March Book Madness (Plus a Big Announcement)

In the final episode of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, Shanna and Fuzz reflect on eight seasons, 235 episodes, and how educational technology has changed since the show began in 2019. They discuss the shift from fun classroom websites to online learning, video tools, AI supports, and now a growing need to balance technology with unplugged time, outdoor learning, and hands-on experiences.For one final tech tool, Shanna shares 1,000 Hours Outside, a free resource that encourages families and students to track outdoor time throughout the year. The site offers printable trackers and simple ways to make outside time part of everyday life. Shanna also shares a district-wide outdoor bingo challenge designed to encourage students and families to unplug over the summer.The episode also revisits favorite tools from over the years, including Bouncy Balls, Blob Opera, Canva, Google Slides, Trello, Claude, and more. Most importantly, Shanna and Fuzz thank listeners for being part of the podcast and remind everyone that the resources will continue to live on at smartinwi.com.1,000 Hours OutsideBouncy BallsBlob OperaCanva for EducationGoogle SlidesTrelloClaudeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 234 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, Shanna shares the tools she uses the most in her own classroom and coaching work. After covering hundreds of websites over the years, these are the go-to resources that have become part of her regular teaching routine: Classroomscreen for classroom management, Google Slides for flexible design and student supports, Google Vids for directions and accessibility, Canva for polished classroom and student-created materials, Edutopia for quick professional learning, and Solution Tree resources for instructional support. Fuzz also shares his favorite past tool: Blob Opera.ClassroomscreenGoogle SlidesGoogle VidsCanva for EducationEdutopiaSolution TreeBlob OperaThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 233 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, Shanna shares two free science resources for the classroom. LabXchange offers standards-aligned science simulations, case studies, teaching guides, videos, and virtual labs for high school and upper middle school students. Little Alchemy 2 gives younger students a fun way to explore combinations, elements, vocabulary, and problem-solving through a simple digital game. Both tools are great for extra practice, missed labs, enrichment, and summer learning.LabXchangeLittle Alchemy 2This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 232 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, Shanna shares Boddle Learning, a game-based practice platform for K–6 students. Boddle supports math, ELA, and science practice with engaging characters, learning adventures, rewards, and teacher dashboards. Teachers can assign skills, track student progress, identify learning gaps, and use it for classroom practice or summer learning support.Boddle LearningThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 231 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, we explore Chalkie AI, a teacher-focused AI tool that helps create single lessons, lesson series, activity sheets, and quick review resources. Shanna shares how Chalkie can save time when you need a fast sub plan, station activity, or ready-to-go lesson support. With grade-level adjustments, reading-level options, and classroom-friendly layouts, Chalkie is a practical tool for busy teachers looking to simplify planning without sacrificing quality.Chalkie AIThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 230 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, we talk about three free resources to help students prepare for testing season. Shanna shares how Khan Academy, ACT.org, and eSpark can support students with standardized test content, online question formats, and digital testing skills. These tools are useful for in-class practice, family support at home, and helping students feel more confident as spring assessments begin.Khan Academy Test PrepACT.orgeSpark Learning ActivitiesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 229, we share a big announcement: the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast will pause after Episode 235 at the end of this school year.Then we dive into March Book Madness, a bracket-style reading competition started by two Ohio teachers that brings excitement and engagement to reading for picture books, middle grade, and young adult levels.We also revisit Epic, a digital reading platform free for teachers during the school day.If you’re looking to build reading energy this spring, this episode is for you.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

The Olympics are here — and our middle schoolers are ALL IN. 🥇In this episode, we’re sharing two free, student-friendly websites that make it easy to connect the Olympic Games (and Paralympics!) to every content area.From researching athletes and debating who deserves the gold… to mapping host countries and learning world geography… these tools help students make real-world connections in meaningful ways.Even students who don’t normally follow sports are hooked!Featured Tools1. Team USAhttps://www.teamusa.comA fantastic resource for:Athlete bios and statisticsMedal counts and qualificationsOlympic and Paralympic informationEvent details and newsVideo highlightsMapping where athletes are from across the U.S.Students can:Research athletesCompare statisticsBuild arguments and presentationsExplore geography connectionsAnalyze data in mathLearn about training and competition pathwaysThis site makes research easy and engaging, with current and historical Olympic information all in one place.2. Kids World Travel Guidehttps://www.kids-world-travel-guide.comA kid-friendly global resource featuring:Countries of the worldMaps and visualsFun facts and quick-reference informationGeography, landmarks, traditions, and culturesOlympic host country information (including past Games)Trivia and quizzesStudents can:Research Olympic host countriesExplore continents and global geographyCompare countriesLearn about cultural celebrationsDive deeper into world knowledge sparked by Olympic coverageIt’s easy to navigate, visually appealing, and designed specifically for student use.Bonus MentionThe U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs is an immersive experience worth exploring — and their website offers additional background resources.Why It WorksWhen learning is tied to real-world events happening right now, engagement skyrockets. Students are asking questions like:Where is Kazakhstan?Why are events spread out across host regions?How do athletes qualify?Which athlete has the strongest stats?And those questions lead to research, writing, math, mapping, debate, and deeper understanding.The Olympics may last a few weeks — but the learning connections can last all year.If you have questions or want to share how you’re using these tools, connect with Shanna on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook, or Instagram @smartinwi.For links and resources from this episode, visit:smartinwi.comWant to support the show? You can buy Shanna a coffee at:buymeacoffee.com/smartinwiThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

This week on the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, we’re tackling indoor recess and cold-weather creativity with two easy, no-friction tools.Tools FeaturedBoMoMo – Abstract art through motion and colorSketchpad (Sketch.io) – Simple digital drawing and design spaceWhy We Love ThemNo logins or setupWorks on Chromebooks, iPads, and laptopsGreat for brain breaks and creative resetsFlexible for multiple content areasBoMoMo: https://bomomo.comSketchpad: https://sketch.ioThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

This week on the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, we’re taking a fresh look at National Geographic Kids and all the updates that make it an even better classroom resource.We talk about:Using Nat Geo Kids for bell ringers and quick researchQuizzes, games, puzzles, and “Weird But True” factsEasy-to-read articles with strong visualsConnections to science, social studies, geography, and current eventsWhy it works for elementary and middle school classrooms🔗 National Geographic Kids: https://kids.nationalgeographic.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp