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Reading Resources for Parents

Share these web resources on your teacher web page or copy the printables to encourage parent involvement and help them know how best to support their students.
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Tips for Parents of Second Graders Grade 2 to 2 - Reading Rockets- 6817
Includes printable Acrobat files Read this web page or download a single sheet of suggestions to make reading together fun and funny for parents and kids together, while encouraging the skills to make a lifelong reader. Teachers can download the tips for th in NINE languages in addition to English to print out and send home with your ESL/ELL students. Their parents will appreciate the opportunity to participate in their learning, and everyone wins. Printables require Acrobat Reader.

In the Classroom:
Bring in the parents to help prepare children for third grade reading testing by getting them involved. Send home the printable, give it out at conferences, and/or include the link on your teacher web page. Everyone will win!

Tips for Parents of Third Graders Grade 3 to 3 - Reading Rockets- 6818
Includes printable Acrobat files Read the tips on this web page or download a single sheet of suggestions to make reading together fun and funny for parents and kids together, while encouraging the skills to make a lifelong reader. Teachers can download the tips for third grade in NINE languages in addition to English to print out and send home with your ESL/ELL students. Their parents will appreciate the opportunity to participate in their learning, and everyone wins. Printables require Acrobat Reader.

In the Classroom:
As students approach their first high-stakes testing, every little bit helps. Give these tips out at conferences, in backpacks, or as a link on your teacher web page.

Tips for Parents of First Graders Grade 1 to 1 - Reading Rockets- 6816
Includes printable Acrobat files Read this web page or download a single sheet of suggestions to make reading together fun and funny for parents and kids together, while encouraging the skills to make a lifelong reader. Teachers can download the tips for first grade in NINE languages in addition to English to print out and send home with your ESL/ELL students. Their parents will appreciate the opportunity to participate in their learning, and everyone wins. Printables require Acrobat Reader.

In the Classroom:
Send these home in the backpack parade or include the link from your teacher web page (or both).

Every Child Ready to Read Grade K to 2 - Public Library Association- 7315
Includes printable Acrobat files This group of pdf printable brochures suggests behaviors and activities that can assist parents, preschool teachers, and early elementary teachers in getting children ready to read. Available in both color and black and white formats, the brochures are also downloadable in Spanish. The brochures encourage people to use books, songs, stories, and word games to reinforce the importance of reading in education.

In the Classroom:
Make these brochures available to parents of the very young. The added bonus of having some of the brochures available in Spanish makes the development of good readers a task shared by parents and educators alike. PLace some on the table in your conference waiting area or send them home in backpacks!

TogetheRead Grade K to 12 - TeachersAndFamilies.com- 7198
Share family reading and activities around a monthly theme using this outstanding series by our partner site, TeachersAndFamilies. Interwoven into each TogetheRead theme are questions and activities based on reading strategies for effective readers. Parents and children of all ages can select books from the annotated lists, read together, and do related free or low-cost activities. Written in language understandable to parents and without education "jargon" so familiar to teachers, these themes will help any child become a a better reader and enjoy sharing family time. Books are grouped into "bands": preschool/picture books, early elementary, upper elementary to middle school, upper middle school to young adult, and mature teen to adult books. Activities accompany each age group, and participants can contribute their own activity suggestions, as well.

Libraries, schools, parent organizations, and teachers will find free, downloadable materials to promote good reading and family time. They can also sign up to receive advanced notice of upcoming themes to be able to locate the books for their families. There is even an FAQ-style page to help parents get started. Sound reading strategies help EVERY child!

In the Classroom:
Share this link on your teacher web page or in a newsletter. You might even talk to your parent organization about promoting TogetheReads as a whole-school activity. Maybe even host a TogetheRead family evening in the gym or library.

Children's Book Council Grade 1 to 12 - Children's Book Council- 69
This great site offers a helpful set of resources for parents, teachers, and librarians. There are lists of newly published books, links to ordering and other book-related resources, and a list of "not to be missed" titles and authors for various grade levels. The resources are updated regularly, so there's always something fresh to offer to students or other teachers.

In the Classroom:
Be sure to include this site on your teacher web page for students and parents to access to learn more about recommended reading lists. Use the site as a starting point for crafting summer reading lists or to design a reading challenge for your class.

Booklist Home Page Grade 1 to 12 - Amer. Library Assoc.- 56
This is the web incarnation of the American Library Association's periodical of the same name. The web version includes listings and reviews of popular books for children, young people, and adults, as well as articles of interest to librarians and those in the business of making reading and reference accessible to students and adults.

In the Classroom:
Check this site for book lists to accompany upcoming units or to create independent reading challenges/contests for your class. Share the link with parents on your teacher web page so parents and students can use it when planning a trip to the library.

Play Grow Read Grade K to 2 - Kent District Library- 8279
Includes lesson plan This library-prepared website is all about helping parents develop early literacy skills. Options include video demonstrations of how to read books to kids and many developmental activities including things to do around the house, pre-reading activities, early reading skills information available in TWENTY-SEVEN languages, and many printable reading activities. Check out the Make and Take section: hands-on activities that help children develop the habit of using books. Activities include Activities for Print Motivation, Print Awareness, Phonological Awareness, Vocabulary, Narrative Skills, Letter Knowledge etc. These well-explained activities are fun and original. Many parts of the site are available in Spanish as well as English. Videos on this site require RealPlayer and Windows Media Player. Get them from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Share the printables and information about the website with parents at open house or conferences and include the link on your teacher web page. Spanish-speaking families will enjoy hearing about this site as well.

103 Things to Do Before/During/After Reading Grade K to 8 - Reading Rockets- 8150
This site has an (almost) endless supply of suggestions for what students, parents, and teachers can do to encourage more and more reading and literary involvement. Students participate in reading, dramatic, discussion, and artistic activities to reinforce their connection to the printed word and build comprehension in a very active way!

In the Classroom:
Use this list as an idea generator for book report alternatives or even for lesson ideas. Share the link or some of the ideas on your tecaher web page for students to choose a book report product/project/performance. Print these suggestions out and share all or some of them with parents in a newsletter,at conference times, or before summer vacation. Give credit for your source, of course!

Reading Lists" for Teachers and Parents" Grade 1 to 12 - Council for Exceptional Children- 2016
The Council for Exceptional Children presents these pages, which offer teachers and parents lists of pointers on how they can encourage reading with children, especially those who have a learning disability. The site includes tips on strategies which can make reading easier and more rewarding for these students.


Tips for Parents of Kindergarteners Grade K to 0 - Reading Rockets- 6815
Includes printable Acrobat files Read this web page or download a single sheet of suggestions to make reading together fun and funny, while encouraging the skills to make a lifelong reader. Teachers can download the tips in NINE languages in addition to English to print out and send home with your ESL/ELL students. Their parents will appreciate the opportunity to participate in their learning, and everyone wins. Printable require Acrobat Reader.

In the Classroom:
Send these home in the backpack parade or include the link from your teacher web page (or both).

Stories from the Web 0-7 Grade K to 1 - Birmingham Library Services- 7809
This resource requires Flash This site offers stories on line to listen to or read. Students can search for books by themes or alphabetically to read short reviews. Audio portions have a slight British accent. Pop up blockers may need to be turned off for some parts of the site. Flash is required. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.. Companion sites for ages 7-11 and 11-14 provide age-appropriate reading activities for other groups.

In the Classroom:
List the URL in your next class newsletter or on your teacher Web page for parents and students. Adult Info gives post-reading suggestions for discussions or activities that parents could use. Encourage individual students to write then submit stories to this site either at home or during free time on a classroom computer. (The site will not accept submissions from a whole class.) When they are posted, share the stories with the class using a projector. Don’t forget headphones for individual students or speakers if using with the whole class.

Children's Picture Books Grade 1 to 3 - - 6429
This site provides guidance for teachers and parents in selecting the perfect picture book for a child and offers suggestions for instilling a life-long love of reading in young students. Includes book reviews and links to author and illustrator Web sites. This is a wonderful resource to share with parents via your classroom, school, or library newsletter.


Book Sense Grade 1 to 6 - BookSense.com- 5919
Before sending your students out of the classroom for summer vacation, give them some suggestions for filling those unstructured days. This list of suggested summer reading for elementary and middles school students, covers a range of topics and includes something for everyone. Brief annotations provide useful information for teachers, parents, and librarians. You might want to recommend this site to parents in your end-of-year newsletter.


Tikatok Grade 1 to 8 - Tikatok- 9273
Includes lesson plan Teacher's First Edge Review: for slightly adventurous technology users and their students. Students and teachers can write your own original books, add your own images and artwork as illustrations, and read your published books in interactive, online form. This is the ultimate in "digital storytelling." See an example, created by the TeachersFirst Edge editors . Once you set up free membership in this site, students (or teachers) can select the general type of book you wish to write and then see "Story Sparks," templates to help you write the story. These teach common story map patterns as students write.

As you fill in the pages, you can also upload or add illustrations on each page. You can choose page color and a number of other options to make the book their own. After you save and publish the work, people can read the entire thing online, either among the audience you choose or publicly. There is an option to have the book printed for a fee, but this is not required. You can also read books by others (if they make them public), and comment or vote on favorites. You can even make a collection of “favorite” books to read from. You can also invite “friends” to write with you. This site requires Quicktime. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

This site requires a simple registration. Teachers (and parents) can create an account for use in the classroom with monitoring of what your students publish; details are on the registration page.

When viewing the “books” in the online, interactive version, be sure to click Full Screen (at top left when looking at others’ books or lower right of any book) to enlarge your view. Even if you are not ready to try creating your own, your students will enjoy reading the work of others you place in your “favorites.”

In the Classroom:
Skills needed: Join the site and log in. You must activate the registration via email (adults). Child accounts do not require email, but must register with an associated adult (teacher or parent) account. Take a quick video tour or explore on your own. Help and FAQ pages will assist those who want to move ahead carefully. The Studio is where you start or work on a book. You can also click to edit from your Bookshelf. Follow prompts for a new book: type of book or make your own. Find simple tools down the sides of pages. Drag pages into order below. Find tools to add images, upload image files, change text size and color (the little wrench), change paper color, etc. Make friends (must know their nickname) and invite them to work with you on a book or control this feature for your students, if they are writing. Find settings on each book you. Complete, determining who can see your books, comment on them, and print them. Share books via URL, email, or embedding the code in your blog, wiki, or web page.

Safety/security concerns: The opening page for outsiders and members shares featured, popular, and most active books, so you will want to preview for possibly inappropriate books created by others. As with any site where students can create content, you will want to obtain parent permission before posting student work online. This site is cautious about users under age 13, so it will email you when any student under your account does ANYTHING, and the audience appears to be mostly K-6 schools as of this writing. Be sure you are familiar with the sharing, friends, and book settings to control who can see student work.

Possible uses: See an example, created by the TeachersFirst Edge editors . The example is full of ideas for classroom use from Kindergarten to high school, including science concept tales, poetry books, general writing, math problem solve-its, and more. ANY grade can use this tool. By the way, the correct answer to the problem in the sample book is c. 27.

Tips: Set up the accounts for your students using your Gmail account and subaccounts. Do this in advance of your writing activity. At the time of this review the site is in beta, but they are changing that soon. They will be adding full teacher-features to make your life easier, as well (by fall, 2008). This one is worth trying now. You might consider creating a private “club” for your class to share and discuss books they create with each other. This safe introduction to social networking would provide an excellent teaching opportunity for 21st century literacy skills and online safety discussion.

For Kids By Kids Online Grade 2 to 8 - Cyberspace Research Unit- 9090
This resource requires Flash This site offers levels, important information about safe Internet use, at three difficulty It addresses kids' favorite ways to use technology, including cell phones, chat rooms, instant messaging, e-mail, etc. A glossary of Internet terms and warnings throughout the easy-to-read pages make the information accessible. It also motivates the students who use it to proceed carefully and thoughtfully while communicating and downloading information. The three levels (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) differentiate for prior Internet knowledge, rather than grade or reading level. The site is an excellent introduction to doing Internet research, as well.

This site comes from the UK, so some of the language is distinctly British. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
The site suggests having children take their parents through the steps on the site so both learn together. Parents can thus be assured that the child knows how to keep his or her communications safe. Put this in your newsletter home for parents and provide a link to this site on your class webpage. When introducing the history of the computer, project the site on your interactive whiteboard or projector.

The Story Connection Grade 2 to 6 - Dianne de las Casas- 9009
Includes printable Acrobat files This resource requires Flash This website offers printable (retold) stories by Dianne de las Casas. She offers quite a collection, and adds new stories each month. The stories come from all around the world. Other offerings on the site include holiday stories, fingerplays, play scripts, activities to do with stories, and puzzles. Don't forget to check out the extensive suggestions under Resources such as Story telling games. These help teachers and parents know what to do after they've all read a story together. Teachers, school librarians, and even parents can sign up for a free monthly newsletter about using stories in education; The Story Connection Express. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Use the activities in class after reading one of her stories from a country you have represented among your ESL or ELL students. Have your students write their own story activity suggestions after you have used a few of Dianne's. Be sure to include this link on your class website and in your letter home to parents. Suggest that they read just one short story and find accompanying activities for the family to do.

Mrs. Cassidy's Leveled Reading Web Page Grade K to 2 - Kathy Cassidy- 8808
This resource requires Flash This site, chock full of links to interactive sites, sends the student to activities according to the guided reading levels used in their primary classrooms. Mrs. Cassidy, web creator of Browser Books (accessed by clicking link on this homepage), encourages parents to promote literacy by allowing their child to try the activities at home. Skills learned at each level will be reinforced by playing the games linked through the color-coded tab.

In the Classroom:
Teachers, click on the “Note to Parents and Teachers” link below the home page title. Mrs. Cassidy explains her log-in system for her classroom. This system rewards better reading and advanced games and activities by encouraging the student to advance through a color-coded system. You may want to duplicate this practical system. A word of warning: You may want to tell your primary child that “colour” isn’t misspelled, according to Canadians (British English).

Raise a Reader Grade K to 4 - Illinois Reading Council- 7758
Includes printable Acrobat files The Illinois Reading Council has selected 12 favorite children's books and created many activities to go with the books. Many of the books may be ones you include in your classroom or find in your literature series. These activities include books and newspapers as well as reading and writing. The activities are designed to be used within families but most would be appropriate for classroom use. Besides the twelve featured books, there are more extensive bibliographies divided by grade level.

In the Classroom:
Suggest this site to parents to help their children with reading by including the link on your teacher web page or in a newsletter sent home. You might want to share the list with your school librarian in case children ask for the books.

ALA Summer Reading List of Books Grade K to 12 - American Library Association- 9337
Need suggestions for a summer reading list? Check out this comprehensive site by the American Library Association. From the Newbery and Caldecott winners to the 100 Best Paperbacks, you will find incredible lists of book suggestions.

In the Classroom:
Make sure you post this link on your class web page or classroom newsletter so parents can find quality book suggestions for summer reading. Reward students if they read a certain number of books on a particular list. Or design a "themed" readng challenge using one of these lists and a clever name, such as "The Path to Good Books" (with footprint-shaped recording sheets) for students to post in a "path" around the room when they return to school or complete the challenge.

Higher Bitesize Revision - Trigonometry Grade 9 to 12 - BBC- 9325
This resource requires Flash This website, created by the BBC, includes review information (referred to as "revise") and online tests created specifically for trigonometry students ages 16+. Some of the material would be useful in the lower secondary grades also. Although this website may appear "plain vanilla," there is a wealth of information and activities just waiting to be explored. There are three higher-level trigonometry topics: Radians and Equations, Compound and Multiple Angles, and The Auxiliary Angle. Once you click on the main topics, there is a list of countless subtopics.

The website includes a Site Guide (to assist teachers, parents, and students in navigating the site) and an "Ask a Teacher" link for students to read previous questions from students (and the answers) about specific difficult concepts. Since this site was created by the UK, you may notice some slight language differences. Much of the information is available in a printable format. A few of the activities require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Project the "Revise" information on a projector or interactive whiteboard. Use the information as an anticipatory set for a new lesson or as a review prior to a quiz or test. Project the quiz and have students work at their seats. (Students will need a piece of paper to complete the online quiz, it is not interactive.) Be sure to include this link on your class website, so students can access the site and practice at home.

Higher Bitesize Revision - Calculus Grade 9 to 12 - BBC- 9324
This resource requires Flash Although this website doesn't appear especially engaging, there is a wealth of information and activities just waiting to be explored. The two main topics, Differentiation and Integration, both include numerous subtopics with a great deal of information. This website, created by the BBC, includes review information (referred to as "revise") and online tests created specifically for calculus students ages 16+. Some of the material would be useful in pre-calc.

The website includes a Site Guide (to assist teachers, parents, and students in navigating the site) and an "Ask a Teacher" link for students to read previous questions from students (and the answers) about specific difficult concepts. Since this site was created by the UK, you may notice some slight language differences. Much of the information is available in a printable format. A few of the activities require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Use this website in your Calculus class on an interactive whiteboard or projector. The "Revise" information would work as an anticipatory set for a new lesson or a review prior to the test. Have students work on individual computers to try the online quiz. Students will need a piece of paper to complete the online quiz, it is not interactive. Be sure to include this link on your class website, so students can access the site for practice at home.

Higher Bitesize Revision - Geometry Grade 7 to 12 - BBC- 9323
This resource requires Flash This website, designed by the BBC for geometry students ages 16+, could be useful in lower levels of geometry instruction. The website features three main topics; The Straight Line, Vectors, and The Circle. Each of the topics includes buttons for "Revise" or "Test." The "revise" button offers a detailed review of the topic. (Revise is the word used by the British to convey the American word Review.) The website also includes a Site Guide (to assist teachers, parents, and students in navigating the site) and an "Ask a Teacher" link for students to read previous questions from students (and the answers) about specific difficult concepts. Since this site was created by the UK, Americans may notice some slight language differences. Much of the information is available in a printable format. A few of the activities require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Use this site in your geometry classes on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Share the "Revise" information to review for a test or quiz on the specific topic. Then have students work on computers in pairs or independently to take the online test. If computers aren't available, simply print out the online test and have students work together or independently.

Be sure to list this link on your class website, so students can use the information to review and practice at home.

Higher Bitesize Revision - Algebra Grade 9 to 12 - BBC- 9322
This resource requires Flash Created by the BBC, this website offers higher-level algebra information and practice activities for algebra students ages 16+. Some of the information would be useful in pre-algebra classes also. Specific algebraic topics include Function, Polynomials, Recurrence Relations, Quadratic Theory, & Logarithms . Each topic includes a link to review activities (referred to as "Revise" on this British website) and online practice tests.

The website also includes a Site Guide (to assist teachers, parents, and students in navigating the site) and an "Ask a Teacher" link for students to read previous questions from students (and the answers) about specific difficult algebra concepts. Since this site was created by the UK, Americans may notice some slight language differences. Much of the information is available in a printable format. A few of the activities require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Be sure to list this link on your class website, so students can use the information to review and practice at home. In the classroom, use an interactive whiteboard or projector to share the information and take the online test together. The Revise activities could be used as an anticipatory set for a new lesson or a review prior to a test. Have students try their hands at the online test using individual computers. If individual computers aren't available, print out the tests and send them home for additional practice.

Literactive Grade K to 3 - Entertainment & Information Industries Ltd - 8891
This resource requires Flash This site assists beginning readers by providing screen sized, illustrated stories with limited rhyming vocabulary. You are required to go through a free registration. You can play rhyming games with the newly-learned words. The site also has a sections of stories for ESL and ELL students, guided reading for kindergarten students, downloadable traditional picture books, e-poetry, and many learning activities! Some of the topics of the learning activities include Match the Sounds, Sequence Game, and several others. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Provide this link in your class newsletter and on your class website, so parents can reinforce the reading skills you are teaching their children in school. Share the activities link with your students on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Then have your students explore the activities with a partner on your classroom computer center or cluster.

Games Parents Teachers: A Parent-Teacher Toolkit Grade 3 to 12 - Marc Prensky and games2train.com- 8579
Computer gaming occupies much of your students' or child's time. This site equips you with the knowledge of what different games are about and what questions you -- as teacher or parent -- should ask of your child. Just click on the game's title and read the recommendations for parents and teachers. This site houses resources and recommended websites for understanding computer gaming and gamers as well. Note that the site is created with a positive bias about computer/video games. Some of the ideas for discussion are, however, good ones, especially if you know your students are playing the games anyway!

In the Classroom:
There are options for teachers to share their ideas for using games as part of instruction, though few have conrtributed as of the time of this review.

podOmatic Grade 1 to 12 - podOmatic- 8094
This resource requires Flash TeachersFirst Edge Entry: for moderately adventurous technology users. Create simple audio podcasts using this online tool and the free space they provide. Simply put, this tool lets you create and place sound recordings online for people to listen to and/or download from a web site. The site itself is a "web 2.0," social networking style site, so some schools may have it blocked. Ask about unblocking just YOUR teacher account so you can have students access it from school.

What can it do? You can record sound directly with the microphone built or plugged into your computer and make it available for people to listen to online or download to their MP3 player. See and hear a sample we made for you. Some possible uses: You record your homework assignments or directions; students create "you are there" recordings as "eyewitnesses" to historical or current events; students create advertisements for concepts studied in class (Buy Dynamic DNA!); students write and record their own stories; language students or beginning readers record their fluency with reading passages; allow parents to hear their child's progress reading aloud,etc.

In the Classroom:
Skills needed: Join site (free), attach a mike or use a built-in computer mike, create the podcast by clicking a record button,(you may have to tell your computer to "allow" nonsecure items over and over), carefully select or SKIP many sharing mechanisms for safety's sake, limit any identifiable information with the podcasts, choose a background for your podcast page, share the link only with your students and parents. If you have students record podcasts as assignments, you may need multiple accounts because the free accounts have limited file space. An elementary teacher might have enough space for 25 students to keep a limited number of products, depending upon length. The site will tell you how much space each podcast takes and how much you have left.

Traumatized children: Tips for Parents and Educators Grade K to 12 - Stephen E. Brock, PhD, NASP- 8077
Includes printable Acrobat files Parents and educators can find valuable information on helping students handle traumatic situations, both close by and in the media, by reading this article offered by the National Association of School Psychologists. Requires Acrobat Reader. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Share this article with colleagues and parents at times of crisis.

Tips for School Administrators for Reinforcing School Safety Grade K to 12 - NASP- 8075
Includes printable Acrobat files Though titled for administrators, this article is a must-read for all education professionals interested in making their schools safe and secure. There are ideas for planning, communication, parent information, and general security that should be automatic in every school.

In the Classroom:
Share this with your building faculty, perhaps at a meeting so you can all be on the "same page." There is a printable version available for download (Acrobat file)so you can include it with your agenda.

Kwanzaa Fun from Billy Bear for Kids, Parents and Teachers Grade K to 5 - Billybear4kids- 7968
This site is very informative and appropriate for elementary students. There are numerous reproducible crafts, pages, writing and reading activities. There are also interactive Java games (coloring, tic-tac-toe and more). This site has 20+ ideas and activities that could easily be incorporated into an elementary classroom.


Parental Control Software Grade K to 12 - Consumer Search- 7589
The online magazine article (updated 2006) is actually a compilation of several reviews of Internet filtering tools for parents to use on home computers. Read the full article or skip to the "Fast Answers."


Bus Safety Basics Grade K to 12 - TeachersAndFamilies- 7582
This site provides helpful tips on bus safety. It is useful as parent information, but can also be part of your lessons on bus safety with younger elementary children. Since they are not able to read at this level, the site is best shared with parents at the same time as your classroom discussions on the same topic.

In the Classroom:
This article may be a useful reference for some of your parents. Share the link on your teacher web page or in a newsletter or note sent home.

TeachersFirst Reading Suggestions Grade K to 12 - TeachersFirst- 7492
Reading lets students create their own adventures. Our teacher-editors have selected titles that have shown continuing appeal, whether for school or recreation. We add new titles all the time, so check back here frequently.

In the Classroom:
Share this link on your teacher web page and in your newsletters to parents to promote reading.

My Hero Grade K to 12 - My Hero Project- 7433
Includes printable Acrobat files Includes lesson plan This resource requires Flash Looking for an online project-based interactive website that encourages literacy and cross-cultural communication? Looking for an alternative culminating project or process writing project for your secondary classes? Trying to help your high school juniors and seniors create an interesting college "essay" or portfolio piece? Join other adults and children from around the world by adding your essay, artwork or video about a hero on this non-profit, ad-free web site. You and your students can use this site with basic word processing knowledge -- or take it further if you are more technically capable.Site registration is required. Site is available in Spanish. Flash, Acrobat Reader and Quicktime are required. Get them from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Be sure to visit the Teacher’s Resource section for helpful hints and links. Use any word processing program to type essays, then copy and paste into the My Hero class page. Provide a link to the class page on your teacher web page so students, parents, and relatives can read the essays. As always follow your district policies regarding posting student work on the Internet. It is HIGHLY advisable to get written parent permission for such a project!

Very young students could work together as a class to write their entry. Older students and those with more technology available will definitely want to try the videos! If you know iMovie or Windows Moviemaker, this is a terrific project. It is well-suited for gifted students, as well.

10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Violence in Your School Community Grade K to 12 - PTA- 7364
This site provides ten easy-to-follow suggestions for becoming involved and staying involved with children in the school system in order to lower the rate of school violence. The ten suggestions are neatly organized with brief explanations and examples for quick reading. This would be a great tool for parents not only regarding school violence, but simply how to stay involved with their children and the school district.

In the Classroom:
Provide as a link on classroom web page. Send a copy home to reach out to parents and get them involved. Share this information with your principal or at a faculty meeting for a building-wide effort.

Clifford the Big Red Dog Grade K to 2 - PBSkids- 7230
This resource requires Flash This site offers interactive stories about Clifford and his friends. Students can read along as they listen to the story or read on their own. Story builder allows students to customize the story by choosing the topic and who the story will be about. Flash is required. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Use this site as a center (if several computers or laptops are available) or as an activity that students can do when finished with other work. Don’t forget headphones to prevent distractions to other students. Provide a link on your teacher web page for parents to visit the parents and teachers section for activities they can do with their child at home after reading other Clifford books.

Marcia's Lesson Links Grade K to 5 - - 7013
Includes lesson plan This is an exceptional site for elementary links of all sorts. It was last updated, with links checked on 9-9-06. Ordinarily I would not recommend a site full of links; however, this has so many good ones compacted in one place, it seems silly to turn it down. There are links for math, reading, seasonal and holiday activities, as well as links specifically for parents. The site contains a wealth of rubrics and organizers which are great for the elementary student. Some new activities can spice up your plans and add to what you already do. The variety of things offered really does add depth to your well of tricks. The Math Tubs activities are ready-to-go, original lesson ideas.

In the Classroom:
Unlike TeachersFirst, this page does not offer the ability to search. The best way to check out these resources may be to click through on a day off or weekend to find the best selections for your classroom use and mark them in your Favorites. Be sure to give each Favorite a meaningful name and to file them in folders to find them easily. If you are an adventurous user, you might want to try using Del.icio.us, a "social bookmarking" tool you can click to add as you go through the sites. Learn more about Del.icio.us at the TeachersFirst Edge .

Find your kid’s online blog Grade 3 to 12 - Kim Komando- 6967
Parents concerned about Internet safety and their teen (or preteen)'s online information-sharing should read this article. It may sound devious to check up on your children, but the era of social networking makes it a must-talk topic. Your child or young adult may not realize the serious safety issues involved with having online space. Trying to "just say no" will not work on this issue. Have the conversation. Although this may not be a classroom issue, the negative sides of social networking tools are harming the positive tools for learning made available through the same technologies.

In the Classroom:
Teachers may want to share this article with parents to help them get the dialog started.

PBS Kids' Stories Grade K to 2 - PBS- 6885
Interactive online stories support and add to the PBS Between the Lions series for early readers. Additional activities, related books, songs, games, and further activities create a rich resource for both teachers and parents. All stories and materials are also available to print for classroom or home use. This excellent-quality site is constantly being updated with curriculum and tech support. There are suggestions for further reading following each story.

In the Classroom:
Students will enjoy having this opportunity to have their "own" book! When they see what they've been reading in school is also on TV, they'll be delighted. Print out some take-home books or include the link on your teacher web site.

Helping Your Child Series Grade K to 8 - US Department of Education- 6865
Includes printable Acrobat files Encourage parents to become involved with their children's education using these helpful, downloadable booklets on helping your child with science, history, math, reading, homework, early adolescence, preschool, general success in school, and being a responsible citizen. Some are geared for elementary only and others extend through middle school. Most are also available in Spanish versions, as well. Download as a pdf (Acrobat file) or Word document. You can order copies, but it may be easier and faster to simply print your own.

In the Classroom:
Hand these booklets out at back to school night, open house, or conferences. Encourage parents to become involved supportively. Remember that you need Acrobat Reader to open pdf files.Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

Introduction to Web 2.0 Grade 9 to 12 - Joshua Porter- 6720
MySpace, Xanga, FaceBook, Moodle, blogs, Flickr, wikis, podcasts, and more! Is geek-speak Greek to you? If you have not heard the term yet, you will soon: Web 2.0 is the term for the new generation of web-based collaborative tools and other uses of the web. Your students use them in MySpace and Xanga, but these are just two small pieces of a much larger picture. If you are technology-curious or want to know what your students are talking about, take the time to read this explanation by one of the movers and shakers of web 2.0. The discussion includes some tech jargon and some of tuhe underlying philosophy behind it--not a "light" read in some spots, but it makes sense. The page is actually created with one of web 2.0's tools: Squidoo.

In the Classroom:
Read for your own professional knowledge to stay ahead of the tech game, or share this site with mystified-but-curious parents and administrators, as well.You could even assign your computer students, tech ed classes, or techie students to use this site as a reference for a research project on the future of the web. Gifted classes would find it particulaly useful. The reading and conceptual level is definitely hgh school to adult.

Grow Up Reading Grade K to 2 - West Bloomfield Township Public Library- 6570
This Web site, developed by a public library, is filled with excellent information on instilling a joy of reading in young children. Includes helpful book suggestions, book selection tips, and a list of do's and don'ts when reading aloud.

In the Classroom:
Keep your primary students interested in reading even during summer vacation by sharing this resource with parents before the end of the year.

Book Hive Grade 1 to 6 - Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County- 6473
Both students and parents can use this wonderful collection of reviews to help find books appropriate for specific reading levels and areas of interest. Search by author, title, level, topic, illustrator, and number of pages. (Click "advanced search" for more options.) The site also offers a "storytelling" feature (headphones needed) and a page filled with interactive and printable activities.


Aunty Math Grade 2 to 4 - Dupage Children's Museum- 5563
Twice each month, Aunty Math will post a math challenge in the form of a story taken from her life. Solve the problem, post the answer, and check back in a few days to read Aunty Math's personal reply. Click on the "Modify/extend this Challenge" link to find helpful parent and teacher tips for using the challenges with a variety of learners.


Checkpoints for Progress Grade 1 to 12 - US Dept. of Education- 5392
This helpful checklist of reading and writing skills outlines what parents should expect to see from their children at each grade level. The site provides reading lists and practical tips for helping students to hone their language arts skills.


Children’s Literature Choices Grade 1 to 8 - - 5390
Help parents make appropriate literary choices for their students with this book list, organized by age, and comprised of selections that have been critically evaluated by Children’s Literature reviewers.


On-Lion for Kids! Grade 1 to 8 - NY Public Library- 5319
The New York Public Library offers this just-for-kids portal featuring links to sites by subject (science and technology, arts, games, sports, people and places), reading and book lists, book reviews written by kids, and helpful resources for parents and teachers.


A Page-Turner Guide to Kids’ Books for Summer Grade 1 to 7 - - 5222
Even if it's not summertime, this reading list can provide librarians, teachers, and parents with great suggestions. "Best bets" in picture books, chapter books, and teen books are provided along with summaries and "alerts" regarding language or subject matter. A variety of reading level, subjects, and styles are included.


Katerpillars and Mystery Bugs Grade 2 to 8 - University of Kentucky Department of Etymology- 5066
This site provides activities, projects, games, and reading lists that can enhance a life science lesson on creepy-crawlies by introducing the real thing! Browse through the "Teacher/Parent Resource Materials" and check out the collection of units and lesson plans that require students to observe, interact with, and record their experiences with a variety of insects. The "Teacher’s Guide to Six-Legged Science" provides invaluable background information and helpful tips, especially for teachers who are a bit tentative about welcoming bugs into their classrooms.


World of Peter Rabbit Grade 1 to 4 - Frederick Warne & Co- 5040
Introduce your students to the charming and gentle world of Beatrix Potter with this beautifully designed site. Students can visit the "Fun!" section and print out coloring book pages; meet her most beloved characters including Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and Squirrel Nutkin; and participate in "Storytime" with audio reading of her famous stories, complete with animated illustrations based on her original watercolors. Biographical information about the author and her life in the Lake District of England is also included along with some simple crafts that children can make with help from teachers or parents. Available in British, American, German, French, and Japanese versions.


Count Us In Grade 1 to 2 - Australian Broadcasting- 4671
This resource requires Flash This set of 15 flash-based games for K-1 students teaches the basics of number theory, counting, and the like. Students click, or drag-and-drop to complete each game. The instructions, however, require reading ability, so teachers or parents will likely need to help out, at least the first time they introduce each game. As a bonus, users may download the games for individual use.


Parents’ Choice Foundation Grade 1 to 6 - - 4630
This non-profit organization recommends books and educational toys and games for young people.

In the Classroom:
Teachers may want to suggest this one to interested parents.

Nutrition for Parents Grade 1 to 12 - USDA- 4600
This US Department of Agriculture site provides valuable information for parents interested in teaching their children healthy eating habits. The site has a seasonal guide for healthy eating, ten tips for planning healthy school lunches, activities that parents and children can do together, and a list of health conscious reading resources sorted by age-group.


Understanding University Success Grade 8 to 12 - - 4400
Includes printable Acrobat files While there’s a wealth of “common knowledge” about what it takes to succeed in higher education, specific discussions of the factors and preparation that let students succeed is harder to find. Developed by a consortium of leading universities, this online PDF reference is the sort of reading that counselors, parents, and students should have available when they begin to plan their high school careers.Remember that your computer will have to open Acrobat Reader to open the reference pages and booklet. Be patient if you are on a slower connection.

In the Classroom:
Guidance counselors will find this one especially useful.

History - MIT Open Courseware Grade 9 to 12 - Massachusetts Institute of Technology- 4066

In the Classroom:
High school history teachers, especially those teaching AP students, may find MIT’s online course materials useful. MIT has committed to putting its entire curriculum on the web, and these early offerings include syllabi, reading materials, and a variety of subject-specific class notes. Before using these pages, teachers, students, and parents should all be aware of what Open Courseware is and is not.

Political Science - MIT Open Courseware Grade 9 to 12 - Massachusetts Institute of Technology- 4065

In the Classroom:
High school government and history teachers, especially those teaching AP students, may find MIT’s online course materials useful. MIT has committed to putting its entire curriculum on the web, and these early offerings include syllabi, reading materials, and a variety of subject-specific class notes. Before using these pages, teachers, students, and parents should all be aware of what Open Courseware is and is not.

Chemistry - MIT Open Courseware Grade 9 to 12 - Massachusetts Institute of Technology- 4063

In the Classroom:
High school chemistry teachers, especially those teaching AP students, may find MIT’s online course materials useful. MIT has committed to putting its entire curriculum on the web, and these early offerings include syllabi, reading materials, and a variety of subject-specific class notes. Before using these pages, teachers, students, and parents should all be aware of what Open Courseware is and is not.

Economics - MIT Open Courseware Grade 9 to 12 - Massachusetts Institute of Technology- 4062

In the Classroom:
High school economics teachers, especially those teaching AP students, may find MIT’s online course materials useful. MIT has committed to putting its entire curriculum on the web, and these early offerings include syllabi, reading materials, and a variety of subject-specific class notes. Before using these pages, teachers, students, and parents should all be aware of what Open Courseware is and is not.

Mathematics – MIT Open Courseware Grade 9 to 12 - Massachusetts Institute of Technology- 4061

In the Classroom:
High school math teachers, especially those teaching AP students, may find MIT’s online course materials useful. MIT has committed to putting its entire curriculum on the web, and these early offerings include syllabi, reading materials, and a variety of subject-specific class notes. Before using these pages, teachers, students, and parents should all be aware of what Open Courseware is and is not.

Mathematical Cartwheels Grade 6 to 12 - The Irascible Professor- 3970
Teachers and parents alike will be interested in this parent’s saga of their son’s experience with an overwhelming advanced math class. Readers should be sure to read the editor’s response, which offers a helpful commentary on when “advanced” coursework becomes excessive. The editor, a faculty member at a California University, publishes commentary on educational issues from time to time.


LD OnLine...The Interactive Guide to Learning Disabilities Grade 1 to 12 - - 2012
An information-loaded site for parents, teachers, and children dealing with learning disabilities. It has a special section just for teachers with constantly updated material, as well as an online ordering service where you can read about and order books and videos. The "LD in Depth" section is especially helpful: you can find the latest news and articles by the experts on an array of topics, including Early Identification, Reading, Social Skills, Transition, Gifted/LD, and more. Click on "for Teachers" in this section to find teaching strategies, or visit the bulletin boards to exchange ideas with other teachers. Kidzone affords children with Learning Disabilities a place to "publish" their work. This is a "must see" site!


Ready Set Read for Families Grade 1 to 0 - U.S. Department of Education- 1458

In the Classroom:
This site offers tips for parents from the Department of Education.

Helping Your Child Use the Library Grade 1 to 6 - U.S. Department of Education- 1456

In the Classroom:
This site offers tips for parents from the Department of Education.

Helping Your Child Get Ready for School Grade 1 to 0 - U.S. Department of Education- 1446

In the Classroom:
This site offers tips for parents from the Department of Education.

Helping Your Child Become a Better Reader Grade 1 to 5 - U.S. Department of Education- 1213

In the Classroom:
This site offers tips for parents from the Department of Education.

Electronic Read-Arounds and Other Computer-Writing Grade 7 to 12 - NCTE- 985
Includes lesson plan Use the computer to teach writing in new ways using the ideas in this article. Scholarly references and practical ideas are both included. This site give teachers or involved parents new ways to emphasize writing process and willing revision.


Scholastic Grade 1 to 12 - Scholastic- 394
This site is for reading and distance learning. It contains book clubs, parent, teacher, student, magazines. It also has teacher to teacher forums and a software club.


First Grade Backpack - Reading Grade 1 to 2 - Privately Published- 356
Here's a selection of book and author sites compiled expressly for primary students. They provide quick access to a group of reading resources for first or second grade. Some can be used by students directly; others may require some help from the teacher or parent. This site also contains arithmetic and geography sections.


Book Adventure Grade 1 to 6 - - 339
A commercially sponsored contest site designed to encourage students to read. There are sections for teachers, students, and parents, as well as a list of sponsors. Could be useful for teachers seeking incentives for reading.


EServer Grade 9 to 12 - - 18
The EServer (originally founded as the English Server) is a cooperative which has been publishing humanities materials since 1990. It currently offers over thirty-five thousand works. A few of its many general topic categories include: 18th Century Studies, Cultural Theory, Recipes, Literacy and Education, Marx and Engels, and Rhetoric. This is a comprehensive and rich site well worth a look.

In the Classroom:
Include this site on your teacher web page for students and parents to access as an extensive reading resource.

America Reads Grade 1 to 12 - US Government- 1
This site provides an overview of the U.S. Department of Education’s program America Reads Challenge, including explanations of Legislation, federal initiatives and Title I programs. Although the initiative is no longer ongoing, the site provides examples of successful after-school tutoring and in-home tutoring programs.

In the Classroom:
Share this link on your teacher web page and/or in a parent newsletter for those who are dealing with these challenges.

ESL Podcasts Grade 5 to 12 - Internet TESL Journal- 9192
This resource requires Flash This site offers a continually updated variety of podcasts on news subjects at a level appropriate for ESL and ELL students. A short description tells the subject of the podcast as well as other extras like quizzes, speakers, and creators or originators. Students and teachers can listen from the Internet or download to an MP3 player or local computer. A "Read the Web Page" link takes viewers to the news article or other special feature mentioned in the broadcast. Be certain to preview the podcasts that you plan to use in your class. Some are not appropriate for elementary students and young adolescents. This website requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Use this page to listen to current events news in simple English. Play them on your speakers for an entire class or provide headphones for individual listening. Have the students try to write the main points of the podcast they listen to and then check their listening against the webpage with the original article. Special education teachers may want to use this resource as an adapted way for students to read and submit weekly current events articles. Mark this site as a favorite on your classroom computer so students can use it during their free time with headphones. Share the link on your teacher web pages for parents and students to access quickly from home, but be sure to suggest that parents of younger students monitor the topics for appropriateness.

Scribd Grade 9 to 12 - Trip Adler , Jared Friedman, Tikhon Bernstam - 8605
TeachersFirst Edge tool: for moderately adventurous technology users. This online file storage and sharing space allows you to upload Word documents, Excel files, pdfs, PowerPoint files, and other formats and keep them in a place where others (or just you) can access them. Scribed provides tools to convert between file types, for example to make a Word document into a pdf (readable in Acrobat Reader on most computers)or even to convert it into a SOUND file (MP3). The sound conversion apparently takes some time, as our editors found when uploading a sample. The default set-up makes files public when you upload, so you are , in effect, "publishing" them to the web, but you also have options to make them "private," i.e. limited access via a private URL for that document, or to make them only available to a certain "group." You can create or join groups, as well. Our editors made a sample that is "private," but available via this link. The site uses FLASH, so be sure you have the plug-in.

In the Classroom:
Skills needed: Join (free). Email address is optional. Determine whether you have the copyright to the file(s) you wish to upload. You may ONLY upload files to which you hold the rights. Locate files on your computer and upload them. (Read FAQ for file types that are permissible). Choose options for that file: tags, private/public, etc. Create groups, such as for your class or group projects. Determine rights of the groups---who uploads? Who administers the group? You can also bulk upload. There is also a "collections" feature within your account, possible for different types of work, different student authors, etc. If you have a class log, click "more options" at the left of a document display to copy code and embed the actual Scribd file in your blog---a SAFE way to share it without sending students to Scribd.

How would you use this? As a productivity tool for yourself, you can make all your own files available from any computer, so you will never say, "I left it on my desktop at home." This is handy for itinerant teachers or forgetful students. Having pdf versions of handouts available with a few clicks makes it easy to share them with students via email or links on your teacher web page. As an instructional tool, you will first need to manage some safety issues. Scribd is a site for the general public, a]so the texts available can have objectionable subject matter. "Browsing" Scribd is not an option for the classroom unless they launch a Squeaky-clean education version. If more mature students want to maintain (and even share) a writing portfolio to accompany college applications or simply document their growth as a writer over time, this tool is great, It will even save "versions" of documents to show writing process. There are some other ideas in our sample document. For safety reasons, we recommend a written Scibd policy for your classroom requiring parent permission for using the site, maintaining limited access for class members of selected "collaborators," such as a partner class from another school, and strict NO BROWSING, NO COMMENTING , NO JOINING GROUPS unless they are known to the teacher. The simplest way to control this is to have all students use ONE account (that you can monitor) and create individual collections or "tag" their work with their initials or some other unique identifier. This would allow everyone to "keep" work there, so you can open drafts on a whiteboard, access writings from a few months ago for comparison side-by-side, etc.

A "possible uses" list: Share handouts or study guides (yours or student-made) Share permission forms, lab report formats, assignments, calendars, project rubrics and details, science fair documents, collaborative writing or group projects. Create an online literary magazine "dropbox." Encourage student responsibility by suggesting they maintain their own file repository on Scribd so they ALWAYS have their homework. Help students "hear" their own drafts read aloud (if the audio conversion works quickly enough). Share all lab data from a science experiment so students have a large data set to analyze. Then share their lab reports. Have students "turn in" any assignment to your group (if you and their parents think they are trustworthy on the site alone). The list goes on and on...

Mem Fox: Teaching, Learning, Living Grade K to 7 - Mem Fox- 8551
This author page features plenty of ideas about how to help kids enjoy reading and includes many stories. Hear Mem Fox reading her own stories (click Hear Mem Read Aloud). She gives advice on how to read to children and gives great examples. This author page has many good suggestions for promoting literacy and love of reading. There is also a section of advice on writing your own picture book for children, an excellent writing activity for upper elementary and middle school students. Parts of this site require Quick Time. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Create shortcut to Mem reading aloud on your classroom computer for a center activity for primary grades, and place a copy of Mem's book there for students to follow along. Print out Mem's suggestions for reading aloud to give to parents at conferences or share this site on your teacher home page for parent and students to access from home. For older students, this site is an excellent resource for planning cross-grade reading activities for Read Across America or other special times, including having middle school students write picture books for young students, then share them at an in-person visit or on a podcast recording.PowerPoint slides are an easy way to "create" and share large format picture books electronically.

Kids Book Club Book Grade 2 to 12 - Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp- 8547
This site, a companion to a print book, focuses on ideas and activities for book clubs, including short summaries of books, recipes, and activities paired up with featured books. Books included are of many levels and genres, all of high interest for children. Children's authors write some of the book reviews; book club members are welcome to list their book club, book descriptions, and activities on the site as well. Links include an author section with a comprehensive list of authors who will speak to your book clubs by phone and authors and illustrators willing to visit your school.

In the Classroom:
Find food ideas and activities to promote reading on this site! Mention this site to your school librarian for use with school book clubs. FCS teachers may want to coordinate some of the recipes with books featured in language arts class. Parents would appreciate the link on your teacher web page or newsletter so they can encourage reading at home. Your school parent organization can find great ideas, as well. Make this link part of your family literacy treasury.

Dr. E's Energy Lab Grade 4 to 12 - U. S. Department of Energy- 8439
Includes printable Acrobat files Includes lesson plan This resource requires Flash If you have any hesitation that students think energy is 'uncool,' think again. They will spend oodles of time exploring the many facets of this site. Click on the various types of energy from the homepage to start the exploration. Interactive games, lesson plans, crafts, printable sheets, and tons of information that we all need to know to survive on this planet is handily available here. Reading teachers will appreciate some of Lolly's animated cartoons (located at Funergy); they have sound effects, but students must read the captions. While some of the Dr. E drawings look like they are intended for a young audience, don't be fooled. Heavy information for the high school student is housed behind the "cutesy" cover.

In the Classroom:
If energy is a subject you teach in your classroom, there are several pages at this site that would work well on a whiteboard. You will want to explore on your own to find all the teaching materials and activities, since the links "run deep." Share this site on your teach web page during your energy unit, since many activities can include parents, as well.The alternative fuels, renewable energy, and conservation sections are also ideal for Earth Day activities.

VoiceThread Grade K to 12 - VoiceThread- 8315
This resource requires Flash TeachersFirst Edge entry: for moderately adventurous technology users. Voicethread allows you to upload images (from your digital camera, scanner, or even paint program), then allow students to record their own comments and/or narration about the images. TeachersFirst is providing the link to the VoiceThread home page but suggests that you first read this forum post about FREE Pro level memberships being offered for classroom teachers now that Voicethread is out of beta. You can click to go to the home page from there. VoiceThread explains how to set up a classroom account and has some ideas for classroom use, as well. Some uses we suggest: elementary classes can create or take pictures, then ask each child to talk about the images. After a field trip, you can assign groups of students to explain the digital pictures you take and how they relate to curriculum topics. In art class, students can critique works of their own or of fellow students. In language arts classes, students can scan and comment on writing pieces as part of a reflective phase of the writing process. Or post an image as a prewriting activity and allow students to respond orally in an idea-generating phase. In social studies, have students provide a picture of a grandparent then narrate what they learned about that grandparent from interviewing him/her. This would work well for local history projects (pictures of local sites) or war veteran stories, as well. Speech/language, ESL/ELL or early childhood teachers will use this tool to promote vocabulary development and oral expression.

Of course, you should be sure that you have the RIGHTS to the images you upload. Fair Use does not apply when you put an image on the web! This site requires FLASH.

In the Classroom:
Skills needed: join the site (free) and set up student identities. TeachersFirst does not recommend using actual pictures of the children. Let them draw a picture or take a digital picture of an object that somehow represents them (middle schoolers will love that idea!). Use first names only. You need to know how to locate and upload saved pictures. You WILL need a microphone, either plugged into your computer or built in. They can be purchased for less than $10 at a discount or electronics store. TeachersFirst recommends that you explain the VoiceThread projects via a note sent home and get parent permission to post student work to the web, even anonymously. Then invite parents to share in the results (The VoiceThread classroom page tells you more about this).

Colorin Colorado Grade 1 to 10 - WETA- 8282
Includes lesson plan This resource requires Flash This totally bilingual website (a collaboration between Reading Rockets and the American Federation of Teachers) is packed with information for both ELL and regular classroom instructors about how to encourage reading. Although the focus is on Spanish speaking students, the information is specific and easily adaptable for all reading learners. Lots of information is available on the site concerning not only reading instructional techniques, but how to deal with families of Hispanic students, placement and assessment, and important authors. Webcast information programs include accompanying reading and discussion questions. This site is a good resource to help meet the needs of increasing numbers of students born speaking other languages. This site requires Flash and Windows Media Player. Get them from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.. You must use Internet Explorer to view the webcasts. You can download podcasts using Google Video, iTunes, OMN,etc. Podcasts and video selections add to the multimedia attractiveness of the site.

In the Classroom:
All classroom teachers who have ELL students should consider this a primary source of information about how to teach and deal with second language learners. Share this link on your teacher web page and/or in a parent newsletter for those who are dealing with the challenges of the increasing number of ELL students.

Scholastic News Online Grade 3 to 8 - Scholastic, Inc.- 7685
Includes lesson plan Resource aligns to standards This resource requires Flash This free site offers daily news on current events along with in-depth special reports, polls to participate in, games and quizzes on a variety of topics. Scholastic News Online can be used alone or as an extension of the Scholastic Classroom Magazines. Be sure to visit the Homework Hub for information students (and teachers) can use for getting organized, taking notes, writing and plagiarism, test taking tips, and research. Parent section offers tips for discussing current events with their child. Flash is needed for some games and videos. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Put a link on your teacher web page for parents and students to access it at home or in study times at school. Preview the site to determine which news stories best suit your curriculum and the age of your students. Younger classes may need help reading some of the articles: use a projector so the news story can be read aloud as students follow along. Take a class vote after viewing the Vote Now! Poll and graph the class results. After posting the class vote, compare the class results with the results of the poll on the site.

GuruLib (beta) Grade 1 to 12 - - 7192
TeachersFirst Edge entry: for the more adventurous technology user. GuruLib is a great way to organize and annotate your classroom library. If you can find the ISBN number on your books or UPC codes on CDs/DVDs, you can enter the full information on these items into a library that students can use to find favorites to borrow (you can even sort them only shelves according to related units you teach). Another idea is to have students use this site (and your single log-in) to enter titles, authors, and reviews that classmates can read. Since "borrowing" an item requires having an account (not a safe idea with your students), why not allow all students to use your account and create a "shelf" for each student's initials?. Then students can drag books he/she has signed out from the classroom. Students can enter reviews (Sign with initials so others know who wrote it) and even comment on the reviews left by others. What a great way to promote reading in a motivational way! Parents and others see the site from the public side. If parents join GuruLib, they can even comment on the reviews their children wrote. Think of the excitement!

In the Classroom:
Skills needed: Join the site (free). Read and play (limited help given)to Add items, edit them (including a review), add or edit shelves, drag items to shelves, etc. Show students how to enter a book and review on a projector, then mark your class library in Favorites on the classroom computer for them to make entries