This week on the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, we’re tackling indoor recess and cold-weather creativity with two easy, no-friction tools.

• BoMoMo – Abstract art through motion and color
• Sketchpad (Sketch.io) – Simple digital drawing and design space

• No logins or setup
• Works on Chromebooks, iPads, and laptops
• Great for brain breaks and creative resets
• Flexible for multiple content areas

BoMoMo: https://bomomo.com

Sketchpad: https://sketch.io

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

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 research
• Quizzes, games, puzzles, and “Weird But True” facts
• Easy-to-read articles with strong visuals
• Connections to science, social studies, geography, and current events
• Why it works for elementary and middle school classrooms

🔗 National Geographic Kids: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

We're kicking off 2026 with two coding resources inspired by winter-break. This week, we feature Coddy.tech, a goal-based coding platform where students can choose a language (Python, JavaScript, HTML, and more) and a skill level, then follow a step-by-step learning path with built-in feedback and challenges. We also talk about projects.raspberrypi.org, a free project hub from the Raspberry Pi Foundation that offers Scratch, Python, AI, web dev, and more, all organized by student interests like nature, space, art, music, and science. Together, these tools support problem-solving, creativity, typing skills, and persistence through productive trial-and-error.

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

In Episode 224, Shanna highlights Google Vids, a video creation tool inside Google Workspace that makes it easy for students and teachers to create polished videos quickly. Students can convert existing Google Slides into videos, record their own voiceovers, and create engaging presentations in less time than traditional slide talks. Shanna shares classroom examples (like research projects), discusses differences between teacher and student account features, and explains how Vids supports creativity, accessibility, and AI prompting practice—making it a strong alternative as other video tools move behind paywalls.

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

In Episode 223 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, Shanna shares HelloKids.com, a free site full of creative classroom-friendly activities—step-by-step drawing guides, crafts, origami, masks, online coloring pages, and even reading resources. It’s a great pick for upper elementary and middle school students during the busy stretch between Thanksgiving and winter break, and it fits easily into choice boards, enrichment time, or whole-class activities. Shanna also recommends Art Hub for Kids on YouTube for guided drawing tutorials that kids love.

• HelloKids: https://www.hellokids.com/
• Art Hub for Kids (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@ArtforKidsHub

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

In Episode 222 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, Shanna revisits Ducksters, a kid-friendly research site that’s perfect for elementary and middle school learners. She shares how Ducksters supports history, biography, geography, and science research with short, accessible articles, built-in audio read-alouds, quick quizzes, and clearly cited sources. Learn how to use Ducksters for biography projects, content-area research, choice boards, and helping students build stronger online research skills—without sending them into the wilds of the internet.

• Ducksters

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

In Episode 221, Shanna spotlights two free science gems you can use across grade levels. Science News Explores offers up-to-date articles with audio, Power Words vocabulary, explainers, experiments, comics, and STEM career spotlights. Exploratorium brings museum-quality activities to your classroom with “Science Snacks,” NGSS-tagged projects, and print-ready instructions for low-cost, hands-on learning.

• Science News Explores
• Exploratorium
• Related episodes: 31, 90, 105

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

In Episode 220, Shanna shares two of her favorite civics education resources: iCivics.org, which offers free lessons, games, and simulations about government, and the Center for Civic Education, which provides state-specific and national resources for teachers and communities.

• iCivics.org
• Center for Civic Education

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/