Know Your Why!

Getting Creative With Lyria Song Creator

2026-02-24T06:10:00.003-06:00

Have you seen the most recent Gemini tool update? You only need the skill of prompt writing to create a 30-second track about any topic or person.

Lyria is Google Gemini's AI music generation model tool. It allows users to create 30-second, high-fidelity audio tracks—complete with vocals, lyrics, and instrumentals—based on text or image prompts.

Key features of Lyria in Gemini include:

Customization: Users can specify genres, eras, moods, and instruments to create tailored soundtracks.
Voice Generation: Lyria can generate vocals with customizable characteristics, including male or female voices and various vocal ranges.
Audio Quality: Produces studio-quality audio suitable for various projects, from background music to anthems.
Safety & Watermarking: All tracks are embedded with SynthID for the identification of AI-generated content.
Availability: Accessible to users 18+ in countries where Gemini is available.

Learn more

A new way to express yourself: Gemini can now create music

#AlwaysLearning

Smithsonian Learning Lab

2026-02-03T06:14:00.001-06:00

Smithsonian Learning Lab Playlist

The Smithsonian Learning Lab is a free, interactive platform allowing educators to discover over a million digital resources—images, recordings, and texts—to create, customize, and share interactive learning experiences. Teachers can build, annotate, and publish collections, track student responses, and foster critical thinking through in-depth analysis of art, history, and science, making it a versatile tool for both in-person and remote instruction.

Key capabilities for educators include:

Accessing Rich Content: Explore millions of high-quality digital resources, including 3D models, images, text, and videos, from Smithsonian museums, archives, and research centers.
Creating Personalized Learning: Build custom, interactive collections, or "learning experiences," by adding personal notes, quiz questions, and annotations to existing, curated resources.

Enhancing Student Engagement:

Incorporate Active Learning: Utilize collections for class discussions, or ask students to analyze, compare, and remix content.
Develop Critical Thinking: Use resources to build visual literacy, analyze primary sources, and explore historical or scientific topics in depth.
Support Inquiry-Based Learning: Enable students to explore, inquire, and create their own, original collections.

Sharing and Collaboration:

Publish and Share: Easily share collections with students, colleagues, or the broader educational community via links or social media.
Manage Assignments: Create, manage, and track student progress through the platform.
Professional Development: Participate in webinars and workshops that offer strategies for integrating digital museum resources into the classroom.

The platform is designed to align with 21st-century learning needs and supports various subjects, including history, science, art, and culture.

Be sure to also check out the Smithsonian Education YouTube Channel to explore videos and tips to engage students.

Learn more

Happy Learning, Everyone! Stay Curious!

One Word to Rule Them All - Welcome to 2026 Student Activity

2026-01-06T05:57:00.001-06:00

"History repeats itself, and that's one of the things that's wrong with history." - Clarence Darrow

Success and failure should never be an endpoint. The best learning happens when we build on what we know and reflect on what we need to still learn and explore.

I always like to welcome my students back after the holiday break with a bit of reflection on the year that was. It is also important to revisit successes and failures to help reset goals for the new year.

A few years ago, I read a post about most New Year's resolutions failing too often before we flip the calendars to February. For this reason, I decided to scrap the long list of resolutions I won’t remember a few weeks from now anyway! The focus is now on choosing just one word as a foundation for the new year.

One word you can focus on every day, all year long… One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live. It will take intentionality and commitment, but if you let it, your one word will shape not only your year, but also you. It will become the compass that directs your decisions and guides your steps. (OneWord365)

Today I wanted to share an activity template designed to help students set goals for the 2024 year with a focus on "one word". This activity is inspired by Mike Ashcraft's and Rachel Olsen's book My One Word: Change Your Life With Just One Word.

One Word Student Challenge Slide Deck

Feel free to make a copy of the document and modify it for your students.

Here are a few tips to help customize this document for your students.

On slide 2, I've linked to Google Search Trends. There may be some topics that younger students need some help with. One recommendation is to have a class discussion connected to the trends.
On slide 3, check out the linked resources to ensure everything is ok for your students. You can also create a Wakelet tailored to your class. (The "More Year in Review Resources" link on the slide is a sample.)
I've also created some Google Slides Templates for students to use to create graphics that can be shared.

If you are looking for more resources to reflect on the year or set goals for the new year, here are some additional resources that might be worth exploring.

2025 Year in Review - Resources to Explore and Reflect on the Year

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions about this activity. #HappyLearning

2025 Year in Review - A Collection of Resources to Explore and Reflect on the Year

2026-01-01T15:13:00.000-06:00

I'm back to start 2026. It's been too long since I've posted. Sorry if you've followed my blog and wondered what happened to my sharing of learning. 2025 was a challenging year, and I am not sorry to see it go.

I'm looking forward to a reset in 2026, and I wanted to start sharing again. I am starting today with this collection of resources to reflect on 2025. In the next several days, I will also share my "One Word Student Activity" and some additional resources to revisit the year that was and look ahead to 2026.

I hope everyone has a great year!

Two of my favorite moments each year are when Spotify releases my Wrapped and Google releases the "Year in Search." I love both because they encourage me to think about where I've been and look ahead to what's next.

Today, I am sharing one of my yearly passion projects that brings me back to the events and moments of 2025. Reflecting on where we've been is important, so I always welcome back my students to the New Year with several activities connected to the events, stories, and trends that we will remember from the previous year.

Past years have taught me that these resources are posted from December through the middle of January, so I will update this post as I discover more.

Images and Visuals We Will Remember

2025 Year in Pictures - CNN
2025: The Pictures of the Year - National Geographic
The Year in Pictures - New York Times
2025: Comedy Wildlife Awards - Nikon
Top 100 Photos of 2025 - Time
Top 100 Photos of 2025 - AP
2025: The Year in Visual Stories and Graphics - New York Times

Many colleges also work with student photographers to capture the year. Photos from your favorite college or university may be just a Google Search away. Here are a few samples to get you started.

Videos That Connect Us to The World

2025 Year in Search - Google
2025, In 8 Minutes - Vox
The Top Stories of 2025, According to You! - CNN
2025 Year in Review - Associated Press
2025 In Review - Best Funny Videos of the Year - AFV
Best of 2025 - Guinness World Records

The Stories, People, and Events We Will Remember

Year in Review: 2025 - AP News
The A-Z List of 2025's Biggest Stories - Al Jazeera
The Top Twenty-five New Yorker Stories of 2025 - The New Yorker
26 Popular Science Stories You Loved in 2025 - Popular Science
Top News Headlines of 2025 Month-by-Month - CBS News

Ideas for Student Activities

Create a Vision Board - Google Applied Digital Skills
2026 New Year Goals Template - We Are Teachers
Study Skills and Learning Strategies Collection - Google Applied Digital Skills

Educators

The 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2025 - Edutopia
The Top 10 EdWeek Stories of 2025 - Education Week
Year In Review: The Leading Higher Education Stories For 2025 - Forbes
10 Brilliant Uses of Edtech in 2025 - Edutopia
Larry Ferlazzo’s 10 Education Predictions for 2026 - Education Week

A Bit More

Best Books of 2025 - Amazon
The Top Movies of 2025 - New York Times
The Best Inventions of 2025 - Time
The Topics, Creators, Music, and Podcasts That Defined 2025 - YouTube

Come Back Soon - The List Will Grow as New Resources are Discovered.

If you've discovered anything missing, please drop it in the comments below.

#HappyLearning Everyone!

The Joy of Not Knowing! - Unanswered Questions

2025-06-23T09:15:00.002-05:00

Educators spend countless hours preparing lessons, crafting explanations, and striving to impart knowledge. We often aim to be the source of all answers, guiding our students through the complex topics and ideas. But what if the true measure of our success isn't when a student perfectly recites a fact, but when they ask a question that leaves us momentarily stumped?

"The test of a good teacher is not how many questions he can ask his pupils that they will answer readily, but how many questions he inspires them to ask which he finds it hard to answer." — Alice Wellington Rollins

This quote perfectly encapsulates the idea that our role isn't just to provide answers, but to ignite a thirst for knowledge that leads students to uncharted territory.

It might sound counterintuitive, but for many teachers, the greatest joy is when kids ask us questions we don't know the answer to. This isn't a moment of inadequacy; it's a profound indicator that something truly remarkable is happening in the classroom.

When a student poses a question that extends beyond the curriculum, beyond the prepared notes, and into the realm of the unknown, it signifies deep learning and genuine wonder. It means they haven't just absorbed information; they're wrestling with it, connecting it to other ideas, and exploring its boundaries. This kind of inquiry isn't rote memorization; it's the spark of true intellectual curiosity.

This sentiment is echoed by many influential educators throughout history:

"Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers." — Josef Albers

Albers' words remind us that the questions we pose, and perhaps more importantly, the questions we cultivate in our students, are far more valuable than a mere list of correct responses.

"Teaching is not about answering questions but about raising questions – opening doors for them in places that they could not imagine." — Yawar Baig

Baig beautifully articulates that the ultimate goal is to empower students to explore beyond the familiar and venture into intellectual landscapes they might not have otherwise considered.

When students reach this point of "really wondering," they are no longer passive recipients of information. They are active participants in their learning journey, pushing the boundaries of their understanding and, in turn, challenging us to continue our intellectual growth. So, the next time a student asks you something you don't immediately know, resist the urge to feel flustered. Instead, celebrate that moment – it's a sign of profound engagement and the ultimate reward of teaching.

How will you help students discover the power of lifelong learning this year?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Summer Reading for Teachers - Articles to Grow as Teachers and Learners

2025-06-11T12:56:00.010-05:00

In past years, I've ambitiously published a long list of summer learning opportunities for educators. (Last year, I never quite got anything published.)

This summer, I will start by focusing on the stories and articles I added to my Chrome reading list over the past year. In the rush of a school year, there are just too many that I never found the time to explore. Time to remedy that!

To help me hold myself accountable, I will explore one or two articles each week and add any that I find valuable to this post. Stop by weekly or wait until the end of the summer to be part of my learning experience.

I hope you find something valuable as both a teacher and learner to share with your students and colleagues in the Fall. I'll also share a few quotes as a preview to each reading.

Story 5: Finding Your Ikigai as a Teacher

(The title caught my attention, and I was intrigued enough to add this to my reading list. The concepts in this article could become a great summer reflection activity for any educator. By the way, Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates to "a reason for being" or "a reason to wake up in the morning)

Reconnecting with your Ikigai isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about realigning with what matters most. It’s about finding small moments of joy, rediscovering your strengths, noticing your needs, and giving yourself permission to pursue a life that feels purposeful.

Finding your Ikigai doesn’t require a major life change. Often, it starts with a shift in awareness. What if you carved out just 15 minutes a week to do something that taps into your purpose. For example, mentoring a colleague, redesigning a lesson you love, or exploring a topic that fascinates you? These small shifts can add up to a deeper sense of alignment and fulfillment during the next school year.

Story 4: The 11 Habits of an Effective Teacher

(This one is a blast from the past, but it is something that returned to my feed a few months ago. It is an excellent reflective post on why most teachers love their work. It also serves as a great reminder of how we can always grow as teachers and learners.)

I really appreciate teachers who are truly passionate about teaching. The teacher who wants to be an inspiration to others. The teacher who is happy with his/her job at all times. The teacher who every child in the school would love to have. The teacher kids remember for the rest of their lives. Are you that teacher? Read on and learn 11 effective habits of an effective teacher.

