull Stops Bullying The author of this blog describes briefly how an incident with her dog inspired her to encourage others to educate and fight bullying. You may be touched.
24. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program This post contains a video and information about a recent program developed by Hazeldon and Clemson University.
25. Stop the Blame Game This post brings up a good point that both bullies and victims may have negative attitudes about themselves. This is a good point to consider to end the bullying chain.
26. To End Bullying, We Must Promote Confidence This post brings up a valid point that self-confidence is a method to end bullying. The author gives some tips to promoting a self-confident image.
27. Bullying is Part of a Much Bigger Picture Social worker Maryfrances Palmisano points out certain external factors that can be taken to prevent bullying. This includes education about exercise, healthy eating habits, and being open about problems.
28. Help Them Build Good Friendships Kathy Mangold, magazine editor, talks about how positive reinforcement can discourage bullying. She also emphasizes friendships.
29. News Coverage of Bullying Event This post contains a link about an event the Verbal Judo Institute did involving parents. Teachers can get some ideas about holding a similar event for their children.
30. Have the Talk with Your Children This is a good thing to encourage parents to do.
31. Can Dads Stop and Ask for Directions Often times when a parent confronts a teacher about bullying, it’s the Moms. Here are maybe some concerns that teachers can think about and address for the well-being of the kids.
32. This Summer, Break the Pattern of Bully Behavior This post gives a judicious warning about how parents should talk to their children about bullying before school resumes. This is a helpful message for teachers to pass on to parents.
33. MTV and a Thin Line Conquer Sexting This may be a topic of interest for teachers with older students. Sexting seems to have played a significant part in recent cases.
34. Film Documents Teen Bullying This post gives some brief info about a film made about bullying. Readers also share their thoughts about what impact the movie can make.
35. Building a Safe Place….for Themselves W. Lee Fjelstad brings up a very important point here: it is important that we build a safe place in a child’s mind and take time to listen and communicate with them to prevent mental damage later.
36. Step It Up, Teachers! Dr. George Thompson gives a video link and talks about how it is important for teachers to be on guard for bullying. He explains why teachers are the rescue team here.
37. Teachers, Consider Yourself Classroom Cops Robert Willis points out a good point that teachers and other school officials could be liable in bullying cases. This is a great point to keep in mind.
38. Affirmation Quote for Self Self-affirmation is an important strategy to prevent susceptibility to bullying.

Helping Victims of Bullying

39. Adult Recognition of Bullying Behavior This blog by a psychology researcher reviews studies related to the effects of bullying on children over the long term.
40. People’s Various Opinions on a Bullying Statement This post asks readers to describe the bullying scene at their school. There are a lot of thoughtful comments posted.
41. Message to Bullied Kids: Be Assertive, Not Aggressive This post from the vice president of the Verbal Judo Institute gives some good advice to victims of bullying. This is something teachers can share with their students.
42. Do You Want Them to Like You or Respect You? The author uses an example about bullying to illustrate the difference between being liked and being respected.
43. Solution to End Bullying Exists….So What’s Missing? Coach Bob Lindsey points out another point: bullying leaves signs. He warns us that when there is tragedy involving bullying, there has often been knowledge of its occurrence beforehand.
44. Bullies Do Devastating Damage Dr. George Thompson tells about how parents should educate kids to defend themselves and not pass on the bullying to feel better about themselves. Teachers should follow the same thing.
45. We Know the Problem, We Need the Answers Kathy Mangold gives some good tips on helping kids deal with destructive comments. This makes for some good conversation topics teachers can have with the students.
46. Violence Warning Signs This is what teachers should have heeded before the Columbine incident. These tips can be applied to both bullies and victims of bullying.
47. My Kid Fought Back-What Now! This post explains how to deal with the scenario in which the kid is not passive toward the bullying and fights back. This post implies how teachers should take these bullying messages seriously.
48. Violent Kids Dr. Helen posts this helpful information for kids and teens. Adults who work with kids should definitely read this.
49. Interesting Book on Bullying and Revenge Review of Todd Strasser’s book, Give a Boy a Gun. The blogger thinks that teachers and students alike should read this thought-provoking piece to better understand the roots of school violence.
50. Bullies & Victims A short, but nonetheless helpful and insightful post about the epidemic of bullying, including what can be done about it.

News and Analysis

1. edspresso. Get opinions, discussion and the latest news on education reform here.
2. EducationNews.org. Education News covers U.S. and international education news with well-written posts and commentary.
3. Eduwonk. Get all of the latest news and excellent analysis on current education reform topics here.
4. On Education. US News and World Report’s education columnist shares thoughts on educational news.
5. Intercepts. Public education and teacher’s unions are the focus of Intercepts, a blog by Mike Antonucci.
6. The Learning Network. A blog full of resources for teachers and students, it also has news and commentary from the world of education.
7. Class Struggle . Jay Mathews writes this excellent blog for the Washington Post.
8. This Week in Education. Alexander Russo covers education news from an administrator’s perspective.

Politics

9. Politics K-12. Education Week covers all of the current political news that affects education on the state and federal level.
10. Democrats for Education Reform. A Democratic political action committee blogs about issues such as how to fix low-performing schools, the charter school issue, and curriculum.
11. Buckhorn Road. At Buckhorn Road, the politics and the educational reform philosophy are conservative.
12. 5/17. Blogger Jim Anderson covers education in the news and provides his own brand of political analysis.
13. Right on the Left Coast. A California teacher who has a conservative philosophy shares his opinions on education and politics.

