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: Assistive Technology: Free Tools That Help Every Learner Thrive

Assistive Technology: Free Tools That Help Every Learner Thrive

This month's blog is Assistive Technology: Free Tools That Help Every Learner Thrive .

Last month we helped you get set up for a great school year — the routines, the calendars, the first-day nerves. Now the buses are running, the homework is real, and you may be noticing something: one of your children is flying, and another is working twice as hard for half the progress. That is worth paying attention to, and it is not a reason to worry. Every child learns differently, and for kids who read slowly, who lose the thread of a lecture, who know exactly what they want to say but can't get it onto paper — or into words at all — there is a whole category of help called assistive technology, or AT. The very best news is that an enormous amount of it is free, and much of it is already sitting in your house, built quietly into the phone, tablet, or laptop your child uses every day. Below you'll find tools grouped by what your child needs help with — reading, writing, math, communicating, seeing and hearing, and staying organized — with notes on what works best for elementary, middle, and high schoolers. And here's the part parents are often surprised by: nearly every tool on this list helps all learners. A child who listens to a chapter while following the highlighted words isn't taking a shortcut. She's reading.

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 Desmos Graphing Calculator by Desmos ( iOS and Android ).

Explore math with the fast and powerful Desmos Graphing Calculator. Plot any equation, from lines and parabolas to derivatives and Fourier series. Add sliders to demonstrate function transformations, create tables to input and plot data, animate your graphs, and more—all for free.

Features:

Graphing: Plot polar, cartesian, or parametric graphs. There’s no limit to how many expressions you can graph at one time—and you don’t even need to enter expressions in y= form!

Sliders: Adjust values interactively to build intuition, or animate any parameter to visualize its effect on the graph.

Tables: Input and plot data, or create an input-output table for any function.

Statistics: Find best-fit lines, parabolas, and more.

Zooming: Scale the axes independently or at the same time with the pinch of two fingers, or edit the window size manually to get the perfect window.

Points of Interest: Touch a curve to show maximums, minimums, and points of intersection. Tap the gray points of interest to see their coordinates. Hold and drag along a curve to see the coordinates change under your finger.

Scientific Calculator: Just type in any equation you want to solve and Desmos will show you the answer. It can handle square roots, logs, absolute value, and more.

Inequalities: Plot Cartesian and polar inequalities.

Accessibility: Read and edit math using a screen reader or a refreshable Braille display, and use audio trace to explore graphs and data through sound.

Offline: No internet access required.

Visit www.desmos.com to learn more and to see the free browser version of our calculator.

Desmos Graphing Calculator is available for Apple and Android devices.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 16.0 or later on Apple iPhone and Android version 10 and up 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:

1. 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!


2. 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!



3. Labor Day (9/7)
   
   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.


4. 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.


5. National Grandparents Day (9/13)
   
   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.


6. 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 the official guide from the Library of Congress and its partner museums. Find teacher resources and activities and crafts to do this month!


7. 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.



8. 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 September

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 September

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 September

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.

Here is a list of the newest answer key sets by grade.





TEACHER RESOURCES



1. 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!


2. Do you need Assistive Technology resources? Find links offering tools for the hearing impaired, physically disabled, vision impaired, and other accessibility resources.


3. 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.


4. 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!


5. This September 11th, we remember those who died during the terrorist attacks twenty-five years ago. It may be difficult to explain the events to students who were 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.


6. 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!


7. 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.
8. Are you a first time teacher this fall? Edutopia has a "survival guide" page for new teachers with tips and resources to help make your first year of teaching a success!


9. 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!


10. Be sure to check out I4C's collection of free educational iPhone and iPad apps.


11. Remember to visit our Teacher Tools section. This home page contains all the topics you need to use during the school year.


12. Go to our grade level help for lesson plans, activities, instructionals, and tools organized by grade and subject.



PARENT RESOURCES




1. 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.


2. 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.


3. Are you having a hard time getting the kids to simply sit down and read? Our Reading Help page has helpful links.


4. 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!


5. 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.


6. This September 11th, we remember those who died during the terrorist attacks twenty-five years ago. It may be difficult to explain the events to those were not even born yet but there are many resources available. Talking to Children About Terrorism 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.


7. Be sure to check out I4C's collection of free educational iPhone and iPad apps for you and your child.


8. 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.


9. Don't forget our Technology Tutorial section in case you need refresher courses in your computer skills.





TECHNOLOGY TIPS



1. Assistive Technology Internet Modules: Free Online Training for Educators and Families:
   The Assistive Technology Internet Modules (ATIM), from OCALI, offer more than fifty free, self-paced online modules on assistive technology for educators, therapists, families, and people with disabilities of all ages. Each module includes case studies, instructional videos, pre- and post-assessments, glossaries, and discussion questions, and is designed to help users identify the need for, plan, and support assistive technology at school, at home, in the community, or at work.
   
   Learn more by visiting: HERE


2. Paths to Technology from Perkins School for the Blind:
   Paths to Technology, from Perkins School for the Blind, is a free library built to help educators and families learn and stay current on the ever-changing technology used by students with visual impairments and blindness. Sections cover classroom success, accessible digital math, seasonal activities, and a free teacher-created resource library of accessible maps, books, lessons, and tactile graphics.
   
   Learn more by visiting: HERE


3. DocsTeach: Teaching the U.S. Constitution with National Archives Primary Sources:
   DocsTeach is the National Archives Foundation's free online tool for teaching with primary sources, and its Constitution topic page gathers documents and ready-made, document-based learning activities about the Constitution and the big ideas it contains. The page notes that the delegates signed the document on September 17, 1787, the date commemorated as Constitution Day.
   
   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



1. Resources for Educators - In this section you can find classroom resources for Exceptional Children, Smartboards, Character Education, Web 2.0 Resources and other topics.
2. 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.