7. Is Open-Minded: As a teacher, there are going to be times where you will be observed formally or informally (that's also why you should give 100% at all times). You are constantly being evaluated and criticized by your boss, teachers, parents and even children. Instead of feeling bitter when somebody has something to say about your teaching, be open-minded when receiving constructive criticism and form a plan of action. Prove that you are the effective teacher that you want to be. Nobody is perfect and there is always room for improvement. Sometimes, others see what you fail to see.

10. Embraces Change: In life, things don't always go according to plan. This is particularly true when it comes to teaching. Be flexible and go with the flow when change occurs. An effective teacher does not complain about changes when a new principal arrives. They do not feel the need to mention how good they had it at their last school or with their last group of students compared to their current circumstances. Instead of stressing about change, embrace it with both hands and show that you are capable of hitting every curve ball that comes your way!

11. Creates Reflection: An effective teacher reflects on their teaching to evolve as a teacher. Think about what went well and what you would do differently next time. You need to remember that we all have "failed" lessons from time to time. Instead of looking at it as a failure, think about it as a lesson and learn from it. As teachers, your education and learning is ongoing. There is always more to learn and know about in order to strengthen your teaching skills. Keep reflecting on your work and educating yourself on what you find are your "weaknesses" as we all have them! The most important part is recognizing them and being able to work on them to improve your teaching skills.

Story 3: 7 Easy Ways to Turn Boring Worksheets Into Engaging Activities

(I work hard to provide a variety of engaging activities in my classroom each week. I don't have the resources to make every day a lab activity, and too many lectures/notes encourage too many students to check out. Over the last two years, I have been creating new interactive student-centered activities. I am always looking for new ideas, so I wish I'd explored this article sooner. Here are a few samples from my classroom. They are not perfect, but I am learning: Sample Interactive Activities with Google Resource.)

What if you could turn worksheets into engaging activities that truly grabbed and kept your students’ focus – without spending tons of time and effort creating them?

Meaningful worksheets that help your students practice important skills can still be valuable. So don’t feel guilted into eliminating every single worksheet starting tomorrow. (My friend Jennifer Gonzalez does a great job explaining the difference between "busysheets" and "powersheets" here.)

Story 2: Teachers are the Champions of Depth in a Culture of Distractions

(There is a lot to unpack in this article, but it has me thinking about how I can enhance engagement while slowing down the pace of my content. It's easier said than done, but I am on it.)

Students seem more distracted than ever before. When given an assignment, they struggle to get started or to stick with it over time. Many of them lack the endurance to continue reading for longer than five minutes, even when they are reading for fun. As one teacher noted to me, “I can’t compete with twenty-second videos where you can swipe away if it doesn’t capture your interest in a nanosecond.”

Deeper learning begins with a bold premise. Empower teachers to empower students. It recognizes that creative teachers don’t need an instruction manual so much as a set of tools.

Deeper learning invites students to linger with ideas, make connections across disciplines, solve authentic problems, and wrestle with uncertainty. It requires focus, reflection, and creative risk-taking. And that doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when teachers build systems of depth with one small move at a time.

Story 1: Reigniting Passion for Teaching After a Difficult Year

(I know this one barely qualifies as being part of the year, but I like the positive spin it puts on getting ready for next year.)

On one hand, teaching is deeply meaningful work. On the other, it can drain your energy like nothing else. No matter how bright the good moments are, ending the year feeling inspired is tough.

Psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson says our brains are like velcro for negative experiences and like teflon for positive ones. A single negative interaction can stick with us far longer than a string of successes. That’s why we have to dwell on the good. Without intentional reflection, the hard parts of the year will drown out the bright spots.

You may not be tired of teaching. You may just be tired of how you’ve been teaching. Trying something new can rekindle your energy.

Come back next week, and I'll hopefully have some more articles to explore. I hope you are having a great summer!

Book Recommendation - The Depth Advantage by John Spencer

2025-06-08T12:03:00.000-05:00

The Depth Advantage: Deeper Learning in a Distracted World

by Dr. John Spencer

In a landscape of diminishing student focus and increasing teacher burnout, "The Depth Advantage" challenges the limitations of conventional, compliance-driven education. The book proposes a shift towards deeper learning, a pedagogical approach designed to equip students for a future dominated by artificial intelligence and automation. It systematically breaks down this approach into eight fundamental competencies: Focus, Mastery, Problem-Solving, Curiosity, Self-Direction, Resilience, Collaboration, and Communication. Through a blend of research, actionable strategies, and engaging narratives, the author provides a comprehensive framework for cultivating these essential skills, aiming to foster academic achievement and the development of well-rounded, adaptable human beings.

Imagine a classroom buzzing with genuine curiosity, where students are not just passive recipients of information but are empowered to think critically, persevere through challenges, and master concepts at their own pace. "The Depth Advantage" offers more than just a critique of the current educational climate; it provides a tangible and hopeful roadmap for creating such an environment. This book is a vital resource for any educator who has felt the strain of a system that often prioritizes speed over understanding. It will rekindle your passion for teaching by offering practical, creative strategies to move beyond the frustration of "fast clicks" and "instant answers," and instead guide your students toward the profound and lasting benefits of deep, meaningful learning.

Looking for more learning? Be sure to visit my Teaching and Learning Book Recommendations.

Happy and Inspirational Music for Students

2025-05-16T14:57:00.006-05:00

I'm searching for songs to add to this playlist, which I will share with my students as a gift at the end of the year.

Happy and Inspirational Songs for the Soul

(YouTube Playlist)

It's a work in progress, so please let me know if you have any additional suggestions in the comments below.