School Policy Reform

14. School Law Blog . The EdWeek School Law blog touches on all the legal developments that affect schools.
15. The Edurati Review. This blog features opinion and well-written analysis on pressing education policy issues.
16. Teacher Beat. Another blog from Education Week, this blog gives you breaking news and commentary on national education policy.
17. Education Policy Blog. How should schools evaluate teachers? Why is the home school movement growing? Are school nurses necessary? This blog addresses these policy topics and more.
18. Practical Theory. A leader of a science magnet school sounds off about the need for solid school reform.
19. The Ed Money Watch Blog. See how fiscal policy impacts educational decisions on Ed Money Watch.
20. Stories from School. If you aren’t sure how public policy affects the teacher in the classroom, you need to read this blog.
21. The Higher Ed Watch Blog. New America examines higher education issues such as affordability and accessibility on this blog.
22. The Quick and the Ed. This blog that spotlights national education policy is produced by an independent organization dedicated to better teaching and learning.
23. Inside School Research. Learn about the newest research studies related to education and school policy.
24. Jay P. Greene’s Blog. University of Arkansas professor Greene writes his thoughts about education policy reform.
25. The Core Knowledge Blog. Curriculum reform is an important topic, and the Core Knowledge Blog addresses this.
26. Voice For School Choice . Voice For School Choice’s blog advocates for school choice and the charter school system as a viable solution to the problem of under-performing schools.
27. Why Boys Fail. Why do boys fail? Answer this question, and we’ll be able to have successful reform, say the authors of this blog.
28. Flypaper. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute for Educational Excellence maintains this blog composed of commentary on school policy issues.
29. Bridging Differences. An interesting blog that brings the “battle of the talking heads” off of television and into blog format. Spirited discussion between two very different women who both want to reform education.
30. National Journal Online Education Experts. This is an excellent place to read expert opinions on the most important policy issues of the day.

Regional School Reform Blogs

31. The Gradebook. Jeffrey Solochek blogs about educational policy and reform as they relate to Florida schools.
32. GothamSchools. Two experienced education reporters discuss the needed reforms in New York City, as well as the successes.
33. Whitney Tilson’s School Reform Blog. Tilson posts the latest news about school reform, focusing on the news related to the KIPP Academies.
34. Tuttle SVC. This school policy reform blog is written by Tom Hoffman of Rhode Island, epicenter of many school reform battles.
35. Schools. The Albany Times-Union education blog covers all of the local Albany-area education news.
36. School Zone . The Houston Chronicle blogs about school reform, politics and other important issues.
37. Passing Notes. This school reform blog has a special focus on Rhode Island schools.
38. Teachers and Parents for Real Education Reform . Washington, D.C. parents and teachers have been working together to create school reform with a major positive impact on the school community.
39. PWC Education Reform. Prince William County, VA parents concerned about the future of their school system write this blog in pursuit of reform.
40. Catalyst Chicago. An excellent resource for learning about Chicago school reform efforts and their history.
41. Educational Equity, Politics, and Policy in Texas. Texas educational policy has been somewhat influential to the rest of the country for many years, and this blog covers the major issues of the day.
42. I Thought a Think. Get news about school reform and educational politics in Washington state from a teacher in the know.

Reform From A Teacher’s Perspective

43. TeachMoore. School reform from the perspective of an English teacher.
44. Teacher in a Strange Land. Nancy Flanagan blogs about education topics, including how to improve and reform struggling schools.
45. The Doc Is In. Get good teaching tips as well as Dr. Pezz’s opinions about education policy.
46. 2 Cents Worth. David Warlick has been given a “Lifetime Achievement Award” by Edublog for his outstanding writing on 21st century teaching and learning.
47. Teacher Voices. What makes a teacher a leader? How can teachers make the most of the time they have in the classroom? Teacher Voices explores these topics, including school reform, on their blog.
48. The Future of Education is Here. Here, the spotlight is on schools where real change is happening from the grass roots.
49. Dangerously Irrelevant. Scott McLeod writes about the ways that technology is changing education for the better.
50. The Power of Educational Technology. Read Liz B. Davis’ thoughts on the positive impact that education technology is having on today’s learners.

Feng Shui for Kindergarten Classrooms

1. Display books. Lots of books create an inviting air and put education on the mind of students at a young age. As opposed to putting books away in shelves, stagger books and display them so the covers are facing outwards, enticing children to take a look.
2. Group bright colors. Grouping bright colors creates a fun vibe for young students and encourages creativity.
3. Create reading centers. This allows students to peruse books and converse in small groups, building communication skills.

Feng Shui for All Classrooms

4. Utilize the bagua map This is one of the key elements of feng shui decor. The bagua map tells you what areas of the room need harmony and balance, giving you a direction for what areas to work on.
5. Pay attention to the elements. It is important you pay attention to the five elements (water, wood, metal, earth and fire) when organizing your classroom and placing furniture. Dictation of where these elements belong will be in the bagua map.
6. Place desks in an octagon shape. According to the baqua this promotes harmony in the classroom. You will likely need to leave an open space so you are able to access students and serve as the focal point of the room, so organize desks as an octagon with the “bottom” missing.
7. Work with what you have. You may not have the space to organize desks in an octagon shape. Rows are suitable and should all face one way, preferably towards the doorway.
8. Utilize other elements of feng shui. If you are not able to meet feng shui requirements with the furniture arrangement of your desks, you will still be able to utilize the other fundamentals of feng shui to promote harmony in the space.
9. Make comfort a priority. If you or your students are uncomfortable, it will create distress. Always place the comfort of the people who will work in the space before any feng shui rules. This itself is also a rule of feng shui.
10. Incorporate water. Feng shui says the flow of water promotes knowledge. Bring in a small aquarium or even a gold fish in a small bowl to bring a serene feeling to your classroom.
11. Alignment is key. Everything in the room should flow. Desks should all face one direction and avoid any large objects that block off areas or cause an obstruction for students.
12. Students should be able to move freely. The classroom is useless if you or your students can’t get around easily. Make sure the room flows in a manner that makes everything accessible from the pencil sharpener to shared computer stations.
13. Go green. Green is a strong color in feng shui and stands for growth and peace. This is the exact environment most teachers strive for in their classrooms, so use green for steady decor in the space that won’t be changed for seasons or holidays.
14. Balance your use of the five elements. For proper balance and structure, all five elements should be equally represented. There’s a good chance the elements that are already in your classroom are wood and metal, so try to add water, fire and earth through materials or colors.
15. Let your eyes guide you. To create balance, the room should flow. Nothing should serve as a focal point, but rather move in one harmonious direction that continues. Stand at the doorway of your room and see the areas that catch your eye. Now try to clear these areas so when you walk in the classroom, no one thing grabs your attention, but rather the cohesiveness of the room envelopes you.
16. Cut back on fluorescent lights. Limit the time students are working in this one light by placing activity or reading centers near the windows with natural light or taking these tasks outside under the trees.



17. Teach nature. Even if it’s only briefly discussing the colors of the fall leaves, reminding students of nature will encourage their relationship with the planet. Whether you bring in actual plants or simply post pictures of them in the classroom, it is a constant reminder of nature which contributes to a calm atmosphere.
18. Avoid sharp corners. This can be difficult for teachers, but do your best to avoid sharp corners in the classroom which are seen as a contributor of negative energy in feng shui.
19. Avoid asymmetry. Whether it’s on a bulletin board or with the desks, everything should be in even proportion with no distracting items hanging out on their own.
20. Avoid red. Redis a color known to drastically increase aggression. Students spend a lot of time in the classroom, so while this may seem like a small thing, in the world of feng shui, it isn’t healthy for anyone (including yourself) to be exposed to the intense color for long periods of time on a daily basis.
21. Play relaxing music during individual study time. If students have time where they write in a journal or conduct silent reading, take an opportunity to play music. This calms students down, allowing them to fully project themselves into their studies. Classical music is a common choice, but relaxing New Age music is also a smart pick.
22. Bring in nature. Incorporate organic elements such as a class pet, plants or flowers to bring nature indoors. This helps students appreciate nature and its beauty and is helpful for students who live in the city and may not have a strong connection with the earth.
23. Face your desk towards the door. This allows you to see everything that’s coming in and going out of your classroom. It also puts you in a place of power according to feng shui.
24. Get rid of clutter. This is a crucial element in feng shui, as a clear space promotes a clear mind for students to learn successfully. Organize using plastic boxes and keeping classroom excess to a minimum. If it isn’t being used, keep it out of sight to avoid items piling up.
25. Avoid “dark spots.” For classrooms with little natural light or windows, be sure bulbs are always well-lit to create a bright area for students. Dark spots are known to be weigh down the mood in a room according to feng shui.
26. Add the color blue. Blue is known to create a calming effect and in feng shui is known to promote learning and aptitude. Increase your students’ drive by adding this color in areas that they will see every day.



27. Paint walls. If your administrator will allow you to paint walls of the classroom blue and green, gather some friends and go for it. For those with more rules to follow, take large pieces of bulletin board paper and cover portions of the wall above and below the chalkboard to mimic painted walls.
28. Don’t overdo it with displays. Feng shui wants little to no clutter and that includes the wall. There’s no reason to put up every assignment or art students work on. Instead, select areas where work can be hung and keep it in a neat manner to avoid clutter on the walls.
29. Close off open window space. If there’s a window on the door that faces outside distractions, cover it with bulletin board paper. Only window space that allows natural light should be exposed.
30. Bring in crystals. For rooms that are closed off from all natural light, crystals can bring in a natural source of positive energy much like natural sunlight or plants according to feng shui.
31. Place bookshelves accordingly. In feng shui, bookshelves should be placed in the far left corner of the room when facing into the room from the door. This is said to promote critical thinking and intellectual aptitude.
32. Keep entry ways clear. Just as you want a harmonious flow of chi in the classroom, you’ll allow the chi in by keeping entry ways free of clutter and obtrusive items like extra chairs or a trash can.
33. Bring in lamps. To help limit fluorescent lighting, consider bringing in lamps or working with the lights off if you have a heavily sunlit classroom.
34. Bring in wind chimes. For classrooms with no air conditioning and windows, consider a wind chime. Open a window on a soft breezy day and see how the soothing sound effects students motivation and calm demeanor.
35. Plug it in. Add some aromatherapy to the classroom with a plug-in oil dispenser in a scent like lavender, which is know to soothe.
36. Bring in bamboo. Bamboo is an easy way to bring in an element of nature without having to tend to a plant daily or risk it dying. Bamboo can be purchased at most grocery stores or flower shops and grows on its own in a vase of water with little attention.
37. Open your classroom. If you are lucky enough to have windows in your classroom, do not be afraid to open them for a small period through the day. Opening the windows for a mere 10 minutes can bring new air in the room and revive students compared to the stale indoor air that circulates throughout the day.
38. Energize students. The colors orange and yellow are known to energize. Bring these colors out to rev students up for a test or sports event at school.



39. Implement pastel shades. This is especially helpful for English or writing teachers of older students. Pastel shades can promote creativity and often have an association with childhood.
40. Create excitement. For display areas or reading centers, there should be a sense of excitement surrounding these spaces to encourage students to want their work displayed or gain time in the learning center.
41. Display art work. Bringing in art work besides the students can enhance the creative energy of the space and get students thinking about their own creative abilities. The art work can sit on a constant bulletin board, which should follow the symmetrical guidelines of feng shui.
42. Let everyone participate. When arranging furniture and learning centers, all students should be visible to you at all times. This promotes teacher and student interaction and ensures students feel comfortable to approach you when needed.
43. Keep students aware. Don’t underestimate your students. For those working with children in the 4th grade or older, be sure to share the feng shui tips you’re implementing and how they will improve the energy of the classroom.
44. Bring in water with a table top fountain. For those who aren’t sure they can handle an aquarium or gold fish in the classroom, bring in water with a small fountain. This can sit on the teacher’s desk or elsewhere in the classroom, but should be visible to all students from their seats.
45. Create your own nature. For a classroom with no windows, look to the example of middle school teacher Nic Taylor who turned a 4X6 space into a “window” by placing a poster flanked by softly lit lamps to give his students a sense of the great outdoors.

Color Harmony

These colors work together to create a harmonious atmosphere for students.

46. Green works in harmony with black, blue and red.
47. Red is in harmony with beige, tan, yellow and green.
48. White works with blue and tan.
49. Blue works in harmony with black, green and white.
50. Yellow and tan sit in harmony with white and red.

Implementing these simple feng shui tips will create a calm learning environment for students to ensure they are working without distractions that could potentially be caused by an unsightly or distracting space.

