Finding the right resources to kick off the school year can be time-consuming for educators. As a classroom teacher, the first few weeks of school always felt like a whirlwind. There were always oodles of things on my to-do list. If you’re looking for back to school lessons, The Achievery has many free options for you to explore.
Regular readers of the blog know that I’m a big fan of The Achievery. The Achievery is a free and safe online learning platform created by AT&T. It provides K-12 students with engaging and entertaining videos paired with educational activities. I’ve featured their free resources in the past and chatted with Amanda Hunt and Shannon Miller about the customizable lesson plans they offer on their platform.
With summer coming to an end, I wanted to highlight five back to school lessons from The Achievery. These are great options for starting the school year strong!
Lessons from The Achievery
The Achievery is a platform full of free digital lessons and multimedia resources across various subjects. Teachers can save valuable time during the school year using these engaging lessons. The start of the school year is the perfect time to dive into The Achievery. It gives you quick access to lessons that align with core subject areas. You can find content for Social Studies, English Language Arts, Math, and Science, as well as digital literacy and artificial intelligence topics.
If you haven’t seen it in action, you can sign up for a free account on this page. The Achievery free, high-quality educational materials that are sure to grab your students’ attention. From cartoon clips to movie snippets, these resources are both high-interest and standards-based.
5 Back to School Lessons
The lessons in The Achievery are perfect for the start of the school year. The content is academically rigorous and designed to foster digital literacy and critical thinking skills. These are the types of skills you might introduce during the first few weeks of the school year.
Let’s take a look at five back to school lessons. They are perfect for the first few weeks of the new school year!
Searching the Web
This first back to school lesson was crafted by an ISTE Certified Educator. It can establish a foundation for responsible use of digital tools throughout the year. Students search the web to research lots of subjects, so you might use this lesson to help students develop skills they apply beyond your classroom. The “Searching the Web” lesson teaches students skills for effective internet searching. It also takes kids through search engine mechanics, crafting efficient search queries, and the importance of citing sources, too. Create an account using this link, then click here to find the “Searching the Web” resources.
Your Emotions, Online & Off
“Your Emotions, Online & Off,” provides students with strategies to cope with their online and offline emotions. This back to school lesson focuses on the skill of recognizing and managing emotions, especially in the context of internet use. It is for fourth and fifth graders, but you might use it as inspiration with students a bit younger or a bit older. Students can develop emotional intelligence to help them navigate the digital world responsibly and effectively and apply these skills throughout the school year. Use this link to create an account, then use the search bar and type in the title of this back to school lesson: “Your Emotions, Online & Off.”
Introduction to AI
Artificial intelligence is a big topic, and “Introduction to AI” is an engaging back to school lesson that immerses students in real-world AI technologies. This lesson is for high school students, and learners will evaluate AI capabilities, consider ethical implications, and articulate their perspectives on AI’s expanding role across various industries. With AI-powered tools becoming a big part of our everyday lives, this lesson sets a strong foundation for informed AI use this school year. Create an account using this link, then click here for the “Introduction to AI” back to school lesson.
Connecting with Kindness
“Connecting with Kindness” is another great back to school lesson designed by an ISTE Certified Educator. This lesson aligns with the ISTE standards, and students will learn useful tips to navigate digital drama and foster kindness in online communication. With videos produced by Common Sense Media, this lesson introduces skills to handle online interactions responsibly and compassionately. Although you could use it anytime, it’s an excellent choice for setting a positive tone for the school year. Use this link to create an account, then use the search bar and type in the title of this back to school lesson: “Connecting with Kindness.”
Data Defenders
Another back to school lesson to explore is “Data Defenders,” created by Media Smarts for upper elementary students. It teaches how apps and websites collect personal information and how to control it. This activity connects to digital literacy skill building, helping students understand the importance of protecting their data while fostering responsible online behavior. Create an account using this link, then click here to find the “Data Defenders” back to school lesson.
Having ready-made, high-quality lessons at your fingertips can be a game-changer datany time of year. I’ve highlighted just a few options for back to school lessons, but I’m confident you will find plenty to pick and choose from with a quick search on The Achievery’s website. Get started with The Achievery today and set up your free account!
Already using The Achievery’s free resources? If you want to become an Achievery Ambassador, they are looking for educators who are passionate about innovative teaching and using their impactful lessons. You can apply to be an Achievery Ambassador and join amazing educators dedicated to equitable, engaging, and inspiring learning for students.