Little Language Lessons - Learning Experiments with Gemini

2025-05-13T13:15:00.000-05:00

The Little Language Lessons page on Google Labs features three experimental tools designed to make language learning more practical and integrated into everyday life.

Tiny Lesson

This experiment focuses on providing you with relevant vocabulary, phrases, and grammar tips for specific, real-world situations. You describe a scenario you might encounter (like "ordering coffee" or "finding a lost passport"), and Tiny Lesson generates helpful language related to that context. This aims to teach you what you need to know, right when you need it.

Slang Hang

Slang Hang is designed to help you learn informal expressions, idioms, and regional slang. It generates short, realistic conversations between native speakers. As the dialogue unfolds, you can see how slang terms are used in context. This experiment helps you sound less like a textbook and more like a local.

Word Cam

Word Cam turns your phone's camera into a visual vocabulary tool. You take a picture of your surroundings, and the tool identifies the objects in the photo, labeling them in your target language. You can tap on the labels to learn more related words and phrases. This helps you connect the language you're learning with the things you see every day.

In essence, these experiments aim to complement traditional language learning by offering bite-sized, context-driven practice that can be easily woven into your daily routine. They leverage Google's AI models to provide personalized and relevant language learning experiences.

Reboot the Noggin - 2024 Reflection Activity for Teachers & Learners

2025-01-04T13:35:00.004-06:00

Learn to Create - Create to Learn

I love being an educator and am always excited to return to school after a break, but I don't think many of my students feel the same way. This is one reason I always try to return after the break with something outside our content. Something that I hope will be fun, reflective, and inspiring for my learners.

Today, I am sharing a HyperDoc designed to help students reflect on 2024 and set some goals for 2025.

I've created this year's activity using Google Docs, Wakelet (Padlet is a great alternative), Google Slides, and additional digital resources. I use Google Classroom to share the links to the connected Slide Deck and Wakelet. Educators could also create copies of these resources and link them directly to the HyperDoc.

Reboot the Noggin - Reflecting on 2024 as We Step Into 2025 (Google Doc)

2024 Year-in-Review Template (Google Slides)

Feel free to make a copy of these resources and modify them for your students. I also shared my updated "One Word" 2025 HyperDoc and an Updated Collection of Additional Resources to reflect on 2024 in recent blog posts.

If you want to use this with your students and need some help getting started, here are a few tips to help customize this document for your classroom.

In the "Reflect" section, I will check out the linked picture sites to ensure everything is okay with your students. You can always create a slide deck or site with specific images you want students to see.
If you want to use the shared slide deck in the "Reflect" section, make a copy or create your own slide deck and change the link to allow students to access your copy. You can also make a copy of the deck and post it to your LMS.
If you want students to share their reflections, you can create your own Wakelet or copy the Wakelet linked above. This gives you control of privacy and who can access it. There are also other ways to have students collaborate and share; your students could share using Google Drive or your LMS.
I've included some of our essential tools in this HyperDoc to get my students re-engaged in Wakelet, Adobe Express, Google Earth, Google Arts and Culture, Adobe Express, and Canva to start our new year. If you have favorite tools you use regularly with students, consider replacing the existing tech resources with your own.

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions about this HyperDoc. If you remix this or have your own version, I'd love for you to share it in the comments below.

I Hope Everyone Has a Happy New Year!

Everything I create is free under the Creative Commons License. Please do not recreate this to sell.

One Word to Rule Them All - Welcome to 2025 Student Activity

2024-12-26T15:59:00.004-06:00

"History repeats itself, and that's one of the things that's wrong with history." - Clarence Darrow

Success and failure should never be an endpoint. The best learning happens when we build on what we know and reflect on what we need to know better. I always like to welcome my students back after the holiday break with a bit of reflection on the year that was. It is also important to revisit successes and failures to help reset goals for the new year.

A few years ago, I read a post about most New Year's resolutions failing before we flip the calendars to February. For this reason, I decided to scrap the long list of resolutions I won’t remember a few weeks from now anyway! The focus is now on choosing just one word as a foundation for the new year.

One word you can focus on every day, all year long… One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live. It will take intentionality and commitment, but if you let it, your one word will shape not only your year, but also you. It will become the compass that directs your decisions and guides your steps. (OneWord365)

One Word Student Challenge Slide Deck

Feel free to make a copy of the document and modify it for your students.

Here are a few tips to help customize this document for your students.

On slide 4, I've linked to Google Search trends. There may be some topics that younger students need some help with. One recommendation is to have a class discussion connected to the trends.
On slide 5, check out the linked resources to ensure everything is ok for your students. You can also create a Wakelet tailored to your class. (The "More Year in Review Resources" link on the slide is a sample.)
I've also created some Google Slides Templates for students to use to create graphics that can be shared.

If you are looking for more resources to reflect on the year or set goals for the new year, here are some additional resources that might be worth exploring.

2024 Year in Review - Resources to Explore and Reflect on the Year

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions about this activity. #HappyLearning

Graphic Templates for 2025 "One Word" Challenges

2024-12-26T15:56:00.002-06:00

"One word you can focus on every day, all year long… One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live."

"It will take intentionality and commitment, but if you let it, your one word will shape not only your year, but also you. It will become the compass that directs your decisions and guides your steps."

#OneWord365

There is nothing wrong with New Year's Resolutions, but too often, I make resolutions that are just not sustainable. A few years ago, I was inspired by my PLN and Jon Gordon's One Word that Will Change Your Life book to shift my thinking about making New Year's Resolutions and to the idea of choosing a word as my foundation for the year.

Today, I wanted to share some graphic templates to help students and teachers share their "One Word" for 2025.

This year, I thought about quite a few different words and finally landed on my one word. My word will be "Grow". I felt stuck in 2024 without a strong purpose or path. I want to return to basics in 2025 and grow as a person and educator. It's time to find some new challenges for 2025.

