September Features from Internet 4 Classrooms
September Blog | App of The Month | What's Happening |
New- Online Practice | New- Printables | New- Answer Keys |
Teacher Resources | Parent Resources | Technology Tips |
Other Areas of Interest | Common Core |
SAT and ACT Test Preparation
September brings Labor Day, 9/11 Attacks, Constitution Day, First Day of Autumn, National Classical Music Month, Library Card Sign-Up Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and much more.
September Blog: Constitutionally Speaking: Improving Knowledge of the U.S. Constitution
Constitutionally Speaking: Improving Knowledge of the U.S. Constitution
This month's blog is Constitutionally Speaking: Improving Knowledge of the U.S. Constitution .
September 17th is Constitution Day, the day that The Constitution of the United States was adopted in 1787. This keystone document covering our rights (and the structure of our government) is an essential part of our American identity and way of life.
Unfortunately, general knowledge of our rights, our freedoms, and how government is supposed to work is exceeding low as cited by the 2023 Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey of U.S. Adults.
Make Constitution Day a strong emphasis in your classroom during the month of September. This blog covers six resource areas for improving knowledge of The U.S. Constitution.
Guest Blogger Bill Franklin, the CEO of Internet4Classrooms, is our guest blogger this month. He has been on the faculty at The George Washington University, has years of platform instructional experience, was a career Army Special Operations officer and also has decades of experience as a youth sports coach
App of the Month
Every month we are going to feature a different, and hopefully FREE, iPad/iPod/iPhone/Android educational application. Visit our ever-changing app page.
The App of the Month for September is Interactive Constitution by National Constitution Center ( iOS and Android ).
Learn about the text, history, and meaning of the U.S. Constitution from leading scholars of diverse legal and philosophical perspectives.
The free Interactive Constitution app presents the full text of the U.S. Constitution and features essays by leading scholars that detail areas of agreement and disagreement across a range of philosophical and legal perspectives. Created by the National Constitution Center in partnership with the American Constitution Society and the Federalist Society, this nonpartisan resource is featured by the College Board in its Advanced Placement history and government courses. The Interactive Constitution was made possible by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation.
To use the Interactive Constitution, just hit the "Explore It" button on its opening screen. Then you can:
Select the "Articles" and "Amendments" tabs on the next screen to read the part of the Constitution that interests you.
For the first 15 Amendments, you can read the annotated text of each amendment, along with "Common Interpretations" - joint statements by leading scholars detailing areas of agreement - and "Matters of Debate," individual statements by those same scholars detailing discussing areas of disagreement, along with the annotated text of each amendment.
For Amendments 16-27, you can read the full annotated text, plus interpretations from the Annenberg Classroom, a national leader in resources for civic education.
For the Articles I-VII of the U.S. Constitution, you can read the full text of each article by sections, with annotations from some of the nation’s leading scholars and from the Annenberg Classroom.
The "About The Constitution" section contains a series of white papers that provide overarching background on the Constitution, its history, and how it should be interpreted and applied.
Interactive Constitution is available for Apple and Android devices.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 11.0 or later on Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch and Android version 5.1 and up on your Android device.
WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS MONTH?
Here are some of the September events that you can celebrate or make note of this month:
- Classical Music Month
In 1994, President Clinton proclaimed September as Classical Music Month. Check out I4C's music resource page to learn about different composers and music masterpieces and find musical craft projects and activities here to do this month!
- Library Card Sign-Up Month
We cannot encourage reading enough. Even though I4C has a ton of online stories and books, we still want those children in libraries across the world. Remind students to visit their local libraries often!
- Labor Day (9/2)
Did you know that the first Labor Day was celebrated on a Tuesday, not on a Monday like we now celebrate it? In 1882, roughly 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march in honor of the working man's rights, and formed the first Labor Day parade. Learn more aboutthe history of Labor Day and enjoy some Labor Day themed crafts and activities.
- National Grandparents Day (9/8)
On Grandparents Day, we honor our grandparents and recognize the wonderful contributions they add to our lives. Show your appreciation for your grandparents today by creating cards and crafts for them! You can also learn about the history of Grandparents Day and how it came to be recognized in the United States.
- September 11 Attacks (9/11/2001)
No matter where we live, we can all relate and remember where we were and what we were doing on the shocking day forever known as 9/11. We have an entire page devoted to 9/11 resources. Wikipedia has excellent background information as well as detail on the aftermath and effects of the tragic events. For lesson plans, try the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Scholastic, Teaching History, PBS.org, and Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsiblity.
- Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15)
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of US citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month through an interactive guide from Scholastic. Find teacher resources and activities and crafts to do this month!
- Constitution Day (9/17)
The Constitution of the United States was adopted on the 17th of September in 1787. This Constitution Day, read the Constitution and its amendments, learn about the signers, and enjoy Constitution themed activities today.
- First Day of Autumn (9/22)
Celebrate the beginning of fall with I4C by checking out our Fall Resource page, full of fun crafts, activities, and recipes! Cooler weather and sweaters will be here before we know it.
New- ONLINE PRACTICE AT I4C
Internet4Classrooms now offers Online Practice and Interactives, covering Kindergarten to Eighth Grade Common Core Mathematics. Look for a rapidly growing variety of thousands of practice quizzes tied to the Common Core State Standards, School Subjects, Activities, and Holidays.
Check out our Online Practice Quizzes. More grades and subjects coming soon.
New Online Practice Quizzes Made Available in August
We have released many new online quizzes during the last months supporting the Common Core Standards.
Try them out, and then use them with your students as:
- Bell Ringers,
- In Class Assignments,
- Homework or
- Extra Credit.
Here is a list of the newest quizzes by grade.
New- COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS PRINTABLES AT I4C
Internet4Classrooms offers Printables, covering Kindergarten to Sixth Grade Mathematics. Look for a rapidly growing variety of thousands of practice worksheets tied to the Common Core State Standards, School Subjects, Activities, and Holidays.
Check out our Common Core Printables. More grades and subjects coming soon.
New Printables Worksheets Made Available in August
We have released thousands of new printables worksheets during the last months supporting the Common Core Standards.
Try them out, and then use them with your students as:
- Bell Ringers,
- In Class Assignments,
- Homework or
- Extra Credit.
Here is a list of the newest worksheet sets by grade.
New- Answer Keys
New Worksheet Answer Keys Made Available in August
We have released thousands of new answer keys for our printables worksheets during the last months supporting the Common Core Standards.
Remember that you can sign up for answer key access here: https://i4c.xyz/n89msyv.
TEACHER RESOURCES
- Many historical events happened this month which you can cover in your classroom. Check outI4C's History page for lesson plans, videos, activities, and other resources to supplement your lessons!
- Do you need Assistive Technology resources? Find links offering tools for the hearing impaired, physically disabled, vision impaired, and other accessibility resources.
- Being back in a classroom setting can be a shock to the system for some kids after a summer full of activity. Visit our Character Education page for tips on bully prevention and overall self-development and awareness.
- Back to School Nights are approaching! Here are some great tips for speaking to your students' parents and how to prep for your Open House!
- This September 11th, we remember those who died during the terrorist attacks twenty-three years ago. It may be difficult to explain the events to students who were too young to remember or not even born yet but there are many resources available. Wikipedia has excellent background information as well as detail on the aftermath and effects of the tragic events. For lesson plans, try the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Scholastic, Teaching History, PBS.org, and Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsiblity. Also, I4C has a September 11th page, filled with guides and activities to help your students understand the significance of the day.
- Be sure to check out our Common Core Math Printables and Common Core State Standards Resources when planning your lessons this year. These are great additional supplements to use in your classroom!
- Frustrated with the lack of access to technology in your classroom? Take a look at these 8 creative classroom tech tips—from a teacher who had very little of it.
- Are you a first time teacher this fall? Scholastic has a "survival guide" page for new teachers with tips and resources to help make your first year of teaching a success!
- Looking for a great book to read to your classroom on the first day of school? Find a great back to school themed list here!
- Be sure to check out I4C's collection of free educational iPhone and iPad apps.
- Remember to visit our Teacher Tools section. This home page contains all the topics you need to use during the school year.
- Go to our grade level help for lesson plans, activities, instructionals, and tools organized by grade and subject.
PARENT RESOURCES
- As we reminded our teachers above, it's never too late to remind our children about respecting others. Visit our character education page for bullying prevention, conflict resolution and character development tools.
- Check out our interactive grade level practice. We have Skill Builders that offer online games for almost every school subject and grade. It's a great way to practice at home.
- Are you having a hard time getting the kids to simply sit down and read? Our Reading Help page has helpful links.
- As the school year begins, keep your kids safe when they do their schoolwork online. Check out I4C's internet safety page for tips and links to keep your children safe online!
- Homeschool parents: I4C has helpful resources you can use too! Check out our Common Core resources, math printables, grade level help, and subject help pages.
- This September 11th, we remember those who died during the terrorist attacks twenty-three years ago. It may be difficult to explain the events to those were too young to remember or not even born yet but there are many resources available. A guide from the 9/11 Memorial has tips on explaining the day to your children and I4C has a September 11th page, filled with guides and activities to help your child understand the significance of the day. Wikipedia has excellent background information as well as detail on the aftermath and effects of the tragic events.
- Be sure to check out I4C's collection of free educational iPhone and iPad apps for you and your child.
- You can always visit our Parent Resources page to get grade level practice sites, find online sources, and information pertaining to homework, special needs, reading help, and more.
- Don't forget our Technology Tutorial section in case you need refresher courses in your computer skills.
TECHNOLOGY TIPS
- Free Classroom Resources for Teaching the Constitution:
Annenberg Classroom's free resource include over 65 videos on constitutional concepts and Supreme Court cases as well as games, lesson plans, timelines, downloadable books, a glossary, and a Constitution guide.
Learn more in the article found: HERE
- Constitution Clips: Make the U.S. Constitution Come Alive with Video Clips:
C-SPAN's Constitution Clips makes the U.S. Constitution come alive by providing teachers and students with video clips from C-SPAN's Video Library of the Constitution in action.
You can find out more: HERE.
- Commemorating Constitution Day and Citizenship Day:
To assist in planning Constitution Day programs, we are pleased to provide links to Web sites that contain materials that can be publicly accessed for general use or for use as teaching materials in the classroom. These links and materials are provided by the three branches of government in an exciting step forward of collaboration in sharing these resources.
Learn more by visiting: HERE.
We also have other basic instruction in Microsoft Office, including Word 2007, Excel 2007, Powerpoint 2007.
OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST
- Resources for Educators - In this section you can find classroom resources for Exceptional Children, Smartboards, Character Education, Web 2.0 Resources and other topics.
- Resources for Parents - Parents can find resources
on assisting their children with homework, time management, Internet Safety, subject area resources, grade level resources and more.
Common Core State Standards at I4C
Our Common Core State Standards are full of resources for every individual standard. Students can take control of their own learning by clicking on the page with the standard number, and choosing their own resource to practice that skill.
Check out our Common Core Math High School Algebra Standards, Common Core Math Standards, and Common Core ELA Standards.
SAT and ACT Test Preparation
Free Online Practice Resources for ACT Tests and SAT Tests. I4C now offers free SAT and ACT vocabulary and math quizzes. Join our SAT and ACT Test Preparation program and log in as much as you'd like. Students can take practice tests on 5000 vocabulary words or over 1000 math problems. Parents and Mentors can log in to monitor your scores - including seeing which vocabulary words that were missed. Interactive quizzes allow the test taker to retake and study as much as they want.
Sign Up Here for ACT Test & SAT Test Preparation.