One of my favorite web 2.0 tools is Wordle a word cloud generator! I have so much fun with this tool. I have used it at the beginning of school to get to know my students. Change your traditional "What I did this summer prompt into a word cloud. Students can simply type their story into the text box and simple select "create" and watch the magic happen. Some sites are more colorful than others, but it's just a matter of preference. Check out a few word cloud generators and share what your students think of this tool.

Here are just a few word cloud generators that I enjoy and best of all, they are FREE! 

Tagxedo turns words -- famous speeches, news articles, slogans and themes, even your love letters -- into stunning word clouds, words individually sized appropriately to highlight the frequencies of occurrence within the body of text AND you can choose the shape of your word cloud. 

ABCya.com word clouds for the little kiddos!  You can save and print these clouds with the click of a button! It says for students in grades 2 - 5, but I believe you can try it out with the younger set with a assistance.

Wordsift is NICE because it sorts words by frequency, by field, and alphabetically. It is connected to the Visual Thesaurus, so for any of the words in the cloud clicked, the related entry and related pictures and videos appear below the word cloud. This allows for further exploration. GREAT possibilities!

Visit Nicholson's Whiteboard Blog for more ideas using word clouds.

Welcome to the Teacher's Lounge!
This is the place to exchange ideas for teaching 21st Century students with web 2.0 tools. Get your favorite cup of joe or tea and RELAX. You will find sites with descriptions and reviews to explain how they can be a powerful tool in your box! Check often and remember to share your ideas in the Teacher's Lounge in the comment box. It's time to explore, plan, and engage!