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Language: Revising for Concision and Clarity - Purdue University College of Liberal Arts
Grades
5 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): thinking routines (42), thinking skills (125)
In the Classroom
Students can revise unclear or wordy sentences by rewriting them with shorter, more precise language and comparing their revisions with classmates to see which version is easiest to understand. They can also improve a paragraph by highlighting confusing or repetitive parts, rewriting it with better organization and word choice, and then editing a partner's work using a checklist that looks for long sentences, unnecessary words, and unclear ideas. To extend the lesson, students can rotate through revision stations to practice shortening sentences, replacing weak words, and adjusting their writing for different audiences so the message is clear to every reader. Another option is a peer-editing activity using a checklist based on the website ideas.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Plain Language Guide Series - Digital.gov
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): thinking routines (42), thinking skills (125)
In the Classroom
Give students a paragraph written with long sentences, difficult vocabulary, or confusing wording. Have students rewrite the paragraph using plain-language rules, such as shorter sentences, simpler words, and clearer organization. Have students write step-by-step directions for a simple task such as making a sandwich, playing a game, or using classroom materials. Then another student tries to follow the directions exactly as written. If the directions are confusing, the writer revises them using plain-language tips, such as putting the main idea first and using clear action words. Students can write a short explanation of the same topic for different audiences, such as a kindergarten student, a classmate, and a teacher. They must adjust word choice and sentence structure so that each audience can understand the message on the first reading.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Communicating with Clarity and Precision - scribd
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): thinking routines (42), thinking skills (125)
In the Classroom
Students can sort examples of clear and vague statements and rewrite the unclear ones using more precise language to help them understand the difference between general and specific communication. Teachers can have students participate in an "explain your thinking" activity in which they answer questions using complete sentences and include reasons or evidence to support their ideas. Include partner discussions in which one student explains a concept while the other asks clarifying questions to help make the explanation more accurate and detailed.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Thinking and Communicating with Clarity Discussion Guide - WonderGroveLearn
Grades
K to 3tag(s): thinking routines (42), thinking skills (125)
In the Classroom
Provide students with several sample statements that include vague language (for example, "The story was really good and had a lot of stuff happening"). In small groups, have students rewrite the sentences to make them clearer and more precise. Provide a short paragraph that includes unclear wording or unnecessary details. Students can work individually or in pairs to revise the paragraph so it communicates the message clearly and precisely. Ask students to reflect on a time when they had difficulty explaining an idea clearly. Students can write or discuss how using clearer language or more specific details could have improved the situation.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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ludwig.guru - Ludwig
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (325), editing (93), grammar (141), grammar review (34)
In the Classroom
Provide students with simple or awkward sentences from a draft piece of writing. Have students enter the sentence into ludwig.guru and review example sentences from real sources. Choose a vocabulary word that students are learning. Students can search the word on ludwig.guru to see how it appears in authentic sentences. Give students two or three similar sentences with slightly different wording. Students can search key phrases on ludwig.guru to see which wording appears more natural in real writing.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Thinking and Communicating With Clarity and Precision - Habits of Minds Kids
Grades
K to 3tag(s): empathy (68), social and emotional learning (197), thinking routines (42), thinking skills (125)
In the Classroom
After reading a short passage or watching a video, have students write a precision postcard summarizing the most important idea in only 2-3 sentences. Provide students with a paragraph that includes unclear or vague language. In small groups, students can act as clarity detectives by identifying confusing words or sentences and rewriting them using more precise vocabulary and details. Give students a simple classroom object or concept (for example, a pencil sharpener, recycling process, or math strategy). Have students explain how it works using clear, step-by-step instructions so that another student could follow the explanation accurately.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Sorceror - Antimatter
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (325), chat (41), differentiation (101), Teacher Utilities (219), tutorials (51)
In the Classroom
Create interactive unit reviews by using this tool to assess student knowledge before a major project or exam. For a middle school science unit on ecosystems, set up a chatbot focused on food webs and energy flow to provide students with a personalized study session. After students finish their session and review their mastery insights, they could take those key concepts and create a visual representation of their learning using the Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here. To extend learning, have students use their AI-generated feedback to identify a specific real-world environmental issue and map out its impact using Google Earth, reviewed here. This workflow moves beyond rote memorization by encouraging students to process feedback and apply their growing expertise to creative and global contexts.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Strategic Education Research Partnership (SERP) - Strategic Education Research Partnership
Grades
K to 12tag(s): blogs (82), collaboration (119), differentiation (101), homework (27), OER (52), podcasts (168), vocabulary (254)
In the Classroom
Add SERP Institute to supplement your current teaching resources to support student learning through research-based methods. Download materials to differentiate instruction to meet students' needs and to reinforce or extend learning. For example, use WordGen Weekly or STARI as a fifteen to twenty-minute activity for students who need extra support with vocabulary, comprehension, or reading strategies. Assign vocabulary, reading comprehension, or math problems for homework, allowing you to personalize learning without altering the core curriculum.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Infoplease - Sandbox Networks
Grades
4 to 12This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Have students enter a specific year associated with a novel, historical event, or an author's life and explore major news from that year. Students can create a "Breaking News from the Past" newspaper front page with Canva, reviewed here. During research projects, have students verify information using Infoplease as a trusted reference tool. Turn it into a "Fact or Fiction" activity where students must confirm or correct statements. Students can research events from a specific decade and build a timeline using MyLens, reviewed here Then they can identify patterns or cause-and-effect relationships between events.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Tabletop Audio - TableTop Audio
Grades
K to 12tag(s): multimedia (64), songs (50)
In the Classroom
Share this site with students who create games, use it as a background for multimedia presentations, or play it on their computers to set the scene for their current lesson. Engage students by playing a haunting or interesting piece of music to inspire creative storytelling projects. Add interest to short animated videos using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here by adding audio that correlates with their content.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Image Accessibility Creator - Arizona State University
Grades
K to 12tag(s): Accessibility (12), artificial intelligence (325)
In the Classroom
Introduce the tool during technology lessons to teach why accessibility matters and how inclusive design helps everyone, not just users with disabilities. Teachers can use the tool to generate alt text for images in Google Slides, Docs, or worksheets so all students, including those using screen readers, can fully access lesson content. Students can compare AI-generated image descriptions with their own written descriptions, revising for clarity, precision, and strong word choice.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ezgif - Open Idea
Grades
4 to 12This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Have students create a short GIF that visually demonstrates a vocabulary word. After reading a story, students can select an important event and create a simple GIF showing the sequence of actions. Have students create a GIF that shows the steps of a process, such as a science experiment, solving a math problem, or completing a craft activity.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Padlet Arcade - Padlet
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): artificial intelligence (325), crosswords (22), flash cards (46), game based learning (311), matching (9), puzzles (166), quiz (64), sequencing (18), Teacher Utilities (219), worksheets (71)
In the Classroom
Students can design their own learning games using a unit topic, such as vocabulary, historical events, or science concepts, and share them with classmates. Before a quiz or unit test, create a review activity in which students match questions and answers, sort ideas into categories, or identify correct concepts. After reading a story or chapter, have students complete a sequencing activity created in Arcade.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Includes social features, such as "friends," comments, ratings by others
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
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Hypothes.is - Hypothesis, Inc.
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): collaboration (119), critical thinking (182), note taking (35)
In the Classroom
Assign a digital article, story, or historical document, and have students highlight important sentences and add comments or questions in the margins. After reading a passage, ask students to highlight evidence that supports a specific claim or theme. Students can annotate the text explaining why the sentence supports the idea, helping them practice finding and explaining textual evidence. Have students post thoughtful questions about confusing or interesting parts of the reading. Classmates can reply directly to the question annotations with answers, ideas, or additional examples, turning the text into an interactive discussion space.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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No Child Left Inside - Connecticut Department of Energy
Grades
K to 12tag(s): ecosystems (108), national parks (29)
In the Classroom
After learning about parks and outdoor recreation, students can create posters using DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here to encourage families to visit a park. Have students explore a small outdoor area and identify parts of an ecosystem such as plants, insects, soil, sunlight, and water sources. They can create a simple ecosystem diagram showing how living and nonliving things interact. Inspired by programs featured on the website, students can work in groups to design a family-friendly outdoor event.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Bing Image Creator - Microsoft
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (325), creativity (86), graphic design (50), images (269)
In the Classroom
Generate an image based on a short prompt and have students write a narrative, descriptive paragraph, or dialogue inspired by the scene. Have students revise prompts to improve image results, learning how precise language, adjectives, and details change outcomes. Have students create images to represent abstract ideas such as themes, scientific processes, or historical moments.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Microsoft Designer - Microsoft
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (325), graphic design (50), images (269), infographics (72), Microsoft (55)
In the Classroom
Have students generate an image based on a scene, setting, or character from a story they are reading or writing. Students can then explain how the image matches details from the text, strengthening comprehension and visualization skills. Students can create images to represent vocabulary words, figurative language, or academic concepts. Use Image Creator as a springboard for discussions about ethical AI use, originality, bias, and responsible sharing. Have students reflect on how AI-generated images differ from human-created artwork and when each is appropriate.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Stuff You Should Know - Charles Bryant
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cultures (290), fashion (14), mental health (60), nutrition (137), podcasts (168), social and emotional learning (197), stress (8), supreme court (33)
In the Classroom
Have students listen to an episode and complete a guided organizer focusing on main ideas, key details, and new vocabulary. If you need to create a guided organizer, use an AI tool like ChatGPT, reviewed here, to help you create one that aligns with your objectives and the content in the podcast. Assign small groups different episodes and have them research the topic further using reliable sources, then present findings through slides made in Adobe Express for Education, reviewed here. Use episodes in Socratic seminars or class discussions to help students evaluate what they learned, question assumptions, and connect the topic to current events.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Digital Icebreakers - AVID
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): classroom management (142), collaboration (119), firstday (27)
In the Classroom
Invite students to create a short digital book using Book Creator, reviewed here that introduces themselves through text, images, audio recordings, or short videos. Compile the books into a virtual classroom library that students can revisit throughout the year. Have students use a digital collaboration tool such as Padlet, reviewed here or Canva, reviewed here to share photos, drawings, favorite books, hobbies, and goals. Students can explore classmates' posts and leave encouraging comments to begin building classroom relationships. Build a classroom scavenger hunt using QR codes, interactive slides, or clues that introduce important classroom locations, procedures, technology expectations, and available resources while encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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5 Ways to Use Padlet as an Icebreaker - Brent Warner/TESOL
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): back to school (53), firstday (27)
In the Classroom
Include these suggestions as part of your back-to-school activities to support building your classroom community, along with teaching students how to use Padlet. Extend learning by using students' responses as a springboard to a more intensive project. For example, by having students create a full timeline using MyLens, reviewed here, where they map out key historical events linked to regions where they have lived or their cultural background.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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