IRA Today

The IRA conference in Atlanta is quite the hot spot to be. Here’s a snapshot of some new things I’ve seen:

For graphic novel lovers: ASDO announces their Spotlight series that focuses on good-quality graphic novels.

Nonfiction Reading Assessment: Recorded Books launched a companion to their Plugged into Reading courseware: the new Plugged into Fiction with high-interest titles for grades 5-12.

Differentiated Literacy Tools: Dynamic Literacy introduced online differentiated content for its WordBuild Elements series that helps kids in grade 4 and up break down words to increase vocabulary.

Free Stuff:Thinkfinity.com has been around a while but if you don’t know about it, check it out. TONS of free lessons, videos, and more.

Guided lessons and activities: the new ZoomIn from Curriculum Associates (launching Fall 08) gives teachers guided instruction and lessons broken down into helpful bite-sized pieces.

ETA/Cuisenaire adds standards-based Classroom Jeapordy! games for math, reading and science.

Free Books Penpal program: The ePals product, in2books.com, will offer Free books and online penpal correspondence to Title 1 programs.

Free PD: PBS Teacherline offers free instructional resources on developing effective questioning techniques.