Top+10+Websites

What follows is a list of websites that I use fairly regularly in my classroom.
Discovery Education - []

This website is a fabulous resource for educators offering tools ranging from lesson suggestions to numerous videos that cover a wide range of content areas. The site also offers many resources for students and their parents in the areas of Math, Science, English, Social Studies, and others. I use this site regularly to find videos to enhance my lessons and for tools such as puzzlemaking. Though I have not done so yet I think directing students and parents to this site for additional support would be beneficial. *Grade level: All grade levels

The Mailbox - []

This website offers additional resources for people who subscribe to The Mailbox magazine. The magazine is full of ideas for learning centers, independent work, and classroom management. This supporting site gives all that and more. It is a helpful source for teachers looking for ways to enhance lessons and better organize or manage their classroom. *Grade level: K-5

Spelling City - []

SpellingCity offers a place for students to learn spelling skills, vocabulary and alphabetical order. Though the site has ready made word lists it also allows for teachers to create lists for students to use. While on the site students practice spelling the words from the lists by practice drills and games available on the site. I use this site regularly as a literacy center for my students. It is an enjoyable way for my students to practice their spelling words. *Grade level: Though the website suggests it is for “children of all ages” I think it would be best for students in grades K-6.

Edmodo - []

Edmodo is a social-networking tool that empowers the teacher to limit the networking to only those students within the class. Unlike many other social-networking sites Edmodo gives complete control of the conversations to the teacher thereby allowing the teacher to monitor and eliminate content if necessary. The site allows the teacher to share resources and assignments with students and creates a place for students to submit assignments as well as initiate and/or contribute to conversations on subject specific topics. Though I have not begun to use this with my students yet my intention if for it to become a means for reading response and generation of conversation about books. *Grade level: All grade levels

Funbrain - []

Funbrain is a website full of games and activities for language arts, math, science, social studies, and others. The website is colorful and childlike enticing students to visit the “arcade” or “playground.” I have used this website many times particularly for reviewing math skills. It has proven to be an enjoyable site for my students, one that encourages them to practice skills with little agony. *Grade level: K-8

NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) - [] Illuminations - []

This website offers additional resources for people with membership in NCTM. Though membership allows greater access to the site there is still much that can be accessed without membership. Illuminations is one such section of the website. The website offers professional development, lessons and resources, as well as research briefs. The wealth of information this site offers makes it an invaluable idea and learning resource for teachers. *Grade level: K-12

Google - []

Google is the ultimate search engine that goes beyond the typical search engine. One can search for websites, images, videos, and maps, just to name a few. Google also offers what is referred to as igoogle, a place to create ones own page complete with special “gadgets” determined by ones interests. Other google features include email and a means to create and save documents via googledocs. This is a website I use extensively and the first one I turn to when I need to search the Internet. I also direct my students to google as a reliable place to search for resources. *Grade level: All

A Lewisburger in Taiwan - []

This is a blog created by my oldest son, Lincoln, as a place to journal about his experience as an exchange student in Taiwan. I have not shared this site with my students but I know that a friend, who is a high school French teacher, has. She feels that it is beneficial for her students to read about an international experience of someone close to their age. *Grade level: All

Skype - []

Skype has revolutionized communication. Once Skype is downloaded on your computer it can be used to chat and video chat with others around the world. It is so easy to use that the possibilities are incredible. My students have benefited from “Skyping” with my son Lincoln to hear about Taiwan and ask him questions they have about life in another country. They learned about his school day, the food, and language. Communication and connections with other countries increases everyday, this is the world our students are growing up in – it is important for them to learn about their world. *Grade level: All

Brain Pop - [] Brain Pop Junior - []

This website offers movies, quizzes, and activities in all subject areas. I use this website frequently to enhance the curriculum particularly in science and social studies. The students enjoy watching the short movies and completely the accompanying quiz. I have found that information is presented in such a way that my students can understand the content, thereby firming up and solidifying their knowledge. *Grade level: K-12