What will be your One Word connected to teaching and learning in 2025?

If you've never used Google Slides to create graphics, this post might help you get started. Adobe Express and Canva are also great tools for creating graphics. Feel free to use or modify these templates if you think it is something your students would appreciate using.

One Word Graphic Templates for 2025

If you are curious to learn more about the concept of One Word Resolutions, here are a few other recommended books connected to one word resolutions.

I will also be posting additional activities and resources connected to reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025.

Internet Easter Eggs to Enhance Student Engagement

2024-12-24T07:05:00.003-06:00

An internet easter egg is a secret or hidden message, feature, or joke placed within a website or software by a programmer or developer. Think of them like little digital surprises! (Look carefully, and you may find a few in this post. 😀)

Why should we occasionally use them in student activities?

Fun and Unexpected: They add a touch of whimsy and playfulness to the digital world.
Showcases Creativity: Easter eggs demonstrate the creativity and personality of the developers who created them.
A Bit of a Challenge: Finding them can be a fun little puzzle or game, encouraging exploration and curiosity.
A Break for the Brain: Some easter eggs can provide a short brain break for students exploring content and concepts.
A New Perspective: An easter egg can sometimes be used as part of the content exploration. Images and videos make great hidden additions to help students remember important concepts.

Links can be hidden in images or text. Easter eggs are a reminder that even in the world of technology, there's room for a bit of fun and surprise.

Google Easter Egg Brain Breaks

This Google document has instructions to help you find and explore some amazing Google Search Easter Eggs.

These occasionally disappear. Some of my old favorites, like Zerg Rush, don’t seem to work anymore, but there are many more to explore. In fact, there are way too many for this document, but a quick Google search for “Google Easter Eggs” will bring you even more. At last count, I think there are more than 100 hidden gems at any given moment.

At the time of this post, all of these easter eggs can be discovered on the Google Search Home Page. Some of these don’t always seem to load with Educational Google Accounts. If it doesn’t work, try Incognito or a Personal Account.

2024 Year in Review - A Collection of Resources to Explore and Reflect on the Year

2024-12-17T08:43:00.026-06:00

Two of my favorite moments each year are when Spotify releases my "Wrapped," and Google releases the "Year in Search." I love both because they encourage me to think about where I've been and look ahead to what's next.

Today, I am sharing one of my yearly passion projects. Starting mid-December, I will explore and share resources to wrap up the year. When we return from Winter Break, I typically connect some of the best reflection resources to student activities. Reflecting on where we've been is important, so I always welcome back my students to the New Year with several activities connected to the events, stories, and trends from the previous year.

Past years have taught me that these resources are posted from December through the middle of January, so I will update this post as I discover more.

Images and Visuals We Will Remember

2024: The Year in Pictures - CNN
2024: The Pictures of the Year - National Geographic
The Year in Pictures 2024: Far From Ordinary - New York Times
2024: Comedy Wildlife Awards - Nikon
Top 100 Photos of 2024 - Time
2024 Year End Photos - AP
2024: The Year in Visual Stories and Graphics - New York Times
Year in Review | Our Best Images and Videos of 2024 - Getty Images
Hopeful Images From 2024 - The Atlantic

Many colleges also work with student photographers to capture the year. Photos from your favorite college or university may be just a Google Search away.

Videos That Connect Us to The World

Google — Year in Search 2024 - Google
Good News Year-Ender: A look back at inspiring stories from 2024 - NBC News
Best of 2024 - Go Pro
2024 Year In Review | Talks at Google - Goggle
Best Of The Internet (2024) - Daily Dose of Internet
Best Pranks of 2024 - America's Funniest Home Videos
2024: A Year In Review - Time
Steve Hartman's 2024 stories on "Sunday Morning" - CBS
2024 in 4 Minutes - Vox
The Biggest News Stories of the Year - ABC
Best of 2024 - GoPro
2024 - Year in Review - Cee-Roo
The Best Sports Moments of 2024 - ESPN

The Stories, People, and Events We Will Remember

What really mattered in 2024 - VOX
Most-Read Stories of 2024 - NPR
The Top Twenty-Five Stories of 2024 - New Yorker
50 Wonderful Things from 2024 - NPR
People we’ve lost in 2024 - CNN
Person of the Year - Time
Paris 2024 Highlights - Olympics

Ideas for Student Activities

Create a Vision Board - Google Applied Digital Skills
2025 New Year Goals Template - We Are Teachers

Educators

2024 in Review, From Your Point of View - Edutopia
The Best and Worst Education News of 2024 - Education Week

A Bit More

100 Notable Books of 2024 - New York Times
Best Books of 2024 - Amazon

Come Back Soon - The List Will Grow as New Resources are Discovered.

If you've discovered anything missing, please drop it in the comments below. If you want to go back and explore 2023, be sure to revisit this post.

#HappyLearning Everyone!

Student Engagement Using Interactive Features in Google Documents

2024-12-03T08:47:00.007-06:00

Enhancing Engagement with Google Docs

This document explores Google Docs features for creating interactive student activities. These features can enhance the design and support student and staff engagement in any Document. This document includes brief tutorials and resources connected to various interactive features in Google Docs.

Student Engagement Using Google Docs Interactive Features

I'll update the doc as new features become available. If I missed something, please let me know in the comments below!

Educator Coloring Books - Get Creative, Practice Mindfulness, & Release Stress

2024-07-11T08:51:00.001-05:00

Today I was reflecting on the past school year and somehow it led me to explore some ideas to reduce stress for the upcoming school year. This led me to the amazing world of adult coloring.