General Teaching Blogs

1. Teacher Magazine Blog : This is a great resource for teachers and provides links to webinars for creative teaching methods.
2. The Stenhouse Blog : For educators who use Stenhouse materials, this blog discusses mini-lesson plans and posts podcasts with movers-and-shakers in the industry.
3. World of Learning : If the relationship between education and politics interests you, you’ll be glued to your seat with this amazing blog that strives for innovative teaching methods.
4. New Tech Network Blog : New Tech Network works with districts across the country to bring forth a new wave of teaching in public schools. Read about their endeavors and philosophy at this blog.
5. Classroots : Written by a teacher at a charter school, this blog shows the new face (and possible future) of teaching.
6. Strive Together : This site stems from an organization making changes in Ohio public education, but their tactics and workshops provide something all educators can learn from.
7. Joanne Jacobs : This fantastic education blog touches on all aspects of the industry and will get you thinking.
8. Politics K-12 : If you’re a primary school teacher, bookmark this site for updates and news on policies that effect you.
9. Great Schools Blog : This non-profit organization aims to bring parents and teachers together for a better education experience for students.
10. Edwize : We love this blog because it incorporates some education policy alongside smart teaching techniqes.
11. Change.org – Education : From analyzing the purpose of certain college courses to teaching grade school teachers how to utilize technology, this blog touches on many aspects of teaching.
12. The Future of Education is Here : This site aims to prep teachers for the digital age of teaching.
13. Brainstorm – The Chronicle of Higher Education : This blog discusses higher education for the most part, but also touches on teaching techniques that work across the board, no matter what age you’re educating.
14. Edutopia : A busy discussion board and thought provoking articles will keep teachers new and old locked to this blog.
15. The Education Optimists : From Race to the Top news and predictions to improving classroom conditions in low income areas.
16. Set Our Teachers Free : Education reform and what changes should be made to the public school system is what you’ll find at this site.



17. A Teacher’s Education : The scoop on teaching straight from the source, with tips to improve your methods in the classroom.
18. Education Week – Teacher Beat : This site examines policies from around the nation and also touches on what districts are doing to improve student performance and test scores.
19. Moore On the Page : This teacher isn’t afraid to tackle tough topics and discusses classroom teaching experiences that can inspire and enhance your own techniques.
20. What It’s Like on the Inside : A fantastic blog for teachers who will can identify with the classroom chaos this blogger writes about and the great rewards it brings.
21. National School Board Association – Board Buzz : How to help students succeed and achieve their goals is what this blog is all about.
22. The New York Times – Lesson Plans : This blog no longer updates, but the archived stories of teachers chronicling their first experiences on the job still offer a fresh perspective that shows how education can improve.
23. Democrats for Education Reform : This site examines education policies, specifically the Race to the Top plan.
24. Eduwonk : Education reform and commentary from those in the system is what you’ll find at this blog.
25. The ASCD Community Blog : This blog provided information on pushing the boundaries of conventional teaching and hosts podcasts that will enlighten even the most seasoned teacher.
26. The Teacher’s Toolbox : Quick exercises to enhance student’s language and writing abilities can be found at this thoughtful blog.
27. Speed of Creativity : For the teacher that loves to be on the forefront of new techniques and technology, this blog’s for you.
28. Around the Corner : This blog focuses on the future of education through technology, but also discusses how to improve conventional teaching methods.
29. National Journal Online : Take a hard-hitting look at education reform and policies at this blog.
30. This Week In Education Penned by a former Senate education member, this site focuses on national education policy.

Blogs for Bilingual Teachers

31. Dear Ai : Great teaching advice and curriculum suggestions from an ESL teacher herself.
32. ESL Lesson Plan : This teacher shows fellow ESL instructors how to implement puzzles and promote grammar for students.
33. ESL Blog : This teacher shares stories of being a Korean ESL teacher and shows simple exercises to increase students’ vocabulary.
34. ESL Galaxy : Thousands of free worksheets are available for download to help students practice English.
35. Bilingual Special Ed : Tips on promoting English skills and studies on ESL teaching programs.
36. Ask the English Teacher : A great blog for tips on simply explaining certain strange rules of the American English language.
37. Activities for ESL/EFL Students : Loads of activities for ESL students, categorized by reading level.
38. ESL Lounge : Free resources for ESL teachers such as quizzes, games and lesson plans.
39. Jonathon Narvye’s ESL Centre : Tips on using technology as a tool to aide ESL teaching.
40. ESL Teachers Board : From job postings around the world to teaching tips and workshop ideas, this site will keep you busy.
41. ESL Storybook : Learning resources for ESL teachers who teach grade school.
42. How to Meditate : Meditation is similar to prayer in that it allows you to focus your energy towards one thing, in many cases, healing. This site shows you how to get started meditating.
43. Coaching to Happiness : This life coaching site talks about spiritual healing through prayer and the practice to put in into effect for the long term.
44. Breaking News English : Updates in the world of ESL news and free lessons available for downloading.
45. Aardvark’s English Forum A teachers message board and a fabulous book search engine allows teachers to interact and search study material.
46. ESL Free Press : A great site for ESL teachers of adult students to share with the classroom, as this site breaks down news into a simple, concise reading format.
47. Writing Links for ESL : For beginner ESL teachers who are writing their own curriculum, this site links to resources that show you how to create content for your students.
48. Pain in the English : This blog covers all of those “gray” areas of English and works as a great resource for ESL teachers to share with middle school through adult students.
49. ESL Cafe : A site for ESL teachers and students with resources for workshops worldwide.
50. ESL Jobs Forum : A place for ESL teachers to discuss on-the-job issues and share tips.

Blogs for Special Education Teachers

51. Special Ed Change Blog : Learn about special ed policies and using technology as a tool to help improve special ed teaching techniques.
52. Special Education Strategies and More : Help for special ed teachers who need new help creating engaging activities for students.
53. Reality 101: CEC’s Blog for New Teachers : The Council for exceptional children sponsor this blog which chronicles the teaching lives of new special ed teachers.
54. LeadCast Blog – Co-Teaching : Many special ed teachers work as co-teachers and this blog shows how to make your time spent with students productive and efficient.
55. Education Week – Special Ed : News and tips specific to the special ed teacher.
56. Special Education and Learning Differences : Industry news and curriculum development make this blog worth visiting weekly.
57. Lisa’s Lingo : Encouragement and teaching tips that are aimed at special ed teachers, but will be just as effective for standard teachers as well.
58. Efficacy of Prayer : This site showcases scientific studies on healing through prayer and poses though provoking questions for readers.
59. SMD Teacher : A perfect blog for those who teach students with multiple disabilities to pick up new techniques and exercises.
60. The Life That Chose Me : This special ed teacher writes of his struggles and triumphs of working with special needs students, and will inspire other teachers to make progress against all obstacles.
61. Teach Effectively! : Aimed at both multiple disabilities and at-risk students, this blog is a must-read for every type of teacher to improve their communication in the classroom.
62. No Limits to Learning : This blog takes a look at the modern special ed teacher and even has a post for app suggestions for those working with special needs children.
63. Special Ed Law Blog : Analyzes special education policies and reform.



64. Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs : An amazing blog that shares time management tips and activity ideas for special education teachers.
65. Successful Teaching : This site is penned by an experienced teacher who has a wealth of useful knowledge to share.
66. Teaching All Students : Check out how technology is being used in the special ed classroom at this blog.
67. Special Classroom : From the frontlines of teaching, this special ed teacher dishes on her tactics and tips.
68. Dyslexia Blog : Tips for teachers around the nation that work with dyslexic students and how to make the learning process accessible for those children.
69. School Psychologist Blog Files : Beginner special ed teachers can scope out this blog to get a taste of the families and students they will work with on a day-to-day basis.
70. Teacher Sol : This DC area special ed teacher shares her stories with a personable writing style that will captivate.

Blogs for Teachers Grades Pre-K Through Tweenage

71. TCPS Kindergarten : The woes and helpful teaching strategies of a kindergarten teacher.
72. Tween Teacher : Kids are growing up fast and this blog shows techniques on handling and education tween age children.
73. The Teaching Palette : An invaluable blog for art teachers and elementary teachers who implement art lessons.
74. Teacher Lingo : Connect with other teachers and pick up useful lesson ideas at this blog.
75. Pro Teacher.net : Chat about anything and everything with other grade school teachers at this organized and busy message board.
76. Classroom 2.0 : You have to sign up for this site, but registration is free and gives you instant access to web forums and lesson plan ideas.
77. I Want to Teach Forever : This blog is at the top for ideas on how to improve the teacher-student relationship.
78. Engaging Parents in Schools : Elementary school teachers set the pace for having parents involved in their child’s education. This site shows you how to create a strong classroom by engaging parents.
79. ProTeacher.com : Resources for lesson plans and tips on behavior management round out this site.
80. Better DC School Food : The DC school lunch program is changing for the better. Read how they’re doing it and the proper measures you can get your school talking about to make changes as well.
81. Twitter for Teachers : If you’re big on Twitter, check out this comprehensive list of grade school teachers to follow.
82. Elementary Teacher Blog : An eye-opening look at young children today and tips and conversation for elementary school teachers.
83. The Elementary Educator : Raves, rants and lots of complaining to standardized tests make this a blog elementary teachers can relate to. This teacher offers fresh ideas that you’ll find useful.
84. Regurgitated Alpha Bits : Sit down and get ready to laugh at this hilarious blog penned by an elementary school teacher.

Blogs for Middle School and High School Teachers

86. Fractions Speak Louder Than Nerds : This blog is written by a middle school math teacher and packs.
87. The Virtual Classroom : A great resource for art teachers of all ages, created by a middle school teacher.
88. Pensamientos : This middle school teacher teaches Spanish and a lot more to her students.
89. Tutor Gal : This middle school tutor shares her thoughts on keeping kids engaged while learning.
90. Middle School Teacher : From sharing her thoughts on education policies and reform to giving you tips on how to create motivation for students in the classroom.
91. Bluebird’s Classroom : This middle school teacher is so effective, he has students from years ago come back to invite him to their high school graduation.
92. Bud the Teacher : This former high school teacher now blogs on how technology is changing the way we educate.
93. MiddleWeb : A great resource for middle school teachers looking for worksheets and learning materials.
94. History is Elementary : A helpful blog for history teachers who need to brighten lessons to make them intriguing for students.
95. Educational Advocates : A great blog for high school teachers and faculty looking for ways to put college on the mind of every student for a better future.
96. Score at the Top : This consulting firm writes this helpful blog for high school teachers, aiding them on how to make students reach for excellence and learn autonomy.
97. High School Mediator : From ways to handle cyber bullying to making sure students are retaining the skills they need for the real world, this is a smart blog for every high school teacher to check out.
98. High School Math Blog : This blog examines simple math issues some students still struggle with in high school and how to help the student overcome them.
99. High School Bits : Written by a team of teachers, this blog looks at education policy and common lessons for English and math teachers.
100. SAT University Blog : Tips that high school teachers can utilize and pass along to improve students SAT test scores.

Stay Organized

Being an effective teacher requires that you stay as organized as possible. This will make your job a bit easier, and allow you to spend less time searching for various tools, and more time teaching. Consider the following organizational iPad apps.

1. The Teacher’s Assistant
   If your classroom features computers, it is often important to monitor what students are doing in order to maximize productivity. This free application by LanSchool Technologies lets teachers transmit messages to students from the iPad to their computers. You can also use this app to limit their access to the Internet, and blank out their screens if necessary.
2. Outliner
   Making lists can be a daily duty in the classroom, so an app for this is quite helpful. Outliner allows users to make lists with items that they can check off, or just take notes with bullet points. Many teachers will find this iPad application useful for creating rubrics to distribute among students, or grading sheets to keep to themselves.
3. Keynote
   This is an app that works great for lectures and presentations in the classroom. Rather than relying on note cards or just your memory while lecturing for much of the class period, you can refer to your key points on this application. Having a lesson plan neatly typed out and organized on the iPad allows you to use your time wisely.
4. Teacher’s Pick
   Tired of having to use popsicle sticks with students’ names on them before you call on anyone? Teacher’s Pick makes it easy to keep a list of students in your class, and helps you keep track of participation points. Each student can be marked as active or inactive so that you are always up-to-date on which students to call on.
5. Presentation Timer
   There is nothing more disappointing than running out of class time on days your students are presenting projects. Prevent the possibility of having to postpone or cancel presentations from students by keeping a timer on your iPad. Students will appreciate the fact that this free app gives two warning rings before sounding the alarm that time is up, especially if you tend to dock points for going over the agreed upon time.



6. Teacher Calculator
   This app is quite simple, as it is meant just for teachers who need to figure out the percentage of questions each student got correct on assignments. You could pull out a regular calculator and enter in the numbers to determine a score, but that would require always having access to one more electronic product. If you normally use the iPad daily anyway, why not use it to help grade papers by comparing the number of correct answers to the total number of questions for each student?

Keep Students Engaged in Your Lessons

No matter the age of your students, it is important to keep them interested in learning. Some subjects are a bit drier than others, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find unique ways to keep the interest of any student. Use your iPad with the following apps to capture the attention of students of any age.

7. Beautiful Planet HD
   If you aim to get your students excited about geography, geology, or varying cultures, this app makes it easy. Show your students over 570 awe-inspiring photographs of all the continents and nearly all the countries of the world. Many people learn best when they are interested in the subject, and a collection of stunning pictures just may grab their attention and keep it.



8. Magic Piano
   Not every classroom has the room or the funds for its own musical instruments, but Magic Piano is a start. This app lets you make your own keyboard on the screen, and then follow light beams to play a song. You can use it to begin teaching the importance of music, or let your students each have a turn at tapping the screen like a keyboard to create a beautiful sound.
9. Dr. Seuss’s ABC
   Younger students will appreciate this amusing way to learn the alphabet. You can read the book to children while showing them the large color photographs, allow them to listen to a narrator reading the e-book aloud, or set it on auto play in which the pages turn themselves. You should note that when the narrator reads it out loud, each word is highlighted as it is said, allowing students to learn to read while being entertained.
10. The Elements: A Visual Exploration
    Forget the typical periodic table of the elements poster that hangs in every chemistry classroom. Entice your students to really delve into learning about each element with the ability to show close-up images of each one, next to the important facts. They’ll never forget the unique properties of each one when they witness full-color photographs and videos of interesting experiments involving some of them.
11. Web Reader
    Choose either a male or female voice to read web pages out loud. This is perfect for reading stories to younger children while you grade papers or do other tasks on days you are strapped for time. You may also use it to read students’ papers to you out loud, or even catch up on the news every morning while you prepare for the school day.
12. iResponse
    If your classroom is particularly high-tech, and every student has an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad, you can use this app to send questions to each student. Once they answer, you can compare each response to the correct one, and create a graph of all the answers submitted. This makes for an interactive learning environment that is sure to keep students more engaged than usual.

To help teachers discover creative and age-appropriate ways to incorporate green methods into their lesson plans, we have researched 100 amazing sites. These resources offer great lesson plans and activities for students from preschool to high school, and teach them how they can make an impact on the environment to keep it clean and free from waste. Find crafts, activities, PDFs and more, broken down by levels of education.

Great, Green Lesson Reads for the Classroom

1. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save The Earth
   A classic, this book can show you and your classroom one green thing to do and why per week. The new edition is updated for the 2.0 generation. Its easy-to-do and kid-friendly projects show that kids can make a difference, and each chapter is packed with tons of links to groups and resources.
2. Generation Green
   If you need something for a more mature classroom, check out this book. It is a teen guide to living an eco-friendly life. Sivertsen and her teenage son draw on scientific findings, personal experience, and interviews with celebrities and teens to provide readers with environmentally responsible lifestyle alternatives, from organic cosmetics to natural kitchen cleaners to green career opportunities.
3. Down to Earth Guide to Global Warming
   Get a common sense guide to global warming for the classroom with this book. It contains loads of photos and illustrations, as well as suggestions for how kids can help combat global warming in their homes, schools, and communities.
4. The Adventures of an Aluminum Can
   Follow the adventures of this can as it goes through the journey of recycling. Completely told from the can’s perspective, it is fun while educational.
5. The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle
   In this sequel, the classroom now follows a plastic bottle on a recycling adventure. Peek into this diary of a plastic bottle as it goes on a journey from the refinery plant, to the manufacturing line, to the store shelf, to a garbage can, and finally to a recycling plant where it emerges as a fleece jacket.
6. What’s It Like Living Green?
   Read about a teenage girl who learned to drive with a car fueled by used cooking grease. Learn about a boy who raised funds to build his first well to provide clean water for a whole village when he was only seven years old. The book is full of simple ways to help the environment, help others, and even earn some money.
7. Where Does the Garbage Go?
   Because “the landfill” isn’t an answer and certainly not a great, green lesson, check out this book. It stands out for showing the way things were, are, and can be in the future.
8. S is for Save the Planet
   Get a lesson plan that is both green and alphabetical here. Each letter has its own accompanying poem introducing a tip for the environment.
9. OK Go
   Learn about the impact of cars and fossil fuels in this book. Pictures, poems, and more teach all about going green.
10. Dawn Saves the Planet
    If your classroom loves “The Baby Sitters Club,” read them this book. In it, environmentally conscious Dawn makes plans to construct a recycling center at her middle school, but soon all her hard work begins to keep her from paying attention to her friends.

Great, Green Lesson Plans for the Preschool Classroom

11. Earth Day
    Teach preschoolers about Earth Day no matter what the calendar says. A fun activity in four parts is shown.
12. Earth Day Crafts
    Get preschooled themed crafts by visiting here. They include an Earth, bracelet, bug, and more.
13. Earth Song
    Have a look at this song for preschoolers to sing. If they know “This Old Man” all that is needed is a lyric switch.
14. Recycling Lesson Plan
    Cognitive development activity for daycare is focused on here. Children learn the importance of recycling in an age appropriate activity.
15. Art From Any Old Thing
    Learn both recycling and art with this lesson plan. Different ages, levels, and grades are discussed.
16. Recycle Relay
    Grab materials such as plastic, paper, and newspaper for this green lesson plan. It was developed by the Hershey Early Childhood Center in Pennsylvania.
17. Environment Clean Water
    Students learn how to make their own clean water in this green lesson plan. Four steps and a few items are required.
18. World Environment Day
    Activities and crafts are featured in these preschool lesson plans. Choose from animals, forest, nutrition, and more.
19. Environmental Education
    Like the above, you can choose from dozens of lesson plans for the green minded classroom here. Animals, plants, water, weather, and careers are the categories to choose from.

