How Current Are You?

I was speaking with a colleague the other day that had just finished helping their child with their homework.  The last question on the Social Studies worksheet was a matching question. On the left side of the page was the statement “Music is recorded on …..”. The only option on the right side of the page that was suitable was “Tape”. The child looked up in wonderment and asked “How can you make music on tape? It’s too sticky on one side!!”

The date on the bottom of the page?

September 1979.

That’s right. It was a 32 year old worksheet.



Now that the school year is well under way, it’s time to ask yourself….how current are your lessons? It is very easy to rely on notes, transparencies and worksheets that you have used successfully for the last 10 years, but with technology changing so quickly, shouldn’t your lessons?

There are a variety of sites that I have come across that provide great worksheets, videos, lessons and even Powerpoint® presentations that can be downloaded and modified to suit your needs.

So this week, take 10 min to explore one of these sites and update a lesson. Add a new example. Incorporate a new technology into the delivery. Try something new.

1.       Moviesheets.com

        This is a fantastic resource of teacher created worksheets for almost any movie you can think of. All subjects. All grade levels.

    2.       United Streaming (Discovery Education)

        A great website full of educational videos  supporting all subjects and grade levels. The best thing is that the videos can be downloaded to your computer. You can download the full video, or individual segments.

3.       Icon Archive

       A great source of traditional icons to incorporate into your handouts and presentations.

4.       Slideshare.net

        This site allows to you to upload PPT presentations and DOWNLOAD other people’s presentation. All you have to do is create a free account.

5.       Ten Ideas for Interactive Teaching