Adult coloring offers a surprising range of benefits, both for mental health and well-being. Here are some of the key advantages:

Stress and Anxiety Relief
Improved Focus and Concentration
Enhanced Relaxation and Mindfulness
Better Sleep
Creative Expression
Mindfulness

Today I wanted to share some amazing coloring books for educators.

While exploring, I organized some of the books on this page.

Adult Coloring Books for Educators

Here are some highlights from the collection.

You Are Really Awesome: Coloring Book for Teachers to Get Creative and Relax with Large Print Appreciation Sayings Over Floral Pattern Images

This coloring book is filled with beautiful designs with inspiring and motivating quotes of gratitude. This makes it a great way to show your appreciation for the hard work and dedication of teachers everywhere. Each page features a unique quote about teaching, learning, and the impact teachers make in our lives.

Color and Create: Simple Designs

Unlock a world of creativity and relaxation with Color and Create: Simple Designs! This delightful coloring book is perfect for beginners and anyone looking for a calming and enjoyable activity.

The Ultimate Activity Book for Awesome Teachers: Fun Puzzles, Crosswords, Word Searches and Hilarious Entertainment for Teachers

The Ultimate Activity Book for Awesome Teachers is a collection of games, puzzles, and trivia quizzes, all specially compiled with teachers in mind.

Mindfulness Patterns: Coloring Book with Creative Pattern Designs for Stress Relief and Relaxation

Take a deep breath and dive into the world of our Mindfulness Patterns Coloring Book, where creativity and stress relief intertwine to bring you countless a moment of calm amid life's hustle. Within its beautiful pages, you'll discover creative designs featuring a variety of shapes and zentangle doodle patterns. Allow your colors to flow freely and experience a sense of peace and mindfulness while coloring.

Looking for more?

Adult Coloring Books for Educators Collection
Free Adult Coloring Pages - Crayola
2,000 Adult Coloring Pages - monday mandala
Coloring Pages for Adults - Just Color

If you have a favorite coloring book or idea connected to this post please let me know in the comments below.

Exploring AI with Google Arts and Culture Projects and Experiments

2024-07-09T08:10:00.004-05:00

Google Arts & Culture uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create interactive and engaging experiences for students. For example, students can use "Art Selfie 2" to see themselves placed within famous artworks, or "Poem Postcards" to generate AI-written poems inspired by art pieces. This lets them creatively explore art. Features like "Art Remix" challenge them to imagine how artworks could be different, sparking their critical thinking skills. AI: More than Human features stories and videos that explore the evolving relationships between humans and technology.

Google Arts and Culture is a game-changer for students because it breaks down barriers to cultural experiences. Imagine bringing the world's museums right into your classroom, with virtual tours, high-resolution artwork, and even 3D objects. This makes history and art come alive for all students, regardless of location or background. It's engaging, accessible, and sparks curiosity across all subjects, making learning exciting and unforgettable.

Let's explore a few of the AI features embedded in Google Arts and Culture

AI More than Human: This project features content from artists, scientists, and researchers who used AI in creative ways, like generating poetry or questioning the impact of technology on our lives. It also offered interactive experiences, letting users create art with the help of AI algorithms. This project aimed to spark conversations about the future of AI and how it might change our world.

Arts Remix: Games and activities that let students interact with famous artworks in creative ways. They can play with colors and patterns, create their own artistic interpretations, or even mash up different pieces. This fosters a deeper understanding of art movements and styles and encourages critical thinking and self-expression for students.

Cultural Icons: A unique blend of exploration, learning, and play, making it a captivating resource to introduce students to diverse cultural symbols and their significance. Students can click on AI-generated images representing cultural icons and engage in conversations with a powerful language model, learning interesting facts and historical tidbits. Plus, there are fun guessing games that test their cultural literacy.

Food Mood: Get inspiration for your next meal and create new recipes mixing influences from two cuisines, generated with the help of Google AI.

Odd One Out: Presents players with a set of artworks, some real and some created by AI, and challenges them to identify the imposter. By analyzing styles, techniques, and subjects, students become detectives in the art world! This playful activity hones their visual literacy and sparks discussions about what defines art and the creative process.

Poem Postcarts: A creative way to bridge the gap between art and language arts in your classroom. Imagine this: students pick a piece of art that sparks their imagination, and then the app uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate a poem inspired by that artwork! Students can choose from different poetic styles, like haiku, sonnet, or limerick, adding another layer of learning.

Say What You See - Turn art appreciation into active learning. This tool gets students up close and personal with artworks, prompting students to describe what they see in detail. By focusing on details, colors, and emotions, students build their observation skills and descriptive language. It even sparks discussions and critical thinking, making art analysis engaging and accessible for everyone in your classroom.

Additional Google Arts and Culture Resources and Experiments Connected to AI

Guess the Line - The game where AI judges your drawing skills
Haiku Imagined - Take a pause: experience traditional and modern haiku lovingly illustrated and animated with AI-generated music, fonts, and video.
Un-Dough! - Guess the monument in a world covered in colorful AI-generated dough!
Where is Hopper? - An AI-illustrated adventure through Europe
XYZ Toy - Can you guess the hidden word? The clue is in the ‘Tell tale’ typography created by Google AI.

If you are curious about AI in Education, here are a few resources to explore.

Discover AI in Daily Life - Google Applied Digital Skills
AI training, toolkits, and guides for educators - Google for Education
Artificial Intelligence in Education - A Collection of Professional Development Resources - Know Your Why

Let me know if you have any questions or additional suggestions in the comments below. #AlwaysLearning

Artificial Intelligence in Education - A Collection of Professional Development Resources

2024-06-18T08:38:00.016-05:00

Education is constantly evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future classroom. From personalizing learning experiences to automating administrative tasks, AI offers a wealth of potential benefits for both teachers and students. This curated collection of professional development resources empowers educators to explore the possibilities of AI in education. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to dive deeper, these materials can help equip you with the knowledge and tools to leverage AI effectively with your students.

Recommended Books About Artificial Intelligence in Education

AI Courses and Certifications for Educators

Some Sample AI Policies for Teachers and Learners

Additional Resources

If you have any resources or ideas to share, please use the comments below. #AlwaysLearning

Amazing Chrome "New Tab" Extension - Google Arts and Culture

2024-05-14T07:54:00.003-05:00

The standard new tab page in Chrome has some great customization features, but did you know you can make your new tab experience even more amazing with a "New Tab" extension?

Today I wanted to share one of my favorite "New Tab" extensions. The Google Arts & Culture Extension replaces the default new tab screen with a masterpiece from the Arts and Culture digital collection.

Many of the works of art are new to me and inspire a sense of wonder. Others bring some piece or make me smile. It is a simple way to bring some beauty into my day.

If you are curious about the work of art a clickable link is available in the bottom right that brings you to the Arts and Culture Digital Exhibit.

There is also a bonus in the bottom right that opens links to your most used sites.

You can learn more and add the extension here.

Thanks for exploring. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below. I hope you find some joy and wonder in exploring this extension. #HappyLearning

TimeGuessr - Guess the Place and the Year From a Single Historic Image

2024-02-15T15:06:00.005-06:00

If you've followed this blog you know we are big fans of brain breaks and using images to inspire curious critical thinking. Today, I want to share a site that could be used in a variety of ways connected to curiosity and critical thinking.

TimeGuessr - the game that tests both your geography and history knowledge. Guess the right time and location of a historical photo.

The best way to learn more about it is to try it out. What do you think? How did you do?

If you are looking for something similar be sure to check out Geoguessr and City Guesser.

One Word to Rule Them All - Welcome to 2024 Student Activity

2023-12-30T08:10:00.005-06:00

"History repeats itself, and that's one of the things that's wrong with history." - Clarence Darrow

Success and failure should never be an endpoint. The best learning happens when we build on what we know and reflect on what we need to know better. I always like to welcome my students back after the holiday break with a bit of reflection on the year that was. I also think it is important to revisit successes and failures to help reset goals for the new year.

One word you can focus on every day, all year long… One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live. It will take intentionality and commitment, but if you let it, your one word will shape not only your year, but also you. It will become the compass that directs your decisions and guides your steps. (OneWord365)

One Word Student Challenge Pear Deck

This is set to be used with Pear Deck to capture student responses. If you are looking for something different here is a slide deck without the Pear Deck interactive questions.

Feel free to make a copy of the document and modify it for your students.

Here are a few tips to help customize this document for your students.

On slide 4, I've linked to Google Search trends. There may be some topics that younger students need some help with. One recommendation is to have a class discussion connected to the trends.
On slide 5, check out the linked resources to make sure everything is ok for your students. You can also create a Wakelet tailored to your class. (The "More Year in Review Resources" link on the slide is a sample.)
I've linked Wakelets to several slides, you should create your own Wakelets or choose a different tool to create a gallery walk for students to share. This gives you control of the privacy settings and who can access the posts.
I've also created some Google Slides Templates for students can use to create graphics that can be shared.

If you are looking for more resources to reflect on the year or set goals for the new year, here are some additional resources that might be worth exploring.

2023 Year in Review - Resources to Explore and Reflect on the Year

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions or questions connected to this activity. #HappyLearning

Graphic Templates for 2024 "One Word" Challenges

2023-12-30T07:46:00.001-06:00

"One word you can focus on every day, all year long… One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live."

#OneWord365

There is nothing wrong with New Year's Resolutions, but too often I make resolutions that are just not sustainable. A few years ago I was inspired by my PLN and Jon Gordon's One Word that Will Change Your Life book to shift my thinking about making New Year's Resolutions and shift to the idea of choosing a word as my foundation for the year.

Today I wanted to share some graphic templates that should help students and teachers share their "One Word" for 2024.

This year I thought about quite a few different words and finally landed on my one word. My word will be "Revise". I really feel like I need to reset some habits and choices in 2024.

What will be your One Word connected to teaching and learning in 2024?

If you've never used Google Slides to create graphics, this post might help you get started. Adobe Express, Canva, or Haikei are also great tools you can use to create graphics. Feel free to use or modify these templates if you think it is something your students would appreciate using.

One Word Graphic Templates for 2024 (Widescreen)

If you are curious to learn more about the concept of One Word Resolutions here are a few other recommended books connected to ideas of little

I will also be posting additional activities and resources connected to reflect on 2023 and look ahead to 2024.

2023 Year in Review - Resources to Explore and Reflect on the Year

2023-12-21T18:40:00.018-06:00

Two of my favorite moments each year are when Spotify releases my "Wrapped" and Google releases the "Year in Search". I love both because they encourage me to think about where I've been and look ahead to what's next.

Today I wanted to share one of my yearly passion projects. Starting in mid-December,, I explore and document reviews and best lists to reflect on the year. I then typically connect some of the best to a reflection I will do with my students when we return from Winter Break. I believe reflecting on where we've been is important, so I always welcome back my students to the New Year with several activities connected to the events, stories, and trends from the previous year.

Past years have taught me that these resources are posted from December through the middle of January, so I will update this post as I discover more. Please bookmark this page to come back to see updates to this list.

Shall We Play A Game?

While I was initially a little disappointed when Google chose to focus on the last 25 years and not just 2023, the Search Playground Challenge more than made up for it.

Images and Visuals We Will Remember

2023: The Year in Pictures - CNN
2023: The Pictures of the Year - National Geographic
Top 100 Photos of 2023 - Time
Pictures of the year: shots that defined 2023 - USA Today
2023 Year in Photos Recap - N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
2023 in Photos: Wrapping Up the Year - The Atlantic

Videos That Connect Us to The World

2023, in 7 minutes - Vox
2023: A year in review - ABC News
AP Year in Review: The top stories of 2023 - Associated Press
Good News Year Ender: A look back at inspiring stories from 2023 - NBC News
2023: A Year in Review - Time
Best of 2023 - GoPro
Best Of The Year 2023 - People Are Awesome
The Trending Topics that Defined 2023 - YouTube
25 Years in Search: The Most Searched - YouTube
The Best Of The Internet (2023) - Daily Dose of Internet
The Things We Missed in 2023 - CNN One Thing Podcast
Top 10 Stories of 2023 - NBC News

The Stories, People, and Events We Will Remember

Best of 2023 - The New York Times
Local Year in Search 2023 - Google Search Trends
What a year in sports! Check out the best moments of 2023 - ESPN
Here are the top stories of 2023 - NPR
The 10 Biggest Music Business Stories of 2023 - Billboard
The Ten Most Significant Science Stories of 2023 - Smithsonian
The 84 Sentences That Explain 2023 - The Ringer
The Best Movie of 2023 - IGN
Year in Review News Quiz: 2023 - CNN
Comedy Wildlife 2023 Finalists - The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
The 10 Best Moves of 2023 - Time
2023 Year in Review - Reuters
2023: The Year in Review - Britannica

Ideas for Student Activities

2024 New Year Goals Template: Free Goal Tracker - We Are Teachers
Design a year-in-review video - Adobe Express
One Word to Rule Them All - Welcome to 2024 Student Activity

Educators

The 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2023 - Edutopia
2023 in Review, From Your Point of View - Edutopia
Meet The State Teachers of the Year - CCSSO
2023: Year in Review - Tech & Learning

A Bit More

Quiz: How well do you know the most-searched trends? - Google
The searches that brought us together in 2023 - Google
The 200 Best Inventions of 2023 - Time
The 100 Best Songs of 2023: Staff Picks - Billboard
2023 in Review - The Verge
2023: A Year in Stories - StoryCorps
2023 in Review Fast Facts - CNN
The Year in Review: 2023's Most Notable Findings - Gallup

I've also created this Wakelet Collection that could also be shared with students.

2023 Wrap-Up - Reflecting on the Year That Was

Come Back Soon - The List Will Grow as New Resources are Discovered.

If you've discovered anything missing, please drop it in the comments below. If you want to go back and explore 2022, be sure to revisit this post.

#HappyLearning Everyone!

Take a Brain Break - Reboot the Noggin!

2023-12-19T08:32:00.004-06:00

Sometimes your brain just needs a break from the hard stuff. As we wind down the school year I just wanted to share a few digital resources to take a break and have a little fun.

All Study and No Play Makes Your Brain a Dull Place to Be

Research shows that taking purposeful breaks (anywhere from 5–60 minutes) from studying to refresh your brain and body increases your energy, productivity, and ability to focus.

Keep in mind: social media doesn’t work well as a “purposeful break” Instead, find activities that give your mind a break and allow you to breathe deeply, laugh, move your body, be creative, or “zone out” on purpose. These kinds of activities will help you re-energize and re-focus.

Source

I would start with a walk or a good stretch, but if you need something to reset your brain, here are a few fun digital resources to give your brain a break.

Explore the last 25 years of search in the interactive Most Searched Playground. Google recently released an amazing "Where's Waldo" style Google Doodle. Challenge yourself to find all 25 of the most-searched people, places, and moments from the past 25 years.

Most Searched Playground

Play a Game in the Amazing World of Google Arts and Culture. You can just browse some inspiring artwork or play one of the many amazing games. There are some amazing games, crosswords, puzzles, drawings, and more to explore.

Google Arts and Culture Play

Additional Brain Break Resources

I hope your brain has and amazing day! #HappyLearning

Collection of Study Resources for Students

2023-11-17T06:42:00.005-06:00

As a student, juggling classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities can be overwhelming. But with the right study resources, you can make the most of your time and achieve your academic goals.

In this blog post, we will share some of the top student study resources that can help you succeed in your studies. Whether you're looking for online tutorials, practice tests, or study tips, we have something for everyone.

Why Use Study Resources?

There are many benefits to using study resources. Here are just a few:

Improve your understanding of the material.
Boost your confidence for exams.
Develop effective study habits.
Save time and stress.

Digital Tools to Support Individual & Collaborative Learning

Concept and Vocabulary Review - Quizlet | Quizizz | Google Slides Flashcard Template

- One of the easiest ways to get started is by exploring vocabulary with flashcards. Students can make their own, or choose from millions of flashcard sets created by others. Students can use several study modes including multiple choice tests and study games.

Collaboration - Google Docs | Google Slides | Google Meet

- Students can create online study groups using Google File Sharing. Students can collaborate through comments or directly. The side panel in Docs and Slides also connects to tasks, calendars, and Google Keep to organize time and resources.

Organization - Google Keep | Google Calendar | Google Tasks

- Create and share notes. Create checklists and reminders.

Video Concepts - Khan Academy | YouTube | TEDEd

- Video lessons to support math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more.

Additional Digital Study Tools - Digital Study Resources for Students

The goal of this document is to help students be self-directed and collaborative learners as they prepare for classroom assessments.

Additional Tips for Studying

In addition to using study resources, there are a few other things you can do to improve your studying:

Find a quiet place to study where you won't be interrupted.
Set aside dedicated study time each day.
Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
Take breaks every hour or so to avoid burnout.
Reward yourself for completing study goals.

By following these tips and using the recommended study resources, you can set yourself up for success in your studies.

We hope this blog post has been helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Study Smarter, Not Harder!