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Chalk & Roots

Rooted in tradition. Growing through innovation.

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Chalk & Roots logoChalk & Roots

Educator · Science of Reading · AI observer

Technology changes.
Great teaching endures.

My journey began with FORTRAN programming on large mainframe computers in Jamaica. Over the decades I witnessed the arrival of personal computers, the Internet, Google, cloud computing, and now artificial intelligence. Each technological breakthrough has transformed education, while reinforcing one timeless truth — great teaching is about helping people learn. Long before AI entered the classroom, I was introducing students to computational thinking through Karel programming.

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Watch Angella's student show his learning.

Today, I continue that journey by helping students and educators save time, inspire creativity, and keep students at the center of learning.

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What Visitors Can Find Here

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👋About AngellaMeet the educator behind Chalk & Roots 💻From FORTRAN to AIA personal journey through every era of ed-tech ✨Chalky Roots GeneratorGet a full lesson plan from any ELA or ELD standard 🔬Science of ReadingWhy three-cueing is out, and what replaced it 🤖AI for TeachersReal prompts and workflows that save real hours 🌎ELD ResourcesSentence frames by subject, ready to use today 🎬Featured VideosShort, watchable classroom stories 📚Teacher ResourcesScience of Reading & AI-assisted lesson tools 🌱The GardenReal students, real dirt, real learning 🌟MembershipJoin Chalk & Roots Classroom on Ko-fi
Angella Barngrover, founder of Chalk & Roots

About Angella

Meet Angella Barngrover

Educator • Science of Reading • AI observer • Founder of Chalk & Roots. My work blends decades of teaching experience, ELD support, curriculum design, technology, storytelling, and practical teacher resources. I have lived through the major eras of educational technology, beginning with FORTRAN in Jamaica, and experiencing the rise of personal computers, the internet, and now AI.

"Technology will continue to evolve, but one thing remains constant: great teaching changes lives."

My story

From FORTRAN to AI: A Lifetime of Learning

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Jamaica: FORTRAN and mainframesMy journey with technology began in Jamaica, where I learned FORTRAN programming on large mainframe computers. Those early experiences taught me that technology is more than machines—it is a way of solving problems and opening new possibilities.
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The Google momentOver the decades, I witnessed the arrival of personal computers, the Internet, and the first Google searches that transformed education.
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Karel and computational thinkingLong before AI entered the classroom, I was introducing students to computational thinking through Karel programming.
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Today: Chalk & RootsToday, I continue that journey by helping educators harness artificial intelligence to save time, inspire creativity, and keep students at the center of learning.
"Long before artificial intelligence entered classrooms, I was helping students think like programmers through Karel."

Karel and Computational Thinking

This short video represents part of my journey, and the curiosity that has guided my career. From my first programming classes in Jamaica to today's AI-powered classrooms, I've always been fascinated by how technology can transform learning.

↑ Watch the video at the top of the page
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🎁 AI Prompt Vault — Free20 ready-to-copy AI prompts. Enter your email and it's yours, instantly. 🎁 FREEBIE: Escape RoomA playable Grade 6–7 ELA escape room to break the ice on day one — vocabulary, grammar, and story elements.
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Featured videos

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ING Unsung Hero Award

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Problem Solving: Marshmallow Challenge

Students engineer, test, and rebuild — real problem-solving in action.

Students building an inquiry science projectStudents collaborating on a hands-on science build

Main Idea (Facebook Reel)

A quick, practical breakdown of teaching main idea in the classroom.

Sunday Night Reset

Wind down and get ready for the week ahead — a calm reset routine.

Experiential learning

School Garden Projects

Students dig in, literally, exploring a driving question: How can we support native plants and pollinators? Garden work builds science, writing, teamwork, and a real connection to place.

Students working together in the school garden, planting, digging, and answering the driving question: How can we support native plants and pollinators?
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Rooted learning

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Watch on Instagram — quick, practical tips.

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🌿✨ Beyond the Textbook: Why Experiential Learning Matters ✨🌿

Why real places, gardens, culture, and student stories matter in an AI world.

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The Sunday Night Lesson Plan Panic

How teachers can use AI to draft stronger plans without losing professional judgment.

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From FORTRAN to AI

Your personal story connecting early technology, teaching, and the future of education.

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Let’s build the future of education together.

For workshops, collaboration, teaching resources, speaking, or AI education questions, reach out and follow Chalk & Roots.

📸 Instagram@meetchalkyroots — daily teacher inspiration and AI tips🧵 Threads@meetchalkyroots — conversations on AI and education☕ Buy Chalk&Roots a CoffeeShop free resources and premium downloads▶ YouTubeTeaching videos, shorts, and stories
📘 FacebookChalk & Roots updates and community📌 PinterestChalkandRoots — teacher-ready boards and ideas💼 LinkedInAngella Barngrover — professional updates and connections💬 WhatsApp ChannelFollow along for quick updates and tips

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