Great, Green Lesson Plans for the Kindergarten Classroom

20. Marvelous Motor Car
    Show your green kindergarten classroom how to make a car that uses zero gas. All you need are a few milk boxes and household items.
21. Earth Day Activities Book
    Visit here for a free PDF coloring book for the green classroom. Activities, games, and more are included.
22. Gardening Plant a Bulb
    Be part of the solution in this green lesson plan. Students plant a bulb and learn as the plant grows.
23. Letter Pencil Holder
    Recycle household items to make this project. Imaginative students can make something truly amazing.
24. 7 Ways to Use a Jelly Jar
    Have your green students reuse their jelly jars in seven different ways in this lesson plan. They include glass, bouquet, display, organizer, and more.
25. Nature Recycles Coloring Book
    Get another free book as a PDF from this site. Coloring and recycling are the focus.

Great, Green Lesson Plans for the Grade School Classroom

26. Thirstin’s Word Scramble Game
    Visit here to get a word scramble game for the green classroom. Students have three chances to enter the correct word.
27. Recycle City
    Have students visit this town to get recycling. You can play it online or use the printer friendly version.
28. Waste No Words
    This crossword puzzle is provided for free by the EPA. Eleven across and nine down can teach the classroom a lot.
29. Creative Design with CD’s
    Gather all of those old and unused CD ROMS, blanks, and scratched disks to make something creative. A few ideas of what to do with them are discussed.
30. Underwater Scope
    Students learn to build a model that can see underwater in this lesson plan. Take it to a lake or stream to see the world underwater.
31. 13 Ways to Use a Plastic Grocery Bag
    They pile up at home, so have your students bring them in and use them in this lesson plan. Tips, activities, and more are shared.
32. Plants Vocabulary Quiz
    Put your green classroom to the test with this free quiz. Ten questions ask and answer simple parts of a plant’s anatomy.
33. Leaf Printing
    Ditch the paper and use leaves to print works of art in this lesson. Step by step instructions are given.
34. Threatened and Endangered
    Every species from bald eagle to whooping crane is featured here. Click on each to learn more.

Great, Green Lesson Plans for the Middle School Classroom

35. Edible Aquifer
    This green lesson plan will teach more about groundwater and where it comes from. The experiment shows you how groundwater is stored and how what we do above ground can affect the water underground.
36. Staying Warm Winter Experiments
    In another experiment from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, students learn about body heat and how to keep it in. You’ll need two soup bowls, a pitcher of tap water, and thermometer.
37. Antibacterial Pollution
    A lot of household products nowadays claim to be antibacterial—containing compounds that kill viruses, bacteria, and other germs on contact. But what happens to these compounds when they get washed down the drain? You’ll hear one worrisome possibility in this green lesson plan.
38. Can the Chiru be Saved?
    A small deer like animal, the chiru is endangered because it is hunted and killed for its luxurious wool. See how experts work to save it.
39. Helping to Save the African Wild
    The experts at National Geographic offer this green lesson plan. Students will learn about a geographic tool known as GIS, and about how it is assisting the conservation efforts of ecologically minded individuals such as Dr. Michael Fay and the environmentalists at the Wildlife Conservation Society.
40. Biologist Quizzer
    Find a quiz on biology with a green frame of mind by clicking here. Multiple choice is featured.
41. Earth Simulator
    This is the world’s most powerful computer. See what it does and how it can save the Earth by clicking on the lesson plan.
42. Farmers and Pesticides
    Modern pesticides have helped make farming far more productive. But they’ve also caused countless accidental poisonings. Now, a new study suggests that even the routine use of pesticides can pose serious health risks in the long run.
43. Invention
    Green School Project offers this free lesson plan for the classroom. Students are taught to create an invention using only common items from the trash or recycling bin.
44. Decomposition
    How does decomposition affect the Earth? Find out in this green lesson plan.

Great, Green Lesson Plans for the High School Classroom

45. Endangered Species
    Stop here for expert information on the planet’s most endangered species. Causes and how to save them are all featured.
46. A Look at the Population Density of the United States
    This lesson plan focuses on the spatial distribution of the population density of the United States at different levels of scale. Geographers can “see the world in spatial terms” by using different scales of analysis such as local, state or province, national, and global.
47. Darfur and the Janjaweed
    In another entry from National Geographic, the lesson covers the current conflict between the people of Darfur and the Janjaweed militia, its historical and religious roots, its impact on neighboring countries, and the international response.
48. Recycling Debate
    Have the students divide up into groups to debate the recycling and waste management issue. Procedure and materials are discussed.
49. Educational Resources
    Waste Management is a leader in trash, recycling, and everything in between. They also offer educational resources for the classroom on everything from the anatomy of a landfill to waste-to-energy.
50. Think Green
    Go beyond your classroom and textbooks with fascinating, educational videos on the environmental issues facing our country and our planet today. There are also resources for other grades.



51. Trash Pizza
    It may be hard to imagine how much of each type of trash is buried in landfills, but it’s easier to visualize if students make a pie chart showing the percentages. The lesson plan creates a model by making a trash pizza covered with samples of the actual solid waste that is thrown away every day.
52. How Landfills Work
    Give your students the facts behind landfills here. Seven chapters show everything from how much trash to building a landfill.
53. Teaching Plastics
    Visit here to teach your high school students everything they ever wanted to know about plastics and more. Several lesson plans include the history, recycling, and conservation.
54. Recycling Program
    Students learn to develop, plan, implement, and market a recycling program for their school. Four steps are given.
55. Acid Rain
    This lesson plan discusses the phenomenon known as acid rain. Choose from several activities.

Great, Green PDF Lesson Plans for the Classroom

56. Renewable Energy Proposal
    Students research a type of renewable energy and write a proposal concerning it. Suggested for grades five through eight.
57. Energy Everywhere
    This green lesson plan teaches students more about energy. Younger students are shown the topic of energy and related vocabulary.
58. Energy Conservation Through the Arts
    Join art and science with the help of this green lesson plan. Students are taught the amount of energy and products that go into each work of art.
59. ‘Sweet’ Power of the Sun
    Solar energy is taught in this PDF lesson plan. The changing consistency of solids through solar power is taught.
60. Solar Heat
    More advanced students will enjoy this green lesson plan. It details how to build and test a solar oven.
61. Wind Energy Activities and Worksheets
    This free lesson plan is provided by GE Wind Energy. Learn more about the alternative energy source by downloading the PDF.
62. Sustainability Project
    Students will select an alternative energy source for home energy or for transportation energy. The project will be completed on a wiki where other students must review and answer questions.
63. Green Worksheets
    Get loads of PDF lesson plans from APS. Choose from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and biogass energy.
64. ASE Lesson Plans
    The Alliance to Save Energy has dozens of green lesson plans to view or download as PDFs. Choose from elementary, middle, and high school to get started.

Great, Green Climate Change Lesson Plans for the Classroom

65. New Climate for Action
    Learn more about climate change with this ten page download. Many basic questions are answered.
66. Click It, Flip It
    Stop here for a rap devoted to climate change. You can get the lyrics, download the MP3, or just listen.
67. Teacher’s Guide
    Get a guide to global warming just for teachers here. How to order a free kit is included at the bottom.
68. Wheelcard
    This lesson plan is a wheel for global warming. Students can view the wheel to see how much waste is contributing to global warming.
69. Global Warming
    Use the NOW Classroom standards-linked lesson on global warming to help students research and form credible opinions. This lesson is designed for social studies, debate, language arts, government/citizenship, and current events classes, grades nine through twelve
70. Climate Curriculum
    The World Wildlife Foundation provides these green lesson plans. Choose from climate change pretest, unique atmosphere, and more.
71. Carbon Cycle Activity
    Learn more about the carbon cycle in this green lesson plan. Students will be able to explain atoms and how they can be rearranged.
72. EPA’s Climate Change Emission Calculator Kit
    Use this tool to see how much their own school is contributing to climate change. Simply scroll down to the second item and click to get a zip file.
73. For Students and Kids
    The U.S. Department of Energy brings tools to students and teachers such as home energy audit and energy checkup. They also have fun facts with more.

Great, Green Lesson Plans for the Classroom to Reduce Impact

74. Energy Hog Challenge
    The Energy Hog Challenge is a set of classroom activities that guide children through lessons about different sources of energy, how we use energy at home, and how to bust energy hogs to save energy. Many tools are offered.
75. Science Fair with an Energy Efficiency Flair
    Get a greener science fair here. The objectives are to promote conserving energy to community, integrate energy conservation into an education curriculum, and allow local residents to recognize students’ progress.
76. Non-hazardous Waste
    Teach the facts on solid waste with this lesson plan. See which products accounts for over 30 percent of waste with a simple visit.
77. Tools to Reduce Waste in Schools
    Practice what you preach by teaching kids more about waste reduction in their own schools. Over 40 pages of tips are featured.
78. Paper University
    Teach students all about one of the most common forms of waste in this lesson plan. Trees, recycling, and more are discussed.
79. The Quest for Less
    Activities and resources for Kindergarten through eighth grade are available here. Download the entire lesson or choose your chapter.
80. Superfund
    This EPA backed site has classroom activities and lessons available. Choose from a scavenger hunt, waste site, and lesson for each season of the year.
81. Trash Goes to School
    Green lesson plans are featured for Kindergarten through high school are offered here. There are also tools for waste management and “pre” cycling.
82. Cool School Challenge
    Learn more about the challenge and how your classroom can participate. The site offers a toolkit, calculator, and more.

Great, Green Online Lesson Plans for the Classroom

83. Clean Sweep USA
    Visit here to read three online stories for the green classroom. They include Taking Out the Trash, A Little Litter, and Beauty & The Goon.
84. Green Technology
    HowStuffWorks is a leading science site and takes a special look at green technology in this section. Current lessons include global warming, the Kyoto treaty, and much more.
85. What on Earth?
    Play this game from NASA for free here. Click on a category such as air, water, and land to begin asking students green related questions.
86. The Water Cycle
    This free video from the EPA gives classrooms a kid friendly way to explain the water cycle. Click on rain, water, vapor, or clouds to learn more.
87. Identify This!
    Have the whole classroom visit here to get stumped on animal trivia. A different animal is featured, along with a short bio.
88. Green Glossary
    Provided by Earth911, get a glossary for all your green terms here. There are also blog entries with more information.
89. Trash Matcher
    Have students match their trash on this site. Click on the type of waste materials listed to quickly find the art/recycling activities which call for them.
90. Park Slideshows
    These images are brought to you by the National Parks Conservation Association. Get a look at many popular national parks straight from the classroom.
91. Go Green to Get Green
    If your school has old electronic equipment, click here to learn the green way to deal with it. Tips for reducing, recycling, reusing, and even rethinking are given.

Great, Green Lesson Plans for the Teacher

92. Recycling Program
    Use this template to send a letter to parents announcing a recycling program. Simply print or edit it to your liking.
93. Family Pledge
    If your student wants to make a difference at home, check out this letter from the same site as the above. It is a pledge for the whole family to sign on reducing, reusing, and recycling.
94. Crossword Puzzle Maker
    Use this tool to create your own green crossword puzzle for the classroom. View samples or become a member for more.
95. Calendar Generator
    Teachers can use this free tool to make their own green minded calendar. Many options such as country, language, and more are included.
96. Planet Pals Dictionary
    Get a free, online dictionary that explains all the green terms in kid friendly language. Search from A to Z on one site.
97. Web Elements
    Click here for an online, interactive periodic table of elements. The table is also customizable to the needs of various teachers.
98. Metacalc
    By simply clicking here you can get a basic online calculator. Simply type in what you need to get the value.
99. Math.com
    Get a more complex and bigger selection of calculators on this site. They include math, trig, probability, and more.
100. Lesson Planner
     Use this tool to create your very own green lesson plan. You can create, edit, and store all on one site.