Home
Email this page to a friend

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.
154 record(s) found - search again
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.

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.


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.

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 as they read! .See our editor's sample library from the "public" side. Power users can even add "widgets" to the class blog from the GuruLib. There's a challenge!

Online Magazine for Kids Grade 1 to 6 - Owl Kids- 7045
Includes printable Acrobat files This resource requires Flash This 3-in-one online magazine for elementary to middle school kids has attractive graphics, sound, games, news, e-cards, etc. and serves as a companion to paper magazines at three levels: Chirp, Chickadee and Owl. The Owl magazine for upper elementary to middle school is includes an online calendar with moveable stickers, word searches, jokes, a mystery in graphic novel style, and features including international, gender, and environmental awareness. All three magazines promote reading and get children into the habit of “looking” at a magazine for fun, news, and information.

In the Classroom:
This site would be a good one for students to learn the literacy skills of surveying a site to see how it is organized (just as they should do with a textbook).Whether or not you have these magazines in "hard copy" in your classroom, you can generate excitement about reading by sharing the activities on these accompanying websites. Then include the link on your teacher web page for students to explore from home or during free time. The Parents and Teachers Resources section is still under development. Children can submit their own artwork to be displayed at these sites! (Make sure you have parent permission).

Organization for Autism Research Grade K to 12 - - 7030
If you are looking for information on autism or Asperger's Syndrome, this organization's resources and information will be very helpful. You can find general background, downloadable "guides" for parents and educators, and current research. The guides include advice on how to "be a savvy customer of autism sources of information," a wise idea when investigating a topic so frought with emotion and so much in the forefront at this time.

In the Classroom:
Look under Resources for Recommended Reading. These downloadable files can be read only or printed out to share with concerned parties.

Test Designer Grade K to 12 - Tribrio, Inc.- 9286
Test Designer allows teachers to quickly and easily create multiple-choice, true or false, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questions for tests and worksheets. Browse through thousands of previously-created tests in subject areas such as Algebra, Earth Science, Geography, U.S. History, and Vocabulary. Test Designer also provides simple graphics that can easily be added. Teachers can e-mail tests and worksheets to students, teachers, and parents. Make sure to allow plenty of time to read directions and maneuver the site prior to creating tests. There are some minor unobtrusive advertisements at this site. The required membership is free!

In the Classroom:
Use this website to create personalized quizzes and tests for your students. You could also ask students to design their own tests for each other to review using your teacher log-in or appoint a student “quizmaker” each week for the content your class has covered, making this an assignment that each student does once per semester.

The Monticello Classroom Grade 4 to 12 - Thomas Jefferson Foundation- 9231
Includes lesson plan Invite your students to step into Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and experience colonial life. This educational website is beautifully designed for both students and teachers to use the extensive resources to learn about Jefferson, Monticello, and daily life. The Monticello Classroom provides a student portal with fact and resource sheets, an image gallery, online activities, and a saved favorites section. Web pages offer information by reading levels: elementary, middle, and high school. The image gallery contains a slide show builder for students to create a presentation using the images and copies of primary source documents. The presentations can be saved, printed, or emailed. Students can register for an account to save favorites and other resources. Registration requires a user name, password, first name and last name. Check your school’s policies before allowing student accounts, especially with full names! (See more hints below).

TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
This site can serve a a hub for your unit on colonial life, Jefferson, or even inventors. If you wish your students to register for accounts, be sure to check the students’ acceptable use policies or get parent permission in writing. Instead of students using their real first and last names, have students create their own colonial names for registration. Be sure to keep a list of these names to be able to review and assess student work. Give a class introduction to the Monticello Classroom using an interactive whiteboard or projector. Be sure to help your weaker readers and ESL and ELL students by sharing the vocabulary words prior to reading, either on a handout or by projecting on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Highlight the vocabulary words in the text as you come to them.

Junie B. Jones Grade 1 to 5 - Random House- 9148
Includes printable Acrobat files This resource requires Flash Cool Junie B. Jones activities abound at this fun site. Just click on the activities link to access the official scrapbook, joke book, quizzes, diplomas, crafts, and much more. To learn more about Barbara Park, the creator/author of Junie B. Jones, click on her biography. Of course, you’ll want to begin your site tour by reading Junie’s letter on the first link. Download a free Junie B. Jones screensaver to show your support of this famous character. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. Get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Have a Junie B. Jones Day and enjoy doing the many activities suggested at the site. Recruit a parent to round up the craft materials.Along with book reports, have a Junie “Show and Tell” of creative items to celebrate this famous character. Send a Junie e-card to invite other classes, via the link on the Activities page. Share this link on your teacher web page to promote independent reading, as well.

SmartWriters.com Grade 3 to 12 - Roxyanne Young- 9093
While this site is geared towards writers, it also delivers powerful information to teachers and librarians. From the homepage, find the left-side links for Teachers and Librarians. These include essential information on planning a great school visit from an author, resources for teaching reading and writing, and Teacher’s Pets (tons of reviews of well-loved books). Also, at the SmartWriters homepage, click on the For Young Writers links to find how-to activities, contests, and publications for your students’ work.

In the Classroom:
If you have budding writers in your class, make sure you check out the Young Writers link. Scores of websites open their doors to student publication. You must obtain parent permission before submitting any student work to such sites, however. Why not create a bulletin board, “Smart Writers,” to highlight your own smart writers?

Imagination Cafe Online Magazine Grade 2 to 6 - Rosanne Tolin- 9092
Includes printable Acrobat files This resource requires Flash Can’t afford classroom magazine subscriptions? Check into this original online magazine for children ages 7-12. As its name implies, the articles, games, tunes, recipes, career center, and much more-- feed the imagination of youth. The feel of the magazine is positive, such as the celebrity interviews, articles on careers, contests, and quirky quizzes. The magazine has lively colors and easy access the different sections. It’s all free. One note of caution: This magazine has a bulletin board for “dishing.” Sign-in, with password, is required for its use, and may need monitoring. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Include this site on your class web page or newsletter. Use selected articles in class to teach main idea or reading strategies on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Parents would appreciate knowing about this engaging place on the ‘net for their children. Students are invited to submit articles or comments in several places in the magazine. Encourage your students to participate in online publication possibilities at this site -- with written parent permission, of course!

Lil' Fingers Grade K to 1 - David Lumerman- 9057
Includes printable Acrobat files This resource requires Flash Little fingers meet big fun at this free interactive website. Designed with toddlers and Kindergarten kiddies in mind, this site offers storybooks, interactive games, holiday activities, coloring sheets, and much more. There are even interactive games for ABCs and telling time. Bright colors, quick loading pages, short stories, and extra large buttons (arrows) are just some of the features that make this site easy to use. When viewing the storybooks, just make sure you are not too hasty to click. Clicking your mouse too early may mean missing out of some of the animation. Warning - at the end of each storybook, a recommended book is featured. If you click on that recommendation, you will be taken to a retail book site. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Primary teachers, make simple printed text from the storybooks to reinforce the reading skills. Use the holiday games to liven up your computer centers. During Kindergarten Open House, set up a computer center with the storybooks--ready for parent/child interaction. ESL and ELL teachers will appreciate the simplicity of the text for their beginning English-learner students.

Be sure to provide this link in your class newsletter or on your class website.

Reading A to Z Grade K to 6 - learninga-z.com- 9050
Includes printable Acrobat files This site has downloadable, leveled reading books for sale, but there are plenty of free stories with illustrations. Along with the stories are worksheets to test reading comprehension, focus on grammar from the stories, and review what took place in the story. The stories are organized by reading level, from A to Z. New free offer