Tired of those Ads popping up - Especially for Teachers! I ran some tests- it blocks ads about 90% of the Time!

Chrome App:  Adblock for Youtube
Cost:  Free -
Special Note: You need to be in the Chrome Browser and have a login for google

What:  Automatically filters Ads out

Level- All

Teachers- Do you want to able to show videos without those annoying ads popping up in the beginning of the videos?  Adblock will do the trick!  You need to make sure you are in Chrome and have a Chrome login.  Visit the Link above to add as an extension to your chrome browser and viola!  You don't need to do anything else.  When you visit youtube and open a video to view, you will notice a not at the bottom right saying "cleaned by Adblocker" . I ran a test on several videos with huge viewing numbers and the majority of the time the ads were blocked.  I came across 1 or 2 that didn't block.  Always look for the message on the bottom right for the "cleaned" message.    Also, don't forget about Quietube to get rid of all the junk on the screen.

Adopt an Olympic Athlete for your classroom!

Website:  http://classroomchampions.com 

Cost:  FREE  - Need to apply and be accepted to participateDevice: 

PC-iPad - Need a google account for Hangouts

Level- K-12

This is a very neat opportunity.  One of our 1st grade teachers was chosen to participate in this outstanding program.  Teacher opportunities throughout the nation are randomly posted on the site throughout the year.  Scroll to the bottom right of the webpage to see opportunities for your state.  The Classroom of Champions is organized to connect a classroom with an Olympic athlete.   It is very neat when they do a Google hangout to actually see and talk with the athlete.  The program will send the chosen teacher technology devices to aid in connecting with the athletes.  The athlete offers lessons for students to learn.  Even if you are not in the program, there are videos posted on the website for teaching moments in the classroom.  Well worth checking out!   

Create an Edmodo account for your class!

Website: Edmodo
App:  Edmodo

Cost:  FREE 

Difficulty Level: Easy-Medium (depends on what you use)

Device: PC/Mac/iPad

Level- 2nd-12th grades

Happy end of the school year!  Teachers, are you looking for something to do this summer?  Join the bandwagon and create an Edmodo account for next year's class.  What is Edmodo?  It is when  students and teachers can reach out to one another and connect by sharing ideas, problems, and helpful tips. 

Over the past two years, I have helped several teachers within my school district join Edmodo.  Our Jr. High has achieved every teacher joining Edmodo.  What does this mean?  When students login to their Edmodo account, the teacher can send out reminders for homework, tests, field trips or just about anything they want their students to know.  It is awesome when numerous teachers register in the Jr. High and High School.  Students are then able to see all teacher's homework, reminders, etc within their one Edmodo login.  Teachers can upload files (homework, field trip notes, etc) and students can submit homework assignments and take tests and/or quizzes.  Edmodo has endless possibilities. 

I could go on and on about the wonderful uses of Edmodo.  Check out the "How to" video above.  It is very user friendly.  I currently have children in 4th and 3rd grade.  They are always grabbing my phone to check grades from Powerschool.  I can only imagine how great it would be if they could check the Edmodo app (or login to our computer) about reminders from their teachers.

Come on teachers- give it a try!  Your students will be so excited and you will be surprised how it